Last year, anunfortunate experience led us to advise against the W Montreal, after having stayed in a blind room, with no view on the outside, even though nothing specified it at the time of the reservation.
Also, after this failed stay and several interactions on social media with Starwood and the hotel, the management offered us to stay there again (at our expense, of course, it seems obvious to you but to some others, it is less so…) by assuring us of the best possible upgrade upon arrival. So we gave them a second chance.
Booking
I booked this stay a few weeks before my arrival using the SPG website as usual. The conversion rate between the Canadian dollar and the euro being to our advantage at the moment, the rate of the night goes down under 140 €(+taxes, obviously…) with my Corporate code.
Immediately, I notified the manager by email, who immediately responded by securing an upgrade to the Fantastic suite, as well as drink coupons at the bar. Duly noted.
However, the reservation on the SPG website remains static, contrary to usual, not reflecting the upgrade: so I write to the director a few days before to ask about it, and he confirms that I should not worry.
Arrival
Arriving from Paris with my best friend in the late afternoon, we arrived at the hotel in the early evening. After a few minutes of waiting, I was taken in charge at the reception, with a rather warm welcome. I can see that the procedure takes longer than usual, but my upgrade to the suite is confirmed, before my passport is checked and my credit card is taken. No news about the drink coupons.
The manager on duty (at W, his name is W Insider)visits me at the reception, gives me his card and asks me if I need anything. Nice, because it’s fast.
The receptionist gave me my room key immediately, along with the breakfast coupons for my Platinum status.
Room
The suite assigned was located on the 7th floor of the property. Although it has the name, it is actually a large room, no partition really separating the lounge part from the night part, except for a revolving television in its cabinet.
The decoration is nevertheless pleasant, in the style of the latest W hotels: less color and more elegance, with some design markers here and there. The whole is not necessarily always happy, especially this golden crocodile meridian that would not be out of place in the Middle Eastern palaces.
The bathroom is very well equipped and spacious, butnot really separated from the rest of the room, except by a curtain that must be systematically drawn. Not very pleasant.
I did note the intention to treat me well with a cheese platter and half a bottle of Italian red wine(of good quality) that was waiting for me.
Hotel facilities
The hotel is equipped with a fitness room on level -1. She is unfortunately blind, but is still nice with all the necessary equipment. It could quickly become saturated in the morning on a weekday, for example, because the machines remain in limited numbers.
There is a spa, but no facilities available to hotel guests, only treatment rooms
Breakfast
We only tried the breakfast offered by my Platinum status. For traditional guests, it is an à la carte menu, but Platinum guests enjoy a well-stocked (small) buffet. The service is attentive (regular passage of hot and cold drinks) and the time passes quickly.
Departure
Having specified my late departure upon arrival everything was already settled. We split the bill and took an Uber to the airport. Beware of taxes: they are now high in Canada (add nearly 15% to the rate of the room).
Conclusion
A very good stay, which makes up for the vision of the last time. We didn’t see the drink coupons but maybe Renovated rooms very pleasant, and catering that requires a more thorough discovery.
