Not too far from Montreal Gare Central (Canadian National-ViaRail), the Marriott isn’t a comfortable walk in heels, but can be accessed by one or two local Metro stations (no tickets by Amex). This hotel is one of a number that are connected to PlaceDuCanada parking & Bonaventure station (orange line 1000 de la Gauchetiere below the bagel store), in front of remodelled old Windsor station & hockey Bell Centre. We checked in late with hotel staff who were friendly, and conferences were running on site, early in the morning. Even up above the tenth floor, we could hear the Metro trains below. The stone edifice is so thick that we could not GPS locate well, yet the sound of voices, doors/elevators was quite audible, as was the loud room fan. Nobody told us that a QR code’s needed to adjust the thermostat so we froze; the phone to the front desk was not working either. The best thing was Nespresso coffee in the bar facing the glass-door shower room (with no lock). Unless attending a Canadiens game, I would say it’s fine accommodations for a family with toddlers but not much older, as the hotel’s removed from Ste. Catherine and all the cafes at McGill College Ave. or activities around Quartier des Spectacles. If Lloyd Cafe is too noisy for breakfast (not included), downstairs, in the hallway behind there Place du Canada has a stand that sells juices or else cafeteria-style Mavii (11:00-3:00). A block or two further by Windsor-Bell Ctr. there’s a McDonalds for late night/wee hours’ hunger pangs. Montreal’s a city worth exploring, though, so stay & check out the diverse cultural fare!
