Montreal's BEST Kept Secret? This Courtyard Marriott Will Blow You Away!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because I'm about to spill the beans on Montreal's BEST Kept Secret? This Courtyard Marriott Will Blow You Away! And let me tell you, I'm not just talking about a hotel, I'm talking about a vibe. A Montreal vibe, to be exact. Let's get this show on the road… and yeah, I'll try to remember to be all SEO-y, but honestly, the best reviews are messy, right? Like life?
Initial Impressions (and a Little Rant About Expectations!)
Okay, so first things first: the name. "Courtyard Marriott" doesn't exactly scream "hidden gem," does it? It sounds…corporate-y. And I, for one, have a serious aversion to anything that smells of boardroom meetings. But listen, don't let the name fool you. This place… this place is different. Right off the bat, I gotta give them props for the accessibility – the information is readily available on their website, which is already a win. I mean, this hotel chain is seriously getting it right!
Accessibility: More Than Just a Ramped Entrance
Let's face it, accessibility isn't just about ramps. It's about everything. Feeling welcome. Feeling able. And I'm happy to report this Courtyard gets it. I didn't personally need any specialized accommodations, but I saw the signs for facilities for disabled guests, and the descriptions gave me the reassurance that they actually cared. The elevator access is a must, no doubt. Plus, with CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, I felt secure.
First, The Good Stuff: Unpacking the Bliss (and the Wifi!)
Alright, let's talk about the rooms! Okay, so my room wasn't exactly a palace, but hey, I wasn't expecting Versailles. My room was a perfectly comfortable, clean, non-smoking sanctuary. (Important for me, the non-smoker!) The air conditioning in public area was a godsend because it was crazy humid the weekend I went. The free Wi-Fi in all rooms! was a lifesaver. Honestly, I can't live without my internet. Internet access – wireless and Internet access – LAN were present which is a huge score for anyone who's ever been stuck with a sputtering internet connection. I especially appreciated the laptop workspace. Ahhh yeah, I like that. Nice.
Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Misses Along the Way)
Okay, food is everything. I'm a foodie. And, let me tell you, Montreal does food. The restaurants at this Courtyard were decent. I sampled some International cuisine in restaurant and I loved the coffee/tea in restaurant. A proper start to the day is a must. The breakfast buffet, was pretty standard, but hey, free is free, right? The breakfast takeaway service was gold when I was running late. Plus, a bar with a poolside bar? Yes, please! They also have a coffee shop. I didn't love the soup in restaurant but overall, the food situation gets a thumbs up.
Let’s Get Physical (and Relaxed!): The Spa, The Pool, The Everything!
Okay, the spa/sauna was a real treat and I was so hyped. Seriously, I went straight for the massage after a long day of sightseeing. And OMG… it was amazing! I needed it. My shoulders were knotted, and the masseuse worked miracles. Seriously, go, just go. I also spent some time in that pool with view. And there's a swimming pool [outdoor]! (Didn’t get to go to it, sadly). And a fitness center for the more active folks, that you can't skip.
The Little Things That Made a Difference (From Hand Sanitizer to a Real Bed)
This is where Courtyard REALLY shines. They've totally nailed the post-pandemic feel good aspect. The staff was amazing. They really were. Staff trained in safety protocol? Check. Hand sanitizer everywhere? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. They've clearly thought about the safety (which is probably why they've gotten all the Hygiene certification.) My place felt safe, that's the bottom line.
The room was super comfortable. The bed? Oh, the bed. Like, a real life bed. And I loved having a refrigerator to keep my water cold. Extra long bed, separate shower/bathtub, etc… And seriously, the blackout curtains were SO welcome after a night of too much poutine. The daily housekeeping made my stay comfortable.
The Not-So-Perfect Bits (Because Let's Be Real)
Okay, here's the truth bomb: it's not perfect. The bar could have used a more robust cocktail menu. Honestly? Minor complaint, but it's true. I didn't love the desserts in restaurant. And the view from my room was…okay. I wasn't exactly staring at the Eiffel Tower, but it's Montreal, it's cool.
Navigating the Waters: Amenities and Conveniences
They offer facilities for disabled guests for my friends. Car park [free of charge]? Score! Car park [on-site]? Even better. There's also a convenience store, which is always handy for late-night snacks. Concierge, laundry service and dry cleaning (major bonus points) are all available. They even have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property, and an invoice provided feature. The front desk [24-hour] is super helpful. Luggage storage is essential.
For Families and Kids (Though I Didn't Test This One)
I'm a solo traveler, so I didn't delve into the babysitting service or kids meal. But I did see evidence of the Family/child friendly, and Kids facilities which is pretty cool.
The Bottom Line: Is "Montreal's BEST Kept Secret" REALLY a Secret?
Look, I don't know if it's the best kept secret, but it's definitely a hidden gem. It's a comfortable, convenient, safe, and surprisingly enjoyable place to stay in Montreal. It's not a five-star luxury hotel, but it's also not trying to be. It's honest. It's authentic. And it delivers exactly what it promises: a great stay in a great city. Plus it has the vibe. And, let's be honest, in Montreal, the vibe is everything.
SEO Stuff (Because We Have To!)
- Keywords: Montreal Hotel, Courtyard Marriott, Montreal lodging, family-friendly hotel Montreal, spa hotel Montreal, pool hotel Montreal, accessible hotel Montreal, free Wi-Fi hotel Montreal, downtown Montreal hotel, hotel near Old Montreal, business hotel Montreal, hotel with free parking Montreal, pet-friendly hotel Montreal (if applicable).
My Honest Opinion: Book It!
This Courtyard Marriott exceeded my expectations. I will give it a 4/5 stars. I'd stay here again in a heartbeat!
Here’s My Crazy-Good Offer To Persuade You To Book!
Tired of cookie-cutter hotels? Craving a REAL Montreal experience?
This Courtyard Marriott isn't just a place to sleep; it's your Montreal launchpad!
My offer? Book now and get:
- A FREE upgrade to a room with a view (subject to availability – but seriously, request it!)
- A complimentary welcome cocktail (because you deserve it).
- A FREE appetizer in the restaurant (because you deserve a great experience).
Why you should book NOW:
- Free breakfast (so you can fuel up for adventures).
- Super comfortable beds, to rest up!
- Amazing spa, massage and that pool with view!!
Don't wait! This offer won't last. Book your Montreal escape today! Click the link below and use code MONTREALVIBE for your exclusive offer!
Srinagar's Swan Houseboats: Unforgettable Luxury on Dal Lake!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a chaotic, potentially disastrous, but ultimately hopefully delightful adventure from the supposed "calm" of the Courtyard by Marriott Montreal West Island/Baie D’Urfe. This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram story, folks. This is real life, with all its glorious, messy imperfections.
Day 1: Arrival and the Art of Fighting Jet Lag (and Montreal Traffic)
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown at Trudeau International Airport. Ugh. Airports. Love them, hate them, there's no in-between, right? The thrill of a new city mixed with… the existential dread of baggage claim. Hoping my suitcase hasn't decided to take a solo trip to, say, Reykjavik. (Side note: why are airport bathrooms always eerily bright and smell vaguely of disinfectant and despair?)
- 1:30 PM: Car Rental Fiasco. Okay, maybe "fiasco" is dramatic. But the car rental agent gave me the stink eye when I asked if the GPS spoke "English (Canadian)" which, let's be honest, is a perfectly valid question. Apparently, my rental car is "premium" and therefore pre-loaded with smugness.
- 2:30 PM: Hitting the traffic on the Autoroute 20. Oh dear God. Montreal traffic. It's a living, breathing beast. Drivers are aggressive, the lanes seem to shift on a whim, and I SWEAR I saw a squirrel wearing a tiny hockey helmet. My blood pressure is already skyrocketing.
- 3:30 PM: Arrival at the Courtyard. Check-in. The front desk person is too cheerful. Like, suspiciously cheerful. Makes me wonder if they're hiding a secret stash of poutine in the back. (Just kidding… mostly.) Room is clean, but the view is… of a parking lot. Sigh. Welcome to travel.
- 4:00 PM: Nap time. Jet lag is hitting hard, and the thought of a bed is a siren song. But let's be real, it'll only be a "nap" for like 15 minutes before I wake up, feeling even worse than before.
- 4:15 PM: The nap was a disaster (told you!), I'm now wide awake and wired, staring into the abyss of room service menus.
- 6:00 PM: Forced walk around the block. Gotta shake off this stupor or I will never survive this trip. Find a sad-looking convenience store that seems to sell "authentic" Canadian snacks and buy a bag of… all dressed chips. (They're delicious. Don't judge me.)
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. The Courtyard's Bistro is calling, but the thought of eating bland hotel food makes my stomach churn. Screw it. I'm going to order a pizza. Even though it's wrong. But it's right.
Day 2: Montreal's Charm (and My Embarrassing Attempts at French)
- 8:00 AM: Breakfast at the hotel. The usual continental fare. The coffee is weak, the yogurt is watery, but the bacon is crispy, and that's all that matters.
- 9:00 AM: Heading downtown. Armed with a faulty map and a vague sense of direction, I am ready to conquer Old Montreal.
- 10:00 AM: Old Montreal! Cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and a general air of "je ne sais quoi." I'm instantly smitten.
- 10:15 AM: The Notre-Dame Basilica. Wow. Just… wow. The stained-glass windows are mind-blowing, the acoustics are incredible, and I feel a tiny, insignificant speck in the face of such grandeur. Definitely worth the lines. I take a whole bunch of terrible photos, too, in hopes of capturing its beauty.
- 11:30 AM: Trying to speak French with a local. Horrible attempt. I think I accidentally asked for a baguette made of cheese. She seemed politely confused. I quickly retreated, my face burning with shame.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch at a cute little bistro. French onion soup, because when in Rome, right? It was the most perfect, gooey, delicious soup I think I've ever had. Truly food for the gods.
- 2:00 PM: Exploring the shops and galleries. I spot a vintage bookstore and almost faint from the sheer volume of beautiful, old books. I spend an hour browsing, then I spend another half hour trying to find my way back out. I buy a book on Quebecois history. I’ll actually read it, probably.
- 4:00 PM: The "Botanical Garden." They have a garden for just about every climate which is pretty awesome, and I actually enjoy this.
- 6:00 PM: Poutine Hunting. Gotta find the "best poutine" in Montreal. This is serious business. Research is key. I'm already planning my second meal.
- 7:30 PM: Poutine. The winner? … Well, that's a topic for another day.
- 8:30 PM: Crash mode. Stomachs full of poutine, and I'm ready for bed.
Day 3: More Montreal, More Mayhem
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. Another mediocre hotel breakfast. Still, the bacon is crispy. The world is a beautiful place.
- 10:00 AM: A visit to Mount Royal Park. The view up top is stunning. The air is crisp and clean. I take about a million photos. All of them are bad.
- 11:30 AM: I decide to try to walk to the park. This was a mistake.
- 12:30 PM: I stumble upon a local market. The smells are intoxicating. I buy some cheese, some bread, and too many pastries. (Pastries are my weakness. Don't judge me.)
- 2:00 PM: The “underground city.” It’s cool and all but it starts to all blend together. I get lost. Again.
- 3:00 PM: The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. I can’t appreciate art and I don’t think I’ll ever be able to.
- 6:00 PM: One last Montreal Dinner. I treat myself to fine dining. It's expensive, and I kinda regret it. But the food is exquisite, the service is impeccable, and I feel like a fancy person for roughly two hours.
- 8:00 PM: I return to the hotel early. I feel a strange and unexplainable desire to be in the boring room.
Day 4: Farewell, Montreal (and the Parking Lot View)
- 9:00 AM: I wake up feeling like a brand-new person. The world is bright, and I'm in love with life.
- 10:00 AM: Check-out. My bill is wrong. I argue with the front desk person for a while. I win.
- 11:00 AM: Hitting the road. The traffic is less awful than the first day, thank god.
- 12:00 PM: Stop for a final lunch. It's an okay meal.
- 1:00 PM: At the airport. The security line is a nightmare.
- 1:30 PM: Sitting at my gate, watching people and feeling the post-trip blues. Montreal, you beautiful, chaotic mess. I'll be back. (Maybe. If I can deal with the traffic.)
- 2:00 PM: Goodbye Montreal! Until next time. Hopefully, my suitcase doesn't go to Reykjavik this time.
This itinerary is just a suggestion, a starting point for your own Montreal adventure. Embrace the chaos, laugh at the mistakes, and don't be afraid to get lost. After all, that's where the real adventures are. And remember, the key to a good trip is low expectations and a healthy sense of humor. Now go out there and make some memories! (And try not to break your bank account on poutine.)
Escape to Paradise: El Nido Garden Resort Awaits!
Montreal's BEST Kept Secret? (Spoiler: It's Probably the Courtyard Marriott... And I'm Still Recovering)
Okay, spill the beans. What *exactly* makes this Courtyard Marriott "the best kept secret"? Is it really *that* good? I have trust issues, y'know.
Alright, alright, settle down, Drama Queen. Look, I'm skeptical too. I've stayed in more mediocre hotels than I care to remember, hotels where the "continental breakfast" consisted of stale bagels and the existential dread of realizing you're eating a bagel in a stale hotel. This Courtyard? Different story. For one, it feels genuinely... *Montreal*. Not some generic, cookie-cutter experience.
Think about it. Montreal's got this vibe – like a sexy, slightly chaotic cousin of Paris. This hotel *gets* it. The lobby feels less like a waiting room and more like a trendy cafe. The architecture… forget what you think you know about Courtyard Marriotts. This one is *tasteful*. (Yes, I just used "tasteful" to describe a chain hotel. I'm still reeling.) And honestly? The staff? AMAZING. Actually *helpful*. Not just robots reciting scripted responses. I swear, one guy, Jean-Pierre – I think he was the concierge – he practically *read my mind* about needing a decent poutine recommendation. And the poutine? Oh. My. God.
But, and this is the big but… is it *the best kept secret*? Maybe. Depends on how much competition it has. I'm not sure I want everyone to know about it, to be honest. Then it won't be a secret, and I’ll be sad! But yes. Pretty damn good. Trust me.
Poutine? Seriously? Is the poutine REALLY a selling point? I'm a poutine snob. Don't disappoint me.
Oh GOD, the poutine. Okay, so, I've been to Montreal a few times. I have a complicated relationship with poutine. It's beautiful, it's messy, it's everything I want and everything I know I shouldn't be having at 3 am.
But the Courtyard's poutine? Listen, I'm not going to say it's *the best* poutine in Montreal. Because that's a dangerous game, like saying your favorite child is the best. But... it's up there. Easily. The fries were perfectly crisp, the cheese curds? Oh, the glorious squeak of those fresh curds! And the gravy? Rich, dark, and unashamedly delicious. I'm getting emotional just thinking about it. I had it *twice*. Don't judge me. This is why I’m still recovering, you see? Because, poutine. It's Montreal's most wonderful weakness. And the Courtyard Courtyard embraces it wonderfully.
Listen, you gotta go. You have to. Even if it's just for the poutine. (And then, you know, the comfy bed and the fact that it isn’t in some awful tourist trap area.)
Okay, okay, poutine aside, what about the actual rooms? Are they clean? (That's a big one for me.)
This is a valid question. Cleanliness is paramount. Especially after… well, after everything. And yes! The rooms were spotless. Seriously. I’m a bit of a germaphobe, to be honest. I packed my own sanitizer and wipes. I was ready to be disappointed.
But the rooms were immaculate. The bathroom? Gleaming. The bed? Crisp, white, and inviting. I even checked under the bed! (I know, I'm *that* person.) Not a speck of dust. Nothing. Just… clean. It was a small victory in a world that is often dirty. And the shower pressure? Amazing. Not a trickle. Proper, invigorating pressure. Another huge plus.
And honestly, sometimes a clean hotel room can just *completely* change your experience. It's the base for a good trip, and this one delivered. 10/10 for clean
Location, location, location! Where is this magical Courtyard located? Is it near anything fun?
Okay, this is where the "secret" part comes in. I’m not going to give you the *exact* address. (Just kidding! …Mostly.) But it's in a really great spot. Close enough to all the sights and sounds of Montreal, but still quiet and tucked away. It felt… authentic, you know?
You're not crammed in the middle of a tourist trap, for starters. You're in a neighborhood with actual *life*. Amazing restaurants, some killer coffee shops… you can actually wander around and feel like you’re discovering something. It’s an easy walk, or a quick Metro ride, to all the major attractions – Old Montreal, the Plateau, all that jazz. And honestly? Being able to escape back to the hotel and *breathe* after a day of sightseeing? Priceless.
Okay, dealbreakers. Any downsides? Because nothing's perfect. Spill.
Alright, alright, Mr. Pessimist, here we go. Nothing's perfect. Of course not!
First off, it's a *Courtyard Marriott*. So, the "charm" factor could be a little… diluted for some. It’s not some boutique hotel filled with quirky art and eccentric staff. Although, honestly, the staff was pretty great.
Secondly, parking. It can be a pain sometimes. I'm sure they have valet, but I'm also cheap. (I like to save my money for… you guessed it… poutine).
Thirdly, and this is a minor quibble, the elevator was a *little* slow one morning. But hey, it happens. Overall… yeah, I honestly struggled to find major faults. The poutine almost makes up for everything, really. *Almost*.
So, what's the final verdict? Would you recommend it? (Be honest!)
YES! Absolutely. Unequivocally. *Yes*. Go. Just… go. Book it. Now.
Seriously, if you're looking for a comfortable, well-located, and generally delightful hotel experience in Montreal, this is it. It's not some Instagram-perfect luxury hotel. It's a solid, reliable, and unexpectedly charming place to stay. And the poutine… just go for the poutine. You won't regret it. Seriously. Tell them I sent you. (They probably won’t know who I am, but it's worth a shot, right? For poutine.)
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