Photography: Bonaventure Hotel Montreal
Hotel Bonaventure Montreal
Reviewed by Joeri Van Overloop
Set the scene
Stepping into the Hotel Bonaventure Montreal, you can almost feel the elegant tranquility that permeates the air. This sensation is largely due to the lush greenery that fills the lobby and the serene sounds of the fountains that intersperse the unique modernist architecture with a dash of nature. The hotel's two-acre landscaped rooftop oasis, complete with a year-round heated pool, serves as your peaceful respite - a little corner of paradise amidst the urban sprawl.
The spacious lobby is a hive of activity with guests coming and going, business meetings taking place, and a constant buzz of conversations fill the air. Amidst this vibrant scene, marvel at impressive artworks by notable Canadian artists that add a cultural tapestry to the overall elegance.
What can we expect in our room
The rooms offer a refined elegance that befits its glamorous locale, captured within a sleek, contemporary design. Plush, king-sized beds, outlined with soft, smooth linen, promise a restful slumber at the end of a busy day. Each room comes equipped with modern technology, including a flat-screen TV and high-speed Wi-Fi, ensuring an effortless stay with every necessary convenience at your fingertips.
The consideration for premium comfort extends to the bathrooms, which are tailored with marble countertops, large mirrors, and powerful rain showerheads. You will also find locally sourced, upscale toiletries, completing a fine, luxury bath experience. Natural light floods the room, thanks to the large floor-to-ceiling windows.
How about the food and drinks at the Bonaventure Hotel
The hotel boasts a restaurant, 'Le Biscon', which offers an exquisite blend of local and international dishes. Crafted with passion and precision by experienced chefs, each meal here is a delicious exploration. In the warmly lit, plush ambience of the restaurant, you'll find yourself immersed in both gastronomic and aesthetic pleasure.
The hotel also has an onsite bar known as 'Le Kube' where you can unwind after a day's exploration of the city. Be it locally brewed beers, handpicked wines from renowned vineyards, or expertly mixed cocktails you have a hankering for, the bar's menu is all-encompassing.
What is the service like
From the moment you check in, to the time you bid farewell, you'll encounter a diligent team working hard to ensure your stay is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Their dedication is seen across all services, be it housekeeping, room service, or concierge – providing prompt responses while displaying professional etiquette.
Speaking of the concierge service, it's truly second to none. With a profound knowledge of the city, the concierge team acts as your personal guide to Montreal. They provide expert recommendations on local attractions, events, and delectable Montreal restaurants that the city is renowned for. The staff at the Bonaventure Hotel puts customer satisfaction at the core of their work, encapsulating a service ethos that prioritizes your needs and experiences above all else.
What’s the neighbourhood scene like?
The moment you step outside the hotel, you're instantly drawn into the cosmopolitan vibe of the city. High-end retail stores, trendy boutiques, and international designer outlets, all within arm's reach, make for a shopper’s paradise in Montreal. Historical attractions such as the famous Notre-Dame Basilica and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts are just a stone’s throw away.
In stark contrast, there's serenity waiting for you in the nearby areas as well. The Square Victoria and the Old Port of Montreal, both within walking distance, offer tranquil retreats amidst the city's buzzing energy.
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What’s the backstory
Constructing its story since 1967, the hotel vividly showcases the sophistication of Montreal's mid-century architecture - a penetration of French elegance and modernist outlook, reflecting in its sleek design and spacious layout. Built as a part of Expo 67, known as the International and Universal Exposition, the hotel is a standing testament to this grand event.
Hotel Bonaventure was originally part of the Place Bonaventure complex which was, back then, one of the largest buildings in the world. It quickly took up the mantle of an urban resort with its landscaped rooftop terrace featuring heated outdoor pools, home to the city's largest rooftop garden.
Price Range
Room prices at the Bonaventure generally range from about $150 to upwards of $500 depending on the type of accommodation selected. Cost factors include the size and orientation of the room, as well as the availability of add-ons such as the panoramic view of the downtown cityscape, room service, and access to various on-site facilities.
Amenities & Facilities
Luxurious rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and spectacular city views make for a truly exquisite stay. The hotel's modern workout center, boasting top-notch gym equipment, caters to guests who like to keep up with their fitness regime even while traveling.
The Bonaventure's crowning feature is its heated rooftop pool, providing dazzling views of downtown Montreal in any season. Further, the Concierge Lounge offers quiet elegance and gourmet cuisine, while the lavish meeting rooms and business facilities make it an ideal space for both leisure and corporate travelers. The hotel's amenities extend beyond the confines of its walls, offering guests a complimentary shuttle service for nearby Montreal museums and attractions.
How to get to the Bonaventure hotel in Montreal
If you opt for public transport, the 747 bus is your best bet. This shuttle service runs 24/7 from the airport to the city center, offering Wi-Fi on board and a cost-friendly alternative. Once you reach the terminal station in downtown, the Bonaventure Hotel is just a short 5-minute walk away.
If convenience and comfort are more your style, taking a taxi is another viable option. You'll find plenty of taxis lined up outside the airport, ready to transport you directly to the Bonaventure Hotel's doorstep. The travel time by taxi varies depending on the traffic but usually, it takes about 20-25 minutes to reach the hotel.
What Customers Have To Say
There were a few quirky things that happened in our room. Despite a few attempts to fix them, they were not completely resolved. They were small, but kind of annoying things.
Upon check in, they told us that the hotel is all on one level and there are no elevators. We did have to go up some stairs to get to our room. Strange, since it’s all on one level…
Upon checkout, we mentioned these things and they could not have been more apologetic, accommodating and willing to make it up to us.
We were just giving feedback, and they went out of their way to make us happy.
They succeeded!! They went above and beyond. I will happily stay there again when in Montreal.
Upon arrival this property on the inside is gorgeous and modern. Parking is a bit convoluted. I do appreciate that it’s underground, but not great if you have a big truck. Overheard a guy ask the valet if “his truck would fit”. Front desk staff were friendly but do at least attempt to speak some French (they are bilingual), but one was harder to understand because of a heavy accent.
The property is actually on a top level and in order to get to the front desk it actually takes you to the 10th floor, but our room started with a 2. It’s confusing. We did not see elevators so we had to cart all of our luggage up a couple flights of stairs. Please take this into consideration if you have a wheelchair or strollers. Surely they have to exist by law?
I like that it’s inside of a building that gives you indoor access to the Metro Bonaventure station. We didn’t realize until the end of our stay. Very convenient and you are close to a lot in the area.
To get to the fitness center and pool/hot tub/sauna, from where we were it was a really far walk. Not that big of a deal for us, but for some it might be. If you want to be closer to it maybe ask to have a room closer by (if possible).
You get to see a duck pond on your way to the room which is surprising and adorable 🩷
Room itself is beautiful, modern and very comfortable. Seemed quiet from where our room was. Nice view also. Excellent fitness center, one of the best I’ve seen for a hotel.
Because of the strike there were no dining options available, except the bar. No room service was available but the outdoor heated pool, hot tub and sauna were available. Those were fantastic! Except the second day, for some reason the sauna was not working ):
I’d definitely give this hotel another chance especially if there is no strike.
great view.
nice swings in the lobby.
no free parking.
you have to walk some steps to get to your room.
This complicates my expense reimbursement and I am out almost $2,000.
Contact:
Address: 900 Rue De La Gauchetière O, Montréal, QC H5A 1E4, Canada
Phone: +1 514-878-2332
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed within this article are the author’s alone, not those of any travel/leisure company, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.