Business Traveler’s Nightmare: Where NOT to stay in Montreal

Hotel: Le St-Martin Hotel Particulier, Downtown Montreal
Hotel Category: 4*
Price: $230 (expedia). I received a free upgrade  from my basic King Room to a Classic Suite ($250 +tax).              

Having opened just this summer, I was looking forward to a one night stay at Le St-Martin Hotel Particulier Montreal.  Despite mixed reviews on Trip Advisor, I succumbed to allure of staying at a brand new boutique hotel in the heart of  Montreal. However, I was really disappointed by the Hotel’s utter disregard for their hotel guests. I had several challenges (just thinking about this hotel makes me angry), but here are the major issues:                     

Room Service
I understand that it takes a while for any new hotel to run at full potential. However, I do not accept the complete disregard of customer service. I asked the Hotel restaurant if they were able to deliver my food order to my room (offered to pay extra), and if that was not possible, could they call me to pick up my order when ready. NO.  If these options are not possible, the hotel should offer guests a free drink or appetizer while they wait to say  ‘sorry we’re still going through some growing pains, but we appreciate your business, have a drink on us.’                  

Internet
The ‘complimentary’ internet was so slow, consider it non-existent.  Hotel management confirmed  internet is an issue, and I must bear with it.  So I asked where I could print my boarding pass, the answer was – sorry we don’t have a printer but you can print it at the airport. Well uh you have a printer behind the front desk, how about a little help since you lack a business centre and working internet?                   

Taxi Stand Drama
Upon check out, I asked for a cab to the airport. The hotel porter took my luggage outside and  strongly requested I wait inside.  20 min pass – no cab -  I’m now running late for my flight. I step outside and see a taxi stand right across the hotel! Upset, I grab my luggage and flag my own taxi.  Here’s the scoop:  The hotel won’t flag local cabs unless the cab driver agrees pays  a fee; and since the fee is so high, most cab drivers can’t afford it. Therefore the hotel has a relationship with a cab company that dispatches upon call. Thanks to Le St-Martin politics, I nearly missed my flight!                 

Ok now that I’ve got that off my chest, lets take a look at what this glitzy new hotel has to offer:                  

            

      

      

Since my internet wasn’t working, I thought I’d take the opportunity to lounge by the pool deck and catch up on some reading.  Not happening.  A bunch of guys were smoking weed around the smallest hotel pool I’ve ever seen.             

          

     

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

 I don’t blame them…who wouldn’t want to get high after staying here?          

       

 Now back to the  room.  Take a look at the shower.  Ummmm….if you haven’t noticed, I’m taking this picture from the bed. YES you can see into the bathroom from the bedroom area.                  

                                  

and why is there a coffee maker in the washroom?  I guess I’m supposed to multi task.           

               

 So over $200 later, what did I get? a frustrating experience in a new hotel that obviously doesn’t care about their guests.  Will I stay here again? absolutely not.  There are tons of great hotels in Montreal. My personal faves are Opus Hotel Montreal, Le Hotel Crystal, and Loews Hotel Vogue Montreal.  All are around the same price point and they won’t disappoint!                          

More Pictures of Le Hotel St. Martin Montreal  

                 

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