Hotel Review
St-Martin Hotel Particulier, Montréal, Canada
THE BACKGROUND: One of Montréal’s newest hotels which opened in June 2010 on the site of a long-standing Montréal institution, Ben’s deli, which was famous for serving the smoked meat renowned in the city. The four-star hotel offers 123 rooms and suites offering a good alternative to the city's big group hotels. The St-Martin has sister hotels in Bromont and Laval in Québec.
WHERE IS IT? On the corner of Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest (Maisonneuve was the founder of Montréal) and Rue Metcalfe just one block away from Montréal’s main shopping street, Rue Sainte-Catherine. The hotel is just steps away from the Metro, the 34km network of underground shopping malls, bars, restaurants, museums and, for business travellers, convention centres. The chandeliered lobby area includes a welcoming artificial log fire, easy chairs, an alcove with a vending machine selling soft drinks and snacks, a computer for guest use, free newspapers and a concierge desk.
THE ROOM: A good size and well equipped with all the accoutrements expected in a modern hotel. These included a well-stocked mini-bar, IPod clock radio, Keurig coffee maker, work table with touch light and ergonomic chair, an easy chair with footstool, goose down duvet and pillows on the king-size bed and complimentary high speed Internet, wire and wireless and a wide-screen TV. The bathroom has a large shower with Anne Semonin products provided for guests.
THE RESTAURANT: Bistro L’Aromate on the ground and mezzanine floors overlooking Boulevard Maisonneuve serves Mediterranean, Californian and Asian cuisine. An attractively presented breakfast is served on the mezzanine floor. Adjacent to the restaurant is Ben’s bar-lounge.
THE FACILITIES: Within the hotel there’s a very small 24-hour fitness centre and on the second floor there’s a ‘jetted salt water heated lap pool’ (pictured above). Open year round this small complex is outdoors and offers an attractive area with tables and chairs on the surrounding terrace.
THE COST: There are six grades of room/suite in the St-Martin ranging from 26 connecting rooms with King or two Queen beds through to six penthouses offering spectacular views of Montréal’s cityscape. Low season rates are from C$195 (to end-April) and high-season rates from C$230 (May 1-October 31).
THE DETAILS: 980, Boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest, Montréal, Québec H3A IM5, Canada. Tel: 001 514 843 3000, Fax: 001 514 908 3427
The Verdict
Exceptional
Pass
Loved It!
Farce
A peaceful haven from the bustling streets outside and an ideal choice for leisure or business travellers who prefer the more personal ambience of a medium size hotel to the multi-room group hotels.
Alan Orbell
Managing editor, Selling Long Haul
