Hotel Chez Swann

This boutique hotel features funky contemporary decor and has a romantic vibe that attracts mainly couples, though business travelers are well catered to as well. Furnishings throughout the property were commissioned from local artisans, so the spaces are full of diverse pieces that capitalize on bold design (though it can be a bit disjointed as a whole). Upon entering, guests walk down a hall lined with tufted red leather couches and an oversized chalkboard displaying positive messages and the daily weather. Further in, an “S” shaped cream-colored couch curves around tree trunk coffee tables in the dimly lit lobby. The front desk is made of raw wood pieces, while the black ceiling is adorned with white designs. The stylish vibe continues into the restaurant, Le Pois Penche, though it switches gears away from the contemporary and instead aims for the look and feel of a Parisian brasserie. Black-and-tan checkered floors complement the red and burgundy tufted chairs and booth seating lining the walls, while glass chandeliers dangle from the ceiling and turn-of-the-century Paris-themed art pieces adorn the walls. 

This hotel's location has a perfect mix of proximity to tourist sites, local flavor, and business interests. It's centrally located in downtown Montreal, just a five-minute walk to the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and an eight-minute walk to the Bell Center, home to the Canadiens hockey team. The surrounding streets offer an array of dining options and shops, and McGill University is within a 10-minute walk. The more artsy neighborhoods of Quartier de Spectacles and Old Montreal can be reached in about 15 and 20 minutes, respectively, via public transportation -- there are bus stops and a subway station within a three-minute walk of the hotel. Chinatown is about a 25-minute walk away or about 15 minutes by public transit, while other attractions like the Montreal Biodome, Mount Royal, Saint Joseph's Oratory, and the Old Port can be reached within 25 minutes via public transit. The main train station is a 12-minute walk away, while Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is about a 20- to 30-minute drive, depending on traffic, or 37 minutes via public transportation.

The hotel's 23 rooms are all spacious, dimly-lit, and have elegant contemporary decor peppered with artsy touches here and there. Beds have large tufted headboards sporting a dark brown leaf pattern, while red velour bedding and lime green benches add a vibrant pop of color to the spaces. Sleek glass-topped desks offer a space to work, while chunks of wood on casters act as rustic bedside tables. Some rooms also have elegant velour armchairs, shaggy pink rugs, lovely window seats, or skylights that bring in natural light. However, the dark wood floors show some wear and scuffs, and plain white walls are totally devoid of artwork, leaving the rooms looking a bit unfinished.Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, free bottled water, free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, safes, iHome docking stations, and free unlimited calls within the U.S. and Canada -- but there are no minibars or coffee- and tea-making facilities. The stylish bathrooms have green walls paired with black-and-white tile floors, and trendy wall art, as well as sexy glass peek-a-boo showers with rainfall showerheads and massage jets. The glass-walled showers might not suit all, but red velour curtains can be drawn for some privacy. Hairdryers and toiletries are provided. Take note that past guests have reported thin walls and bothersome noise from the restaurant in the early and late hours -- especially in rooms on lower floors. 

The hotel offers a decent set of amenities, including an on-site restaurant, Le Pois Penche, a lovely space evoking a Parisian brasserie that serves lunch and dinner, as well as weekend brunch. A free breakfast buffet is offered here in the mornings, and generally includes pastries, cereals, yogurt, fruit, and drinks. Room service is also available. There's an on-site organic juice bar as well. The hotel has a tiny spin studio with four fitness bikes and a flat-screen TV. Travelers can book meetings and events in the wine cellar or in the single boardroom. There's a small business corner for guest use, plus free Wi-Fi throughout the property. Other amenities include popcorn nights and film screenings, dry cleaning services, and a selection of newspapers and magazines available in the lobby. Though there's no on-site parking, there are garages nearby (for a nightly fee).