Hotel Espresso Montreal Centre-Ville/Downtown

Hotel Espresso is a downtown Montreal hotel with a white exterior in need of a makeover. Interiors, too, are a strange blend of fresh and dated decor. The lobby has a standard contemporary style that's bland and unmemorable -- glossy floors, sleek gray front desks, and large cream square couches provide seating in the space. The restaurant has leather couches and booths, many of which show signs of wear, paired with tan tile floors and old-fashioned hanging lamps and chandeliers. The low rates and a diverse set of amenities appeal to families and couples, as well as attracting a young crowd that may be loud in the evenings -- but with reports of cleanliness issues, bad smells, and wear and tear, it’s no wonder that many guests have reported leaving for other hotels in the area. Some also report "strange characters" loitering in the lobby for hours, making the space feel less than welcoming.

The hotel is situated on the edge of downtown Montreal, just across the street from a police station. Though it’s a decent central location, some guests report feeling uncomfortable in the immediate area at times. Still, it’s easily within walking distance of attractions like Bell Centre, a hockey arena that’s eight minutes away on foot. The Place des Artes is a 25-minute walk (or 13 minutes via public transportation), while Chinatown is a 10-minute bus ride -- there is a bus stop just by the hotel, and the nearest subway station is a four-minute walk away. Old Montreal can be reached in about 20 minutes via public transit. Plenty of dining options exist on surrounding streets, and shops are within a five- to 10-minute walk. Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is a 15- to 20-minute drive from here, or 36 minutes via public transportation.

Rooms here are generally spacious, yet a bit characterless with bland, chain-like decor that includes wooden furniture, beds topped with white linens, and contemporary armchairs and sofas. It’s quite apparent that many of the rooms are a mix of new and dated decor. Some sport sleek black or blue pleather chairs and sofas, while others have outdated fabric armchairs. Similarly, some rooms have streamlined wood furnishings, while others have an outdated chain style. Rooms range from Standard Units to Executive Suites. All have flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and Keurig coffeemakers, while Suites add microwaves. Executive Suites have kitchenettes with sinks, full-size refrigerators, and microwaves, though no stovetops. Though rooms have air-conditioning, guests report that they’re noisy. There have also been complaints about room cleanliness, moldy smells in the bathroom, slow and unreliable Wi-Fi, and noise due to loud neighbors. Though the hotel advertises desktop computers in every room, this is false -- most rooms don’t have one, and those that do have older flat-screen desktop versions. Bathrooms range in style, and some are more dated than others -- plus some have visible mold. The Executive Suites have sleek glass showers, Standard Rooms have shower/tub combos, and Junior Suites have whirlpool baths. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. 

Hotel Espresso offers a fairly wide range of features, including a seasonal outdoor pool surrounded by plastic loungers and chairs -- though some guests have reported cleanliness issues with it. There’s also a well-equipped gym with weight and cardio equipment, as well as free weights, exercise balls, and a sauna. The spa offers massages. The restaurant and bar, Le Perle Bleue, serve breakfast (for a fee), lunch, and dinner, plus room service is available during limited hours -- though guests complain about the food quality. The hotel has meeting rooms and banquet halls that hold up to 200 people. Wi-Fi is free, but guests report that it's slow and unreliable in guest rooms. Other amenities include a gift shop packed with souvenirs, snacks, and drinks, as well as an on-site Enterprise car rental. Indoor parking is available, but incurs a pricey nightly rate.