Hôtel Le Germain Montréal

Housed in what was once an office building, the 13-story Hotel Le Germain Montreal has a concrete-and-glass facade. Inside, the lobby is sophisticated, modern, and spacious, and natural light from the front windows contrast with dark-wood accents. Intimate seating areas are dotted through out the lobby, and a 24-hour espresso machine offers a free caffeine fix for weary travelers. The hotel attracts an upscale business crowd as well as leisure travelers and visitors of McGill University, which is conveniently located right across the street.

The Hotel Le Germain Montreal is located in Montreal's Golden Square Mile and occupies a central spot directly off the main road that runs parallel to McGill University. The popular Saint Catherine shopping street is just a three-minute walk away and Crescent Street, known for its restaurants and pubs, is eight minutes away on foot. The location is also in easy walking distance to Montreal's downtown business center. For sightseers, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is a nine-minute walk, while the Quartier des Spectacles entertainment district and Mount Royal Park are each about a 20-minute walk. Old Montreal isn't really in walking distance, though guests can get there in about 10 minutes by car or 25 minutes via public transportation.

There's a bus stop at the end of the street, and the closest metro stations (Station Peel and Station McGill, both on the Green Line) are about a four-minute walk from the hotel. Attractions such as the Montreal Convention Centre, Parc Lafontaine, and the Olympic Stadium are a straight shot on the metro, 20- to 25-minutes away. The Montreal train station is a 10-minute walk from the hotel, and the Montreal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is 20 minutes by car or 35 minutes via public transportation. Guests coming by car can find indoor valet parking at the hotel, for a daily fee.

Rooms at the Hotel Le Germain Montreal have simple but sophisticated, modern upscale decor. Angular pendant and sconce lights create a warm glow, but most of the room's light comes from the large windows along one wall. Rooms have individually controlled air-conditioning and beds have Egyptian cotton sheets, goose-down duvets, and feather pillows. Though there have been occasional complaints about noise, most guests find the rooms quiet.

Even base-category rooms are thoughtfully laid out, with wall-mounted desks and ergonomic chairs, small sitting areas, and wardrobes with safes and fold-out ironing boards. Each room has a flat-screen TV (42-inch minimum), a Tivoli audio system, a minibar, and a Nespresso coffeemaker. Hypo-allergenic bedding, humidifiers, daily newspapers, cribs, and pet beds are available on request. The largest unit in the hotel is the extravagant Apartment Suite, which has a living room and fireplace, a full kitchen, and a washer and dryer, among other extras.

Bathrooms in all of the units are spacious, with vanities and large walk-in showers with transparent glass walls (and blinds on the bedroom-facing glass). Bathrooms include cotton bathrobes, magnifying mirrors, and hairdryers, along with Molton Brown toiletries.

Hotel Le Germain doesn't check every box for an upscale hotel, but it does offer some nice on-site features, particularly when it comes to dining. The on-site restaurant offers modern takes on traditional dishes, though servings are small and items are pricey. However, the daily buffet breakfast is free to hotel guests and offers a satisfying selection of fresh fruit, cereal, baked goods, and eggs. Quality tea and espresso are also available 24/7, and room service is offered in the mornings and evenings.

The hotel has several small meeting rooms and can help organize events. Babysitting, dry cleaning and laundry, and car services can also be arranged. Indoor valet parking is available for a fee, while Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. The 24-hour fitness center is clean and modern -- though not exceptional -- with cardio and weightlifting equipment, free weights, and exercise mats. There's no on-site pool or spa, though in-room spa treatments and massages can be booked through the concierge. Pets are allowed, for a fee.