Hotel Zero 1

The hotel's 10-story building is blanketed with a image of a women's face with edgy eyeliner, contrasting sharply with the somewhat staid brick-and-glass structure above. Inside, the stark lobby is ultra-modern, almost industrial with concrete walls and exposed ductwork painted black. The deep red lobby carpet contrasts the dark walls, as do yellow and red chairs nearby. Light strands suspended from the ceiling cascade a soft glow on the dark front desk, which has a bank of gray chairs and a long white coffee table adjacent to it. Other comfortable seating areas are tucked away in secluded spots. The street-level restaurant and bar is open, spacious and tastefully decorated with black wood and white upholstered chairs in several size configurations. The rectangular bar is against a back wall. A bright atrium just outside the lobby provides a sheltered space to enjoy fresh air. The rooftop terrace is another airy oasis, with several dark, comfortable couches and great views of downtown Montreal. 

Hotel Zero 1 is well located in downtown Montreal, with Chinatown and its restaurants and shops just across the street. It's a five-minute walk to the Saint-Laurent metro station. Notre-Dame Basilica and Old Montreal are just a 10-minute walk away. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is a 20-minute metro ride or 10-minute taxi ride away. Trudeau International Airport is a half-hour by train or about 25 minutes by car or taxi. Although safe, the hotel is located on a busy intersection and the neighborhood is a bit gritty with a visible homeless population. 

Formerly a student residence complex, rooms here are on the small side with dark, minimalist, ultra-modern decor. Guests give the rooms high marks for being clean with comfortable beds, but some find the dark wood floors, black walls, and general lack of lighting too dim. The bed dominates the Pop and Hip Rooms that contrast the black walls with light gray ottomans, white tables, mod chairs, nightstands, and drapes. Loft and Suite options have the same decor, but offer small bedrooms and separate sitting areas with dark gray upholstered couches and 32-inch flat-screen TVs in addition to the wall-mounted flat-screen TVs in the bedrooms. All rooms have roll-out windows and make heavy use of mirrors, with a large wall mirror adjacent to the bed and even a mirror in the shower. Tiny kitchenettes in every room is a nice touch, with stainless steel sinks, microwaves, mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and dishes. Free local calls and Wi-Fi plus iPod/iPhone docking stations are also standard. Bathrooms are much brighter, with white tiles and vanities, and large mirrors dominating the design. Small but not cramped, the bathrooms have magnifying mirrors, Philosophy toiletries, and a shower separated by a half-door.

The restaurant, which has a full bar, is open for breakfast daily and remains open through dinner. Some packages include breakfast, but most rates do not. There is no on-site parking, but 24-hour valet service with in and out privileges is offered, although some guests complain about long wait times. There's a business center with computer station and printer, and several meeting rooms are available. A small fitness center has cardio and weight machines, and the rooftop terrace offers comfortable seating and great city views. The street-level atrium hosts live entertainment on Thursday and Friday evenings. The lobby has a shop selling a wide variety of snacks and drinks including beer and wine. There's also an ATM in the lobby and free coffee and water. Free Wi-Fi is accessible throughout the property. Concierge, laundry, and dry-cleaning services are available.