Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain

Trapped in a time warp, this Marriott feels like a holdover from the ‘80s that hasn’t kept pace with the competition surrounding it. Fussy wall-to-wall carpeting, wood paneling galore, and faded tasseled drapery all point to a bygone era, as do the pay phones in the lobby. That said, most guests aren't drawn to the hotel's looks. Rather, they appreciate its convenience. First there's the location: squatting down at the bottom of Place du Canada right next to Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral. It's a Downtown spot ideal for business travelers, and its connection to Montreal's underground make it an easy jumping off point for other spots. Another boon for the corporate set is the huge inventory of meeting rooms and event space. Oodles of on-site features and reliable Marriott service are selling points as well. Travelers also appreciate the stellar room views, which are reason alone to book a room and stay here. That said, it's hard to ignore that this property feels positively retro, especially compared to the slick newish AC Hotel by Marriott, which is also Downtown.

The Marriott's Downtown location could be the selling point for travelers. It's parked right at the bottom of Place du Canada and Dorchester Square, giving it a lovely expanse of greenery, and the major monument Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral is just off to the side. (This spot gives rooms an outstanding eagle-eye view of the city.) This is an area ringed by restaurants, bars, and other conveniences like drug stores, but it does lack the charm of Old Town. A glut of hotels are also in surrounding streets, such as Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth or Hilton Montreal Bonaventure. All of this makes it an appealing spot for tourists and corporate travelers, but those looking to immerse themselves in some local life might be disappointed. 

Apart from the Cathedral, reaching points of interest can require a bit of travel. Old Town, with its cobblestone streets and cafes is about a 17-minute walk away or an eight-minute drive. Reaching the port and the waterfront takes around the same amount of time, although the Montreal Science Centre and the Bota Bota floating spa are about another 10 minutes on foot. The base of the Parc du Mont-Royal is too far to walk, requiring a 12-minute car ride or 22 minutes on public transit. And the hipster neighborhood of Mile End, with its charming boutique shops and buzzy bars and restaurants is even farther: a 20-minute drive or 30 minutes on public transit. Reaching the Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is a little over an hour by public transit or about 40 minutes by taxi.

One thing to note: This Marriott connects to the city's underground directly, which can be a lifesaver during Montreal's cold and bitter winters and makes linking up to the metro all that much easier.

Guest rooms provide another major reason to stay here: Their views are absolutely phenomenal. Our room—with its half-moon window looking over Place du Canada and Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral—gave a helicopter-level view of the city, something that only grew more beautiful as the sun set and the lights of Downtown winked on.

Alas, decor in the rooms don't do justice to their outstanding backdrop. Furniture in rooms is upscale throughout, but dated, with the same vaguely '80s vibe present in public spaces. White platform beds anchor the rooms, lightly scuffed wood furniture makes up the desks, nightstands, and headboards. Stuffy orange armchairs topped with needlepoint-style pillows give another woefully dated detail, and the brown-and-tan wall-to-wall carpets in a cross-hatch pattern add a finishing touch. 

Amenities are also occasionally a step behind the times. TVs were older LG flat-screens, but free Wi-Fi was speedy (with a paid premium option available). Phones, electronic safes, iron/ironing board, and gooseneck reading lights where also on hand, but there were no bathrobes or slippers, a step down from the AC Hotel by Marriott, which provides them. Mini-fridges, single-cup coffeemakers, and ice buckets are also on hand, and all rooms have individual temperature controls. Accessible rooms are available. 

Bathrooms are adequately stocked with hairdryer and toiletries by Thann, including “rice bran oil soap.” Illuminated mirrors and plenty of counter space add to their appeal. But the basic bath-and-shower combos lack any rainfall showerheads, which we'd expect from a hotel of this star rating.

It's worth mentioning that we did note some construction noise on our visit, but hopefully this indicates some much-needed renovations could be starting. 

Features here are well-rounded and cover everything expected of a Marriott, but most of the items on offer have their shortcomings. The hotel boasts an indoor pool and a full gym, complete with multiple treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, free weights, and all the other gym equipment expected. But their location, on the ground floor, makes them feel enclosed and far less luxurious than their counterparts at the AC Hotel by Marriott, which showcase gorgeous Downtown views. Meeting and event space is also located here, and while it's extensive—with giant ballrooms able to host weddings or huge corporate gatherings—the spaces here are low on light and feel shut in. They also suffer from the same dated decor seem elsewhere in public spaces.

On-site dining is also comprehensive with a restaurant and bar covering all meals and drinks, including breakfast (for an added fee). Room service is also available, and ice machines are located by guest rooms. Guests looking for their Starbucks fix will be happy to find the coffee shop on the premises through a connecting door. This is part of several businesses and shops (jewelry shops, a hair salon) that continue down the corridor of the hotel's lobby, connecting the property with the city's underground. 

Concierge service, luggage storage, dry cleaning/laundry, and in-room massages are available, as is parking. An on-site ATM and free newspapers are other helpful extras. Free Wi-Fi is available, with premium coming at an added cost.