I'd previous visited Montreal a few years ago and stayed at the HI hostel during a few blocks from this YWCA hostel. I didn't enjoy that particular experience for various reasons (you can read that review) so wanted to try somewhere else that still offered good value for money. Based on reviews on this site, I chose the YWCA for one week following a (hopefully) permanent move to Montreal. I wasn't disappointed!
First off, the room I booked was on the 6th floor, which is the hostel. Floor 7 is the hotel Y (didn't stay there so not reviewing). The hostel is serviced by a lift so for people with reduced mobility, you won't have any problems. The room was basic but for about $50 a night, that's expected. It had a TV, sink, chest of drawers, closet, fridge (very welcome), kettle, alarm clock and a single bed. It was very comfortable.
The room with toilets was just down the corridor. It was always clean and most of the time I was using it alone. The shower room is also clean and separated into four or five private showers with attached changing cubicles so complete privacy is guaranteed. The water temperature was hot, although it did get hotter throughout the shower so I had to constantly turn the temperature down. But hey, at least it had hot water!
Other facilities included a computer room with computer and internet. I didn't use that because I had my laptop and the whole place has free wi-fi. There's also a laundry room, which again I didn't use, but I think it was $1. There was also a kitchen with attached dining room with fridges, cupboards etc. Most of the kitchen equipment seemed to be provided, although there was a serious shortfall of spoons!
The location of the hostel is also really good. It's about a 1 minute walk to St Catherine Ouest, a good shopping street. The nearest supermarket was just 10 minutes away at most. The Lucien L'allier metro stop was a block away and there were other metro stations just a bit further away. The hostel is also really close to the central train station - 5 minutes walk (depending on how you catch the traffic lights). And the 747 express bus from the airport stops a block or two away as well. So a great location!
The only problem I found with this hostel is that the walls are quite thin. That seems to be a Canadian thing though. Unfortunately I had someone inconsiderate next to me for part of my stay who liked to watch TV starting at 4am and it always woke me up to. I could also hear people walking in the corridor quite easily, especially if they had heels on. But those are my only complaints!
In short, if I ever needed to stay in a hostel again then I'd pick this place. It was good.
- Montreal Ywca
- Ywca Montreal
- Ywca Hotel Montreal
