For a French chain, we expected to be a bit impressed by the hospitality but upon arriving, some things were just a little off-putting. For example, the art displays in the otherwise roomy lobby - way too much glossy resin paintings that drown and jar with the stained glass mural. The museum-type showcase displays seem to have been put together by amateurs with a blunt nod to a local jeweller. It continues into the restaurant, Renoir where they put paintings on columns that don't sit well and add nothing to the decor. Another massive flaw is the restaurant's ceiling that has been left in an industrial type of state with exposed lights and utility tracks from the ventilation I suppose. It's a waste of a gloriously high ceiling. This is Montreal and you're within blocks of the museums (a plus, location-wise) but honestly, there's been an oversight in style. The room in spite of a king bed was cramped for two people, and the washroom doors offered no privacy. Overall, the effect was of efficiency, as in ideal for business people in transit, but nothing beyond. The restaurant service was lax, with simple items from our meals missing. Now for the upsides: location was great; valet and garage security were great; front desk was courteous; the luffa as part of the toiletries was a novel touch; the food was adequate. For us, it sadly lacked some oomph. Another visit down the line could prove the first impression wrong, but we're going to wait on that a bit.
- Montreal Sofitel
