Introduction
Bonjour, fellow adventurers! Today, we’re taking an intimate look at a gem nestled in the heart of Montreal’s bustling streets – Hotel 2170. Whether you’re in town clinching deals, seeking picturesque locales, or just after some good ol‘ R&R, this deep dive is tailored just for you –hitting everything from the tick-tock of business travel to leisurely strolls down cobbled lanes.
Ah, the story of Hotel 2170! It’s rich with chapters – transitioning from a convenient Residence Inn by Marriott to standing on its own two feet. (note: on many hotel booking sites you will still find it under Residence Inn by Marriott, Westmount). Before all this hotel buzz, it was just another apartment building. Fast forward to now, and it’s hugging the cozy corners of Westmount, a stone’s throw from locations like Atwater Metro, Dawson College, and the quirky little Alexis-Nihon mall. Plus, you are walking distance from Concordia University, McGill University and the Musee des Beaux-Arts.
Note: my review here is based on my stays when it was still a Residence Inn. I plan to visit there in the next few months and will update this post on the state of things then.
There is a reason why this hotel was always top of my list when staying long-term in Montreal. As I stated above it is central to so many locations.
Atwater Metro is a 5 minute walk down the street. Hop on the Metro and you are 3 to 4 stops from the downtown business district. Or you can just amble down to St Catharine Street and window shop your way to the core.
Sherbrooke street is up one block and you can walk across to McGill and Musee des Beaux-Arts in about 15 to 20 minutes.
Further, if you are coming in winter it is a great place to centrally locate and drive out to the ski resorts around Montreal. In summer, I use it when attending the National Bank Open tennis tournament. It is quick and easy to get to via the metro.
Senior Traveller Accessibility
One hotel for the road warriors who’ve seen there share of accessibility woes. Hotel 2170 is sensible. I found there are minimal impediments to folks with mobility issues.
Now an off note on your car. The parking garage is limited to a vehicle height of 6 feet. So if you drive a large SUV you will need to find street parking (watch out for tickets) or a parking garage that is a fair walk from the hotel.
Senior Traveller Note: In winter after a heavy snow, the sidewalks can be clogged with snow. In particular if you plan on using the Metro, the sidewalks around the neighbouring apartments tend to be the last to be cleared.
Hang your hat in style, with options ranging from studios to slightly more ‘family reunion’ sized two-bedroom units. Every room gives you space to dance about and comes with a kitchen that’s more equipped than a Boy Scout.
Desk space? It’s a mobile office dream – plug in, charge up, and churn out work. For me this is always critical. The desk has several outlets to plug into along with USB ports. There are outlets throughout to keep the cameras charged.
Plus, a cheeky balcony for those ‘breathe in the city’ moments. And I say cheeky in that they are small and not furnished. If you suffer from a bit of vertigo, you may want to pass.
After tussling with seminars or a busy day sightseeing, you’ll find solace in your “apartment”. Along with a living area, the beds here are “cloud-like”.
The beds were one of the many reasons that I kept coming back. They were consistently comfortable. You’re in slumber heaven.
Along with the assortment of pillows that were on the bed, there were extra pillows in the closet. Of the six to eight pillows I could always find one or two that suited my sleep style.
The penthouse gym view gives you enough motivation to keep pedalling long beyond your planned time.
The gym is stocked with standard hotel equipment. You won’t find heavy weights or a wide assortment of cardio machines but enough to get a maintenance sweat on!
Barring that you can always walk up Mount Royal via McGill University.
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The buffet breakfast is like a trusty old friend – familiar and reliable.
Not the morning feast of kings, but it will set you up with energy for a day of work or pleasure.
One thing I will be looking for is if they continued there “specialty” nights where you could get some snacks to tie you over after a busy day. I’ll keep you posted.
I can’t tell you the number of times that the staff pulled my proverbial butt out of the fire.
From helping me find restaurants for business meetings, to letting me check in early so I can get over to the tennis site, to finding and holding my camera battery chargers until my next visit.
They have gone above and beyond. They were the reason that I kept going back year after year.
Conclusion
Keep in mind, mates, most yarns spun here hail from the days when Marriott hung its sign above the door. I’m due for another jaunt there soon, so consider this a ‘watch this space’ promise for fresh tales and tidbits.
To wrap it up, Hotel 2170 is the sort of spot you bookmark in your traveller’s diary. Its heart beats in sync with Montreal’s own rhythm, welcoming you to relish every comfort of home whilst teasing you with Montreal’s vibrant culture just outside the door. It’s perfect for a fuss-free stay, irrespective of whether your days are chock-full of meetings or simply savouring the city’s splendour.
For now, our chat must end, but the memories of stays past linger on – and isn’t that what a good hotel is all about? Here’s to your next visit at Hotel 2170 (and to hoping the breakfasts have only gotten grander). Safe travels, and may the road rise up to meet you!
PS: If you fancy a quick look for yourself at Hotel 2170, give their site a gander or shoot them a buzz. Tell them the chap who can’t stop raving about their pillows sent you. Wink.
Please note: The opinions expressed in this document should never be construed as advice. The thoughts are based on my experiences after 40-plus years of business and vacation travel. My likes and dislikes may vary drastically from yours. Do your research and find products and experiences that align with your likes and dislikes. Most of all have happy travels and see you out there on the road!
Al of Al Murray Travel & Photography: From the time in my youth, when I would lay on our garage roof watching planes traverse the skies above me, I knew I wanted to see the world.
My passion grew after spending a semester of my university days in Barcelona. I spent more time on trains and buses than I did in class.
After earning my BA from Carleton University, life got in the way. But I did find time to graduate again from George Brown in Fitness and Lifestyle Management and then work my way through most of a degree in Sports Administration. However I needed to find work and pay for all this education!
It wasn’t until my “middle age” did I start exploring the world again. First, transversing the US and Canada to take part in tennis tournaments. Then later to complete my spectator “grand slam” of tennis.
I accomplished this while earning my certificate in photography from Toronto Metropolitan University. I am now combining the two passions and now sharing with you my many lessons learned.