"Why did this hotel catch your attention? Montreal was a cultural superpower in the 1960s and 70s, leading the worlds of midcentury design, culture, and art. Every inch of this Old Port boutique hotel is an ode to those decades which changed Montreal forever, and stepping into the lobby is like stepping back in time in the best of ways. What's the backstory? It's part museum, part passion project, part history lesson, part design studio, part film and photo archive. There are only so many hotels around the world which dedicate themselves so wholeheartedly to not only capturing but embodying a certain time and place, so staying at Uville feels absolutely singular and special. It's unlike anything else. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? Each of the 33 rooms is decorated a little differently from the next—and it should come as no surprise that more than 400 archival Montreal photographs and 100 artifacts from the 60s and 70s are on display here (in addition to 200-plus films available on your 43" TV via a partnership with the National Film Board). But beyond the veneer of kitsch and nostalgia, the design details feature things that real hotel aficionados will truly appreciate. Your room might, for instance, come with a beautiful midcentury chair in the sitting area, or a pink-tiled bathroom as an homage to city's design history. The mod statement wallpapers behind the beds make for killer Instagram shots, too. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Don't worry—despite all the analog nostalgia, the hotel comes with fast and free Wi-Fi. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? There isn't a proper restaurant, but the lobby's Saint Laurent Lounge offers cocktails and espress so you can luxuriate in style after a long day of sightseeing. And the service? Since there are only thirty-three rooms, there is a personal touch to the service that larger hotels have a hard time replicating. The front desk staff are on-hand to make recommendations not only about where to eat and drink while you're in town, but also where you can pick up the best antique furniture, or attend the coolest art gallery openings. While the hotel is steeped in traditions of Montreal past, the affable and helpful staff are very much plugged into the Montreal of today. What type of travelers will you find here? Historians, design lovers, and weekend trippers looking to learn more about the city's contributions to art and culture. What about the neighborhood? It speaks to the excellence of this hotel that it's prime Old Port location isn't its main or only draw, but an added bonus. Sure, you're mere steps away from some of the city's most beloved restaurants, attractions, and shops—but this is the kind of hotel that rewards sleeping in, hanging out in the lobby, and spending time enjoying your room. Is there anything you'd change? The bedrooms could use a little more space for walking around and enjoying the many archival photographs on the walls. Any other hotel features worth noting? A continental breakfast is included, and can be delivered to your room, enjoyed in the lobby, or packed up to go. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? Absolutely worth it for the price, the location, and the added bonus of getting a history lesson from the comfort of your room. There really should be more hotels like Uville." - Todd Plummer
