"Why did this hotel catch your attention?
Griffintown is a neighborhood that has captured Montreal's imagination in recent years, located literally between the history of Old Port and the hustle and bustle of downtown. While the architecture in this part of town consists mainly of imposing glass facade condo buildings, the views are quintessentially Montreal: the river is nearby, the skyline of downtown looms overhead, with the iconic cross atop Mount Royal beyond. It's an intriguing approach to a city which has long fascinated travelers, and this new hotel really captures what Griffintown represents.
What's the backstory?
It makes perfect sense that a hotel debuting during a pandemic would focus on apartment-style living, privacy, and hygiene. The concept behind Hôtel Griffintown takes a stand against this city's hospitality tradition of buzzy restaurants, exclusive hotel bars, and scenes of any kind. Here, the idea is furnished apartments that offer the convenience of a hotel, but don't have any of the extra amenities which can drive up prices and, frankly, often go unused. Here, less is more.
Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?
The rooms are laid out like contemporary condos, with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, serenely pared-back furnishings, separate living and bedroom areas, and plenty of natural light. Kitchens come stocked Nespresso machines, dishes and utensils, and high-end Blomberg appliances if you prefer to cook at home. The clean, sleek design ethos carries into the bathrooms outfitted with waterfalls shower heads and hair dryers. Even the entry level rooms come with their own in-unit washer and dryer.
Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is fast and free.
Drinking and dining—what are we looking at?
While there isn't a proper restaurant or bar on premises (there are plenty within walking distance to explore), the hotel does offer an adorable "GH Déppanneur," a posh yet fully-stocked take on the city's classic bodegas. Here you'll find everything from baking supplies to locally-made ice creams for late-night snacking.
And the service?
You just have to know what you're getting into. If you're the kind of self-sufficient traveler who prefers to explore a place on their own, and come home and kick their feet up for a night of relaxation, then you'll find the barebones check-in desk perfectly adequate, and this is the place for you. If you're someone who expects to have a concierge at your beck and call to make dinner reservations and draw walking maps of where to explore, you might consider staying elsewhere.
What type of travelers will you find here?
Architects. Art lovers. Cosmopolitans. Anyone who wants to explore Montreal, but sees accommodation more as the stylish place to rest their head than their gateway to the city.
What about the neighborhood?
The hotel's many glass windows aren't there just for natural light—when you're here, you really feel like a local. Griffintown is all about condo living, and this unique "aparthotel" accommodation truly helps you experience the neighborhood like its residents do every day. Explore the vintage shops and old brownstones located in the shadow of glass condo skyscrapers, or walk to dinner at any of the hip restaurants along rue Notre-Dame Ouest. When you're here, you're part of the neighborhood.
Is there anything you'd change?
Not really—the whole point is to go into this property not expecting a traditional hotel experience. It does its thing, and it does it well.
Any other hotel features worth noting?
I know I've gone on about the neighborhood, but the hotel's location really is excellent if you're the kind of traveler who loves to just wander. It abuts the Lachine Canal, where any real Montrealer within walking distance can be found getting some fresh air, whatever time of year. And the best of Griffintown, downtown, and Old Montreal are just minutes from your door.
Bottom line: Why are we choosing Hôtel Griffintown?
If you want to feel like you're blending in with the cityscape, this is the place to do it." - Todd Plummer
