Meridien Versaille

EN / FR

June 2021

The Meridien Versaille is located just next to the Golden Square Mile district at the foot of the Mount-Royal hill, in the heart of Montreal.

I booked my room for two nights for 99$ per night, in low season and during the Covid, on the Marriott web site. This rate is excellent for that type of property in this district. At my arrival, I was upgraded, without asking, for a larger room, on a higher floor.

The property

This hotel is not a very big establishment. The hotel hall is small. There is an Italian restaurant with a bar next and communicating with the hotel but, during my stay, it was not open for breakfast; only for lunch and dinner (Covid?).

According to the hotel staff, there is a small exterior parking with a limited number of spaces. But, during my stay, it was always full and not available. Under the hotel staff recommendation, I found a parking spot across the street, a 10 minutes’ walk west, in a public parking at 24$ per day. There is a drop off space at the corner of the street, for 15 minutes parking, near the hotel (not directly in from of the hotel).

The hallway on the room floor is very narrow, designed in a loop. It is impossible to face another guest with its luggage without creating a jam.

The room

My room is large, clean, with a carpet, not very equipped. Maybe all the equipment was removed because of the Covid restrictions, but there is no coffee machine, no microwave oven, and no fridge. The empty shelves lead to believe it is the case. On the other hand, the room is well furnished, with a desk with a chair with wheels, and an armchair with a footrest. Since I am on a higher floor, I almost don’t hear any noise from the street.

The tv.marriotts streaming system is available which makes it easier to connect mobile devices to the television. The air conditioning system is efficient but very loud and I preferred to shut it down during the night.

The bed is not very comfortable. The mattress is too soft and sinks deep under weight.

The bath room

The bath room is small, which contrast with the room size. There is a shower and no bath. The available surface around the sink is sufficient.

Services

Breakfast isn’t included with the room rate. The restaurant is closed on mornings and nothing is offered for breakfast, not even coffee (because of Covid related restrictions?). A Tim Horton’s restaurant can be found at 10 minutes’ walk for breakfast on the go. The hotel staffs are very friendly and helpful.

Wireless internet access (wifi) is free and excellent.

Design

According to Meridien’s web site, this chain was created in the sixties and design from this period still influences today their hotel styling. And this is what I like in the selection of some piece of furniture in the room. On the other hand, the design is not uniform in its style or in its integration. But it is still an interesting approach.

My two cents

I was surprised with the lack of equipment in the room and of facilities in the hotel. This is not according to what one might expect from a Marriott property. This is all probably caused by the restrictions required by the Covid pandemic. Only a second visit (later…) might confirm that. The design influence proposed by Meridien is noteworthy, but in my opinion, is a little rough around the corners in this property. If this rate stays the same, this hotel will remain very interesting for my trips to Montreal, mainly for the room size et its location in the town, and despite the noted inconveniences.

The Devil is in the details:

• Room carpet is stained.
• Shower cabin floor is stained by dark circles of liquid which went away easily under the shower spray.
• No water pressure under the shower.

Pros

• Quiet neighborhood.
• Furniture design.
• Value for money (to be validated in high season).

Cons

• No (little) parking.
• No breakfast on site (Covid?).
• Bed not comfortable.