Montreal is a place where every visit is an urban adventure. Just a short 8-hour train ride from New York City, lies the vibrant French-Canadian city of Montreal. Known as a hub for fashion, design, culinary arts, and music—often referred to as the city that appeals to all the senses –
And I thought the Montreal Marriott Château Champlain was the perfect home base to experience all the city had to offer.
What made this hotel so special? For one, few hotels offered the combination of convenience, luxury, and stunning amenities like the Montreal Marriott Château Champlain. Located in the heart of downtown Montreal at 1050 de la Montagne Street, it was within walking distance to virtually everything worth seeing—nightlife, shopping, parks, music venues – you name it. You won’t need to hail a cab unless you really want one. I really liked the location and how close it was to Central Station – it took me only about 10 minutes to walk from the train to the hotel.
The room itself was spacious and modern, with all the comforts of home—high-speed internet, flat-screen TVs, and plush bedding. I particularly loved the oversized windows, perfect for taking in the sweeping views of the city. Whether I was gazing at Mount Royal or the St. Lawrence River, the stunning vistas provided an incredible backdrop to my stay.
As someone who likes to stay active while traveling, I always look for a hotel with a gym or a pool—and this Marriott had both! The fitness center was fully equipped with cardio machines and weights. I opted for an early-morning workout to beat the crowd and had the whole place to myself. The indoor heated pool was a real highlight – clean, relaxing, and the perfect place to unwind after a busy day of exploring the city.
Speaking of unwinding, the Montreal Marriott Château Champlain had both an in-house restaurant and a bar, which came in handy the day I arrived and wanted to grab a bite before heading to my room. The restaurant, Le Bistro, served delicious French-Canadian cuisine with a modern twist. I tried the poutine, a local dish I still dream about! The upscale Bar Champlain, located in the lobby, offered a chic ambiance and expertly crafted cocktails. I enjoyed a few nightcaps during my stay, and I was not disappointed.
Have you heard of Montreal’s underground city? One of the biggest perks of staying at the Montreal Marriott Château Champlain was its direct access to the underground city. Through an elevator, guests can easily reach La Ville Souterraine, a sprawling network of tunnels that connect shopping malls, office buildings, and even metro stations – all without stepping outside. This underground maze linked directly to Complexe Desjardins, a popular shopping destination, and provided easy access to the metro, making it convenient to get around no matter the weather. It was an amazing perk, especially during the winter months. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the underground and came back up with big shopping bags filled with shoes and clothes, and a huge slice of European chocolate cake.
The Montreal Marriott Château Champlain stood out as an upscale, full-service hotel with convenient access to both the best of Montreal and its underground city – and the service was fantastic.
Stepping into the culture of Montreal felt a little like stepping onto the streets of Paris. It was nice to have a home base at Marriott, where the staff was friendly (and spoke both English and French), the bed was incredibly comfortable, and the views were breathtaking. Overall, it was the hotel’s classic elegance and modern amenities – including the connection to the underground city—and central location that left a lasting impression on me.
If you’re wondering whether to stay at the Montreal Marriott Château Champlain during your visit, I can confidently say, “Book it!” You’ll have a great time!
