Sheraton Montreal Airport Hotel

For a name-brand airport hotel, there aren't too many surprises when it comes to style at this Sheraton. The property was originally built in 1963 on the site of an old horse track, to which the building owes its circular shape. The cement cubes lining this ring, each its own guestroom, are staggered to maximize natural light exposure evoking an architectural style later made famous by the iconic Habitat pavilion designed by Moshe Safdie for the 1967 Montreal Expo. Other mid-century touches still visible today include the rough-hewn sandstone walls along the façade and lining the staircase leading up to the mezzanine. Standard-issue chain hotel decor in the rooms and common areas is livened up by the occasional bright orange abstract painting. However, the navy pleather couches, dark laminate floors, purple velour bar stools, and gray carpets lack much personality. Additionally, things are looking a bit worn in spots. Renovations slated for 2018 may bring some needed life to these interiors, but check ahead before booking to make sure they've been undertaken or completed. The hotel draws mainly business travelers and airline crew staying overnight between flights.

The Sheraton Montreal Airport is located on McMillan Street near the airport, which can be reached in five minutes thanks to the 24-hour free shuttle service that comes every 15 minutes, and more frequently at peak times. As expected, although the hotel is convenient to the airport, the center of town and all tourist sights are at least 20 to 30 minutes away by car. By public transit, expect to reach the shops along Sainte-Catherine Street and a similar commute to the Old Port, Notre-Dame Basilica, and the Bell Centre. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Contemporary Arts Museum, Biodome, and Botanical Gardens can be reached in 60 to 75 minutes by public transit, depending on the time of day.

Although spacious, the Sheraton Montreal Airport’s 465 rooms – including suites, junior suites, and three categories of standard rooms (Deluxe King, Deluxe Queen with sofabed, and Deluxe Two Double) – offer little more than one would expect from a traditional hotel chain. Think: standard-issue gray carpets, wood laminate dressers, headboards upholstered in shiny silver fabric, jacquard armchairs, plaid curtains and run-of-the-mill framed prints. Bathrooms are functional with white Corian vanities, showers, and beige tiling throughout. Guests on the Club Floor (free for SPG members at the platinum level and higher) get extra bath amenities such as loofahs, mouthwash, razors, shaving cream, and white robes.  Some guests have noted a decent amount of wear in rooms and bathrooms. Views vary greatly as some rooms overlook the runway, others overlook the beautiful central garden (although most of these are reserved for airline crew), and the rest have views onto the street. Keep in mind those overlooking the runway will be most prone to airplane noise. All rooms feature flat-screen TVs, safes, ironing boards, coffeemakers with Starbucks coffee, and mini-fridges. Air-conditioning is available, but management only turns it on depending on the season. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel upon free enrollment in the SPG program. Keep in mind that the circular hotel design can mean that some rooms are quite far from the elevators.

While the overall vibe and style aren't anything to write home about here, the Sheraton Montreal Airport stands out among airport hotels for the two-acre garden at the center of its circular design featuring grape vines climbing on trellised archways, fountains gurgling down a rock garden, a koi pond with lily pads, lotus flowers, and tall grasses, and a family of ducks that flies here every summer to reside under the restaurant deck. Nearby, the full fitness center overlooks the runway. Pasta, salads, and other dishes are available at Eclipse, the on-site restaurant overlooking the garden, and Eclipse Bar serves drinks and bar food until relatively late. A breakfast buffet is served in the mornings, but it's not included in rates and can be pricey. The hotel’s 23 modular meeting rooms all get natural light and can be accessed via a service entrance. Other features include room service, a concierge, business center, a shop selling toiletries and souvenirs, 24/7 airport shuttle, outdoor parking (for a fee), and free W-Fi throughout the hotel for SPG members (free to enroll).