Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Mont-Tremblant

This four-story hotel received a multi-million dollar upgraded in late 2014 before becoming a Holiday Inn Express. With larger Suites—some with full kitchens—it hosts lots of families and couples who want to extra space for extended skiing adventures and summer vacations in the mountains. The modest lobby has an upbeat vibe, with large pieces of modern art and contemporary furniture, and there's a spacious and homey breakfast room with a stone fireplace and communal tables. It's a busy place on weekends, and much more peaceful during the week. 

Location is a big plus for the Holiday Inn Express, near the shores of Lake Tremblant. It's just a three-minute walk to the beach at Parc Plage, and while not technically a ski-in/ski-out property, it’s just a three-minute walk to the Cabriolet Ski Lift. Some restaurants and shops are even closer. The Aqauclub la Source and other attractions in the heart of the Pedestrian Village are roughly five minutes or less on foot. The Casino Mont Tremblant and the Circuit Mont-Tremblant are five-minute drives. Montreal Pierre Elliot Trudeau International Airport is about a two-hour drive from the hotel, and Mont-Tremblant International Airport in La Macaza is a 45-minute drive. 

Guest rooms were upgraded in late 2014, done in muted earth tones in a style commonly seen in mid-range chain hotels. Expect two-tone brown-patterned carpet, beige walls, and gold bed throws and bed skirts. Furniture has a grayish-brown finish, and includes modular headboards and nightstands, and small tables with upholstered chairs in lieu of desks. Framed black-and-white photos of ski mountain scenes deliver a nice touch for what is a rather staid ambiance that lacks character or energy. 

At 350 square feet, Standard Rooms (Queen and Double Doubles) are generously sized. Deluxe Rooms of the same size have sleeper sofas and small kitchenettes with wet bars. Most of the larger Suites have gas fireplaces, and some of them feature balconies and full kitchens with ranges, full fridges, dishwashers, and marble countertops. Keurig coffeemakers, microwaves, and mini-fridges are standard in all rooms, as are flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi (subject to daily bandwidth limits). Bathrooms have standard white tiling around shower/tub combos and white ceramic vanities. Some Suites have larger double-sink vanities. Units are generally quiet, and views vary from the pool area and village to the lake and nearby mountain ranges. 

One of the hotel's top features is its free hot buffet breakfast that's hugely popular with guests, with a generous spread that includes eggs, sausage, bacon, and waffles. There's also free coffee in the lobby all day. Another highlight is the seasonal outdoor pool and year-round whirlpool, and there are ski lockers in the basement. While the fitness center is bright and features a sauna, it only has four pieces of cardio equipment. 

Other amenities include a business center with two computers and a printer, a guest laundry room, and valet dry cleaning and laundry. The hotel has parking in its underground garage, but it costs extra, and although Wi-Fi is free, it’s subject to a daily bandwidth limit (guests wishing to exceed it must pay a fee). Foreign currency exchange is offered at the front desk.