Le St-Martin Hotel and Suites

Le St-Martin Hotel and Suites is essentially a business hotel, in part owing its location near Laval's convention center, though it also draws wedding parties. The hotel occupies a large, modern-looking beige-brick building with peaked roofs and a portico at its entrance that give the otherwise generic chain-hotel exteriors a castle-like vibe. Public spaces are are done up in a classic and elegant style, with dark hardwood floors and paneling, chandeliers, brown leather armchairs, and floor lamps. The fireplace adds a cozy touch, and floral arrangements in Chinese porcelain vases on the reception counter, black-and-white photographic prints decorating the walls, and a giraffe sculpture add interesting decorative accents. While business travelers and locals celebrating weddings are frequent guests here, its location away from city center attractions makes it a poor choice for those looking to sightsee.

The hotel is located on Laval Island, which is a suburb of Montreal and about a 25-minute drive from the city center. There are plenty of restaurants and a few shops in the immediate area, and it's right across a busy boulevard from the Palace Convention Centre and a large shopping mall. The nearest metro station, Montmorency, will take five minutes to reach in a cab for access to central Montreal (for those who don't want to drive themselves). Once in the city, most sights are within a five- to 10-minute drive, including Old Montreal, the Museum of Fine Arts, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Biodome. We particularly recommend hitting up the trendy cafes, boutiques, and restaurants of the Mile End (it's home to Montreal's two most famous bagel shops). Many of these destinations are also accessible by metro during operating hours. Trudeau Airport is also a 25-minute drive from the hotel.

Rooms and suites at Le St-Martin Hotel and Suites are spacious, and feature sharp decor (even if it is all a bit chain-like in the end). Accents include brown patterned carpeting, subtly striped curtains, and shimmery bed runners, done in a handsome brown and taupe motif. Framed floral prints on the walls add a little bit of character, and there are several lamps for soft lighting. Touches of sage green complement the dark wood furniture nicely. Generous amenities include air-conditioning, 37-inch flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, Keurig coffeemakers, and minibars. Wi-Fi is also free. Some suites have sofa beds, dining areas, and efficiency kitchenettes with microwaves (but no stovetops). Bathrooms are roomy and equipped with shower/tub combos or -- in some -- walk-in showers and double vanities. Magnifying mirrors, hairdryers, and toiletries are provided. 

Features at Le St-Martin are decent for a three-pearl hotel, though the lack of a proper restaurant is a bit surprising. A free breakfast buffet is served and includes baked continental goods and scrambled eggs (the only hot item). The lobby bar has a piano and a fireplace, making it a cozy place for a nightcap. The fitness center is on the small side and features only a few pieces of equipment that include a treadmill, stationary bicycle, an elliptical trainer, and free weights. There are also indoor and seasonal outdoor whirlpool tubs for guest use, but no pool or spa. The hotel has six meeting rooms for business meetings and events of up to 250 people, including a large outdoor marquee set in the hotel's garden. A computer and printer are available in the 24-hour business center. Parking and Wi-Fi are both free.