Hotel Ste-Catherine

The hotel's central location near the metro and downtown attractions is a significant draw, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers and adults seeking a convenient base for exploring the city's nightlife and cultural events. While its location is a primary advantage, the hotel is consistently described as a budget-friendly option, necessitating adjusted expectations regarding its overall condition. A recurring and critical concern among guests is the pervasive issue of cleanliness, with many reporting unsanitary conditions and unpleasant odors throughout the property. The surrounding area also presents challenges, often described as uncomfortable due to the presence of various individuals, impacting guests' sense of safety. Furthermore, the staff and service receive highly mixed reviews, ranging from helpful to notably rude, particularly concerning deposit refunds. For those considering a stay, it is crucial to manage expectations regarding the hotel's age and condition, and to be aware of the immediate neighborhood, especially if traveling with children or seeking a quiet retreat.

Facilities & Amenities
Many guests note the presence of Wi-Fi, which generally functions well, allowing for connectivity. Air conditioning units are available in rooms, providing comfort, though some report them to be quite loud. Parking is offered, often for an additional fee, but guests frequently describe the parking area as tight or located in an uncomfortable spot. A significant point of concern for many is the absence of an elevator, making the property unsuitable for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage, as rooms are accessed via stairs. Inside the rooms, some guests appreciate the inclusion of a fridge, but common complaints include non-functional or worn-out power outlets, broken lamps, and issues with TV functionality. Bathrooms are often criticized for their small basin or sink areas, and some lack basic amenities like soap, Kleenex, or cups.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
The most prominent feedback regarding room comfort and cleanliness is overwhelmingly negative. Many guests report extreme filth and unsanitary conditions, with descriptions including feet sticking to dirt, a strong mold stench, and even mouse droppings under beds. Bed sheets are frequently noted as dirty, torn, or having cigarette burn holes and even blood stains. The overall property and rooms are plagued by pervasive bad smells, particularly of cigarettes and general mustiness. Rooms are consistently described as tiny, cramped, and not reflecting advertised dimensions, leading to a feeling of claustrophobia for some. Noise levels are a significant issue, with guests reporting loud people, shouting from hallways, and considerable street noise disrupting sleep. Furthermore, walls are often described as thin, offering poor soundproofing, and bathroom cleanliness is frequently criticized. Security is also a concern, as many rooms have flimsy door locks or lack deadbolts, and doors may not close properly.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers breakfast, which is consistently described as basic and simple continental. Most guests find the breakfast options to be limited, typically consisting of muffins, croissants, toast, and coffee. While some guests find this sufficient for a quick start to the day, others express disappointment, considering it poor quality or not worth any additional cost. The coffee is often noted as weak and served in styrofoam cups, detracting from the experience. The breakfast room itself is described as small. For guests with early departures, the 8 AM start time for breakfast can be inconvenient, leading them to miss the offering entirely. Overall, the dining experience is geared towards a very minimal, grab-and-go style, and guests are advised to manage their expectations accordingly.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is widely praised as its primary advantage, placing guests within easy reach of many key attractions. It is conveniently situated very close to a subway/metro station, making public transport highly accessible. Guests appreciate its proximity to various restaurants, night clubs, and shops, as well as being within walking distance of downtown and even Old Montreal for those who enjoy a stroll. However, the immediate surrounding area is a significant point of concern for many, frequently described as uncomfortable or "dodgy" due to the visible presence of homeless individuals and those under the influence of drugs near the entrance, which impacts guests' sense of safety and comfort. Parking is available, though often for a fee, and the parking area itself can be perceived as uncomfortable. Some guests also reported roads closed due to construction, causing accessibility challenges for taxis and walking to the hotel.

Staff & Service
Feedback regarding the staff and service is notably mixed. Some guests commend the staff for being friendly, helpful, accommodating, pleasant, kind, cheerful, and bilingual, highlighting positive interactions during check-in and check-out. They appreciate the staff's willingness to assist with requests and provide information. However, a significant number of reviews describe staff as very rude, unprofessional, and disrespectful, with instances of staff ignoring guests, making fun of pronunciation, or being aggressive. A recurring and major issue is the difficulty guests face in obtaining deposit refunds, with multiple reports of staff making excuses, lying about circumstances, or being uncooperative. While some mention daily housekeeping, others report rooms not being cleaned or towels not being replaced. The overall impression of service is highly inconsistent, ranging from genuinely positive to deeply frustrating.

Additional Information
Several important details about the hotel are highlighted by guests. A significant point of contention is the high deposit required, often reported as $200, coupled with frequent issues and difficulties in securing a refund upon check-out. The property is consistently described as an old building or dated, and guests are advised to adjust their expectations accordingly, understanding it is a budget option rather than a modern hotel. A pervasive smoking smell is noted throughout the entire building, including rooms, which can be off-putting for non-smokers. As previously mentioned, the lack of an elevator is a critical feature, making the hotel unsuitable for guests with mobility issues or heavy luggage. Some guests also report encountering unethical tenants or unusual incidents, contributing to a general sense of unease.