Arrival Experience: There is no hotel arrival that is easier than this one. The hotel is situated on top of the airport terminal itself, the U.S. departure terminal to be exact, and signs point the way from within the airport directly to the front desk. It can take just minutes from plane door to hotel room door depending upon customs and immigration formalities (although in Canada, these are notoriously lengthy and not very friendly). Escalators and elevators allow those with baggage to reach the front desk without effort. Staffers check in guests swiftly and point them to the elevators directly behind, which are activated by key cards for safety. The glass walls provide excellent panoramas of the airport tarmac from most corners of the public areas and even the guest rooms. Peering over the side of the lobby check-in area gives views of the U.S. domestic airline departure area although airport noise is not detectable.
Dining: Bijou serves all meals here with delicious choices ranging from breakfast through dinner. Bistro-style dining is enjoyed near the bar while more formal seating is tucked into a corner. Views through glass panes showcase more tarmac vistas, and travelers with long layovers will do better here than at any airport restaurant. The lobby bar serves light snacks and those saddling up to the long bar can enjoy local Canadian brews from lunchtime through the wee morning hours. Wireless high speed Internet access works in public areas for those who paid for it, keeping busy bodies in the lounge longer than usual.
Accommodations: Guest rooms are luxuriously appointed in warm colors to combat Montreal's chilly winters. Duvets and pillowtop mattresses are dreamy slumbering options, most with excellent views of the area from the thick and supple pillows. Large work desks feature Marriott's latest effort of connectivity providing plentiful electrical outlets and ports for laptop and iPod connectivity to the flat-screen cable TVs. Armchairs and seating areas are positioned by the windows (be sure to request a room with views of the airport tarmac for the most interesting vistas). Jet engine noise is not once detected thanks to excellent soundproofing, and bathrooms boast large showerheads, Bath & Body Works toiletries, and spacious vanities. Coffeemakers keep guests caffeinated, and housekeeping does a resounding job for such a transient hotel. Repeat guests and Marriott regulars enjoy access to the club level lounge where complimentary soft drinks, a hot evening buffet, and complimentary breakfast are offered.
Conclusion: Meeting facilities are exceptional with plentiful lobby-level space. In fact, reaching the conference room from the airport escalators is faster than reaching guest rooms. It is clear that this is a business hotel through and through. With that said, the fitness center on the top level is extensive and modern with excellent views of the surrounding airport area. An indoor pool allows guests to splash about even when it is snowing outside, and the bubbling whirlpool is a relaxing retreat. This is surely the best bet at the Montreal airport beating out any other property thanks to its in-airport locale. Marriott provides its reliable comforts while the location and friendly service do the rest.
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