In May and June 2023, we travelled from east to west across Canada. From Halifax in Nova Scotia to Montreal in Quebec, to Toronto in Ontario, to Vancouver and Whistler in British Columbia. Along the way some night trains and commuter trains, the Niagara Falls and – imagine this – a bus journey. A true Trans-Canada Train Trek.

It has been a while since I stayed at an InterContinental. As Danny stayed at InterContinental Montreal before, I am reviewing this stay for a fresh(er) take. This InterContinental has only four stars, as it really needs a redoing. That allows reasonable prices though, which is welcome on a trip where hotels turned to be painstakingly expensive. 

So.

Check-in

We arrived early at the IC. We had one booking for three rooms but only one was already ready. So that room was checked in. In turned out the hotel split the one booking in three bookings, which would cause issues when checking out and the bill. Lesson learned. When booking several rooms together, check in together. 

The room

We got three identical rooms. The ‘1 King Premium Corner Room‘ features two full beds fit for two people. So you can organise a ‘pyjama party’ for four (wink wink). I didn’t, no worries. 

As you can see on the photos there’s ample room for three beds. There is a large night table. Furthermore, there is a sofa, a desk with chair, a television, a coffee machine hidden in the cupboard. There is a closet. 

There is not much light. There are power outlets, although some were provided afterwards, using a ‘power block’ of some sorts. 

The airconditioning worked fine and quick. 

The bathroom features separate shower and bath. The toilet and the bath tub are low. The bathroom is really ready for and update. Toiletries are by Zenology and Apotheke from Brooklyn, New York.

The whole room is actually really ready for an update. It has all the amenities, but there is wear and tear and rooms are just furbished differently now.

Pool and gym

Yes, InterContinental Montreal has a pool, on the 10th floor. It’s a nice, rectangular pool. No whirlpool or hot tub, but there is a sauna and a steam room. The pool features a sun terrace with a quite a few sun beds and chairs. 

Unfortunately the pool has quite limited opening hours.

In contrast the gym is open 24/7 which deserves kudos! It’s quite rare for a hotel gym. For a hotel gym, it offers the essentials but nothing more. But the round the clock opening hours are really positive.

Breakfast

We had breakfast at the hotel once, in restaurant Osco. The breakfast is à la carte, combined with a buffet if you order one of the main dishes. The portions are sizeable. The buffet’s offering not enormous. Cheeses and cold cuts, cereals, yoghurt, juices, bread, some pastries and fruit. 

So?

After we cleared up the bill, InterContinental Montreal offered great value for money. If the price had been the triple as was tried, then not. After an update, IC Montreal should be a great product. 

But will I return? Not sure. 

2023 Trans-Canada Train Trek

1. REVIEW | Brussels Airlines Brussels to Munich in Economy.
2. REVIEW | Lufthansa Premium Economy Munich to Montreal.
3. REVIEW | Air Canada Economy Montreal to Halifax.
4. Flying Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa and Air Canada Brussels – Munich – Montreal – Halifax in minimal economy.
5. HALIFAX | Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21.
6. REVIEW | The Westin Nova Scotian Halifax.
7. NOVA SCOTIA | Sampling Halifax.
8. REVIEW | VIA Rail Canada night train 15 ‘The Ocean’ from Halifax to Montreal.
9. QUEBEC | Meandering Montreal.