Close to everything, yet an experience unto itself, the W Montreal was my first foray into the W brand. I went in with unusually high expectations that ended up met or surpassed.
I expected swanky and got it. The entire hotel has the vibe of a converted nightclub. Going into my room, I was stunned to see a mini-bar that was art unto itself. Snacks beyond the usual peanut-and-cracker-fare and full bottles of Jack Daniel’s, along with supplies to make your own martini. I was initially dismayed to have a shower where I couldn’t adjust the head. Silly me. It’s a “rainforest shower”, a delightful experience.
The hotel houses Away Spa, which offers facial, body, and massage treatments. I received the best massage of my life from Melanie Dolron, who asserted that she gives clients a treatment “how [she] would like to be massaged”. An excellent philosophy, to be sure. I was told by the spa manager, Teresa Mastrogiacomo, that all of the spa’s therapists are at a matching level.
So named because it is the eighth of Montreal Gourmet‘s restaurants, Ristorante Otto‘s menu is diverse and seasonal. When I was there, I started with the tuna tartar, had the black cod for a main and indulged in gelate and budino for dessert. In every dish, the sauces and temperature all balanced out for complementary courses, resulting in a very satisfying meal. With its focus on quality and being on top of the latest food trends, Otto is much more than just “the hotel restaurant”.
I hope to have the chance to get back to a W soon, because it’s clear the pride that they take in their brand. If you get the chance to stay at the W in Montreal, don’t neglect to balance the history you can find outside (such as Notre-Dame Basilica andOld Montreal)with all of the modern amenities that you have within the W itself.
