The Hotel De l’ITHQ is located in a slightly run-down, somewhat bohemian area of Montreal, an area that also features many cheap fast food type restaurants, although one or two quality restaurants can still be found nearby. It is approximately 25mins walk from any sites of interest.
The first challenge with the hotel was finding its entrance, the design being more akin to a bank’s security door (c/w ships port holes, see photo) rather than a welcoming hotel establishment…very strange.
We had booked a room with 2 large double beds but were allocated one with 1 medium sized double bed and 1 ‘drop down / Murphy’ bed which, if it had been used, would have severely compromised the available floor space. At extra cost we upgraded to a room with a king sized bed.
The reception staff were all very friendly, although some were more efficient than others.
Unlike many hotel establishments in North America, the bedrooms are light and modern and feature a balcony. That said, the balcony afforded zero privacy from the one next door as there were no external dividers.
The A/C in the room was noisy and not very effective and, on occasions, had a mind of its own.
Perhaps the worst aspect of the hotel was breakfast. Weekdays it is claimed to be served between 7am & 9am - so no long ‘lie-ins’ for tourists - but if you arrive after 8.30am you are met with disapproving looks by the surly waiting staff and little in the way of food remaining on the buffet. At its best when fully stocked, the buffet choice was extremely limited and the quality very poor. Even though breakfast was included in our room rate, we were still charged an extra C$6 for a small, weak & luke-warm cappuccino.

Loved this hotel right near the university. The room was very clean and comfortable, especially the beds, and there was a little balcony with a table and chairs so we could sit outside and enjoy the views of the city while snacking, etc. The decor is modern and pleasing to the eye. We were pleasantly surprised by an elegant buffet breakfast in a beautiful dining room with tablecloths and flowers at all the tables. So pleasant after those chain motel breakfast? offerings with little plastic containers of cream, jam, etc. Not here. All china and glassware. Elegant and a great way to start the day. We are recommending this hotel to all our friends/family who are planning a visit to Montreal.

We started our trip here and loved it. We found the queen bed a little small, but got used to it.

We stayed in a nicer hotel later, but found the location of the ITHQ was much better.

The street is great. Trying heading right (towards Mile End and away from downtown) and you’ll find plenty.

The restaurant hall is very high-end and feels luxury. The breakfast staff are polite and very professional.

Someone told us the front desk staff are all students, doing this for a bit of career experience. This tracks with their ages, and is impressive if so. Most of them – the manager especially – were very accommodating and switched on.