Auberge du Vieux Port

Auberge du Vieux Port in Montreal, a distinguished Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise from guests for its unique blend of historic charm, prime location, and exceptional service. It's often described as a quintessential Old Montreal experience, offering an intimate and luxurious stay.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for Auberge du Vieux Port is overwhelmingly positive, with many guests rating it as "excellent". Review scores highlight its prime location (9.7/10) and the outstanding staff performance (9.5/10). Guests frequently use terms like "charming," "beautiful," "fantastic," "delightful," and "best stay ever," indicating a high level of satisfaction and a romantic, cozy ambiance.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Auberge du Vieux Port:

• Service & Staff: The staff is frequently praised for being "over the top helpful," "fantastic," "smiling, pleasant," "kind," "accommodating," and "exceptional," often going above and beyond to assist guests.
• Location: The hotel boasts an "incredible" and "perfect" location in the heart of historic Old Montreal, directly across from the Old Port and Saint Lawrence River. It offers easy access to major attractions and a picturesque riverfront setting.
• Design & Ambiance: The hotel's "rustic charm" and "old-school charm" are major draws, featuring exposed brick and stone walls, original wood floors, and antique furnishings that evoke a sense of history. The lobby, with its large stone fireplace and velvet sofas, is particularly noted for its cozy atmosphere.
• Amenities: Highlights include a popular seasonal rooftop terrace offering panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and Old Port, quality in-room amenities like Nespresso coffee makers and Le Labo bath products, and comfortable bedding. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Auberge du Vieux Port are described as elegant, thoughtfully appointed, and comfortable, blending timeless character with modern conveniences.

• Description & Design: Rooms often feature exposed brick and stone walls, old wood or pine floors, and antique furnishings, including distinctive wrought-iron king beds. Some rooms offer charming casement windows that open, with many boasting desirable views of the Old Port and Saint Lawrence River.
• Comfort: Guests consistently rave about the "extremely comfortable" beds, often mentioning luxurious Marie L'Oie bedding sets, down comforters, and plush pillows, ensuring a restful sleep. Rooms also include premium Frette Italian sheets and plush bathrobes for added comfort.
• Bathrooms: Spacious bathrooms feature exposed brick, pedestal sinks, and modern multi-jet showers or rain showerheads. Many are stocked with exquisite Le Labo toiletries. Premier Rooms may also include jetted tubs. Loft suites, located in a separate building, offer kitchenettes and some have wood-burning fireplaces.

4. Dining Experience

Auberge du Vieux Port provides appealing dining options, both on-site and in an attached establishment.

• On-site Restaurants: The hotel features Taverne Gaspar, serving local cuisine with a Quebeçois-French flair, open for breakfast and dinner. The attached Pincette Lobster Bar on St. Paul Street also offers a coastal rustic charm with delicious lobster dishes.
• Breakfast: A breakfast is served every morning, and many guests describe it as "delicious," "plentiful & good," and "high quality." While some sources indicate a complimentary full breakfast, others suggest a cooked-to-order breakfast is available for a fee (around CAD 19 per person). Options often include hot meals, continental items like pain au chocolat, and dishes with Canadian maple syrup.
• Rooftop Terrace: The seasonal Terrasse sur l'Auberge is a popular spot for snacks and cocktails, offering phenomenal panoramic views of the river and Old Port.

5. Service & Staff

The service at Auberge du Vieux Port is a consistent highlight, frequently cited as one of the hotel's strongest assets. Guests describe the staff as "friendly, efficient," "over the top helpful," "fantastic," and "exceptional". They are noted for being "always smiling, always pleasant" and able to seamlessly switch between English and French. Concierge services are available, and the 24-hour valet parking team is praised for their assistance.

6. Location & Accessibility

The hotel's location is almost universally praised as "incredible" and "perfect" for exploring Montreal.

• Neighborhood: Situated directly on the Old Port, it offers picturesque waterfront views and is immersed in the historic ambiance of Old Montreal.
• Attractions: Guests are within a short walk of numerous key attractions, including Jacques Cartier Square (1 minute), La Grande Roue de Montréal (3 minutes), Notre Dame Basilica (5 minutes), Place d'Armes (5 minutes), and the Montreal Science Center (5 minutes).
• Transport: Public transportation is easily accessible, with Champ-de-Mars and Place d'Armes subway stations both a 9-minute walk away. The hotel is about a 30-minute drive (20.7 km) from Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL). Valet parking is available for $55 per 24 hours with in-and-out privileges.

7. Value & Pricing

Auberge du Vieux Port is generally considered to offer "exceptional value for money" for a luxurious and charming experience in Old Montreal. While prices can vary significantly depending on the season, with January being the cheapest month and September the most expensive, the average price per room is around $299, which is higher than the city's average of $239, reflecting its boutique luxury status. Typical weeknight prices hover around $251, with weekend nights averaging $320.

8. Common Complaints

While largely positive, some recurring criticisms include:

• Noise: Rooms facing St. Paul Street or those near the rooftop terrace can experience noise from nearby restaurants, bars, and the terrace, particularly during warmer months. Older reviews also mentioned potential noise from freight trains or footsteps from upstairs neighbors due to hardwood floors.
• Elevator: The hotel's single elevator is often described as "tiny" and "slow."
• Air Conditioning: In some instances, the AC has been noted as struggling to keep up with warm outside temperatures.
• Loft Suites Accessibility: The apartment-style "Loft" accommodations are in a separate walk-up building without elevators, which could be an issue for guests with mobility concerns.
• Breakfast Timing: While generally good, some guests have found breakfast service to be slower than anticipated.
• Parking: Valet parking is the only on-site option and comes with a daily fee of $55.

Sources

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