Hilton Bonaventure

This place was a huge win for the duration of our trip (myself, fiance and daughter) and put us right in the heart of the action, as we made the seven-hour drive from Northeast Pennsylvania to see a concert at the Bell Centre (home of the Canadiens) just two blocks from Hotel Bonaventure. The room size was more than adequate and the overhead shower was heaven; we really enjoyed the bathroom setup and ease of finding light switches and outlets, and the fridge and TV helped us settle in a little more during down time and post-meal. There was a nice but slightly-obstructed courtyard view, for privacy purposes, that encouraged you to find new ways to enter the stone walking path that weaves throughout the pond and garden area. We had breakfast (not usually included) one morning and the buffet was the way to go. Valet parking and elevators directly to the tenth floor lobby made things easier than most major city hotel stays, and staff at the front desk were extremely accommodating and simplified things for a quick check-in and any needs during our stay (convenience bar has a quality variety of drinks, snacks and sandwiches). What impressed us the most was the rooftop terrace featuring a pool, two hot tubs, a sauna and bar (drinks, apps and entrees available throughout their lengthy pool hours) but also many large trees. I didn't ask about their root structure or how they vaulted them up ten floors, but it’s neat and totally sets the stage for a resort-style vibe atop an iconic city highrise.

By no means is this a sophisticated or upscale hotel. Everything is quite outdated and the lobby area is not particularly memorable. It attracts a rather odd crowd, and it’s fairly offputting to see people walking around in bathing suits and no shirts at the restaurant which is supposed to be a “nice” place. Sure, the pool is a nice feature but it gets crowded and is a bit claustrophobic. The view from our room was essentially nonexistent and the fridge in the room didn’t work and was leaking. Parking is not included either.

I am torn with this review. And I rarely write reviews as one can tell from my profile. We travel frequently and things happen. With two young children, you learn to go with the flow. The hotel itself is well located and the outdoor pool is wonderful. The room service however was indescribably bad. We don't typically order room service but were exhausted from a day well spent at the pool. We ordered the Portuguese chicken, pizza, chicken fingers and macaroni. As expected the service charges and delivery were exorbitant ($50 on a $100 actual food charge ) which again we were prepared for. What we were not prepared for was the quality of the food which to be frank was inedible. We basically sent it back practically untouched. The staff at the pool and check in were lovely although I was surprised how understaffed the pool was for the pool bar given the number of people who utilize the pool.