When I mentioned my upcoming Montreal trip to friends and acquaintances last month, the standard response was: “Hope it’s not too cold!” Some people dread the city at this time of year, but I love it, particularly in the lead-up to the holidays, when the snow makes everything feel soft and quiet and the low-lit bars and restaurants glow with warmth.
Arriving soon after the first snowfall of the season, I spotted Maison Grinder’s gently illuminated blade sign from a block away. I love a good sign, and the hotel’s black-rimmed, Parisian-looking offering was, well, a good sign.
The 15-room boutique hotel opened this fall in a heritage building in Griffintown, a vibrant neighbourhood southwest of the downtown core. When my partner and I arrived, we were ushered into a hushed, tranquil atmosphere that was instantly warming.
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Why you should visit
Rooms that could otherwise feel dark and closed in are instead warm and cozy, thanks in part to good lighting and two large arched windows facing the street.MATDEROME/Supplied
Montreal-based hospitality firm Groupe Grinder, known for tastefully clubby steak and seafood restaurants Makro and Restaurant Grinder (both located on the ground floor of the hotel), has a well-honed moody, Tulum-inspired aesthetic. Maison Grinder – the group’s first hotel property – is a clear extension of the brand, but it also has a distinct feel.
Stepping into the (minute) entranceway off of Notre Dame West – the lobby is up a flight of stairs – I had the insulated, whisked-away feeling I get when I’m at a spa. (It’s worth noting that there is no elevator and the hotel is not accessible). Low light, flickering candles, black walls, spa smells and wood accents guide you up to a compact lobby off the landing. There, you’ll find a small desk surrounded by low-slung leather couches, wicker furniture and beaded light fixtures.
The rooms are up another short flight of stairs. Ours featured the same exposed brick, black walls, candles and natural materials as the rest of the hotel. Instead of feeling dark and closed in, the room was warm and cozy, thanks in part to two large arched windows facing the street (and plenty of lighting options). I was delighted to find fluffy bathrobes and a decent speaker.
Room for improvement
The ensuite in one room is separated from the rest of the space by an awkwardly placed black sink and vanity.MATDEROME/Supplied
The in-room breakfast, though a nice perk, is somewhat unexciting. The first morning, it arrived right on schedule at 9 a.m. (the earliest available option) and included Greek yogurt with berries and a few slices of banana bread. The second morning, we called down to reception when it became apparent that breakfast wasn’t coming. We were told that we were supposed to request each day’s breakfast separately – which no one had told us at check-in – and that they were out of banana bread. We did get some yogurt, though both times it was inexplicably served with a fork. There are coffee pods in the room, but a carafe of fresh drip would have been nice.
In our room, design seemed to occasionally take precedence over functionality. The ensuite is separated from the main room by a long black sink and vanity. However, with the sink facing the bed and the mirror on an adjacent wall, my partner had to awkwardly twist his body to shave.
Since you’re in the neighbourhood
Besides the calming design and boutique feel, the best thing about Maison Grinder is its industrial-turned-chic neighbourhood. Its proximity to the Lachine Canal, which stretches 14.5 kilometres from Old Montreal to Lake Saint-Louis, is nice for a morning run or walk, or in fairer weather, enjoying an al fresco lunch from nearby Atwater Market. The St. Henri and Little Burgundy neighbourhoods, both of which are worth exploring, are also a short walk away.
Standout farm-to-table restaurant Candide is among the excellent spots located near the hotel.EDOUARD PLANTE-FRECHETTE/Supplied
Great nearby restaurants include Candide, Liverpool House, Le Vin Papillon, Bar Otto, Foxy, La Bête à Pain and the highly acclaimed Joe Beef. If you’re looking for a special dining experience, farm-to-table restaurant Candide is a good bet. Located in an old church rectory, it has a set menu of inventive seasonal plates that changes monthly.
On this visit, we had dinner at Bar Otto, a cute Japanese spot with a punchy natural wine and sake list. I enjoyed the sashimi, gindara (miso and yuzu-marinated black cod) and mazeman ikura épicé (a brothless noodle dish with chili, cucumber and salmon roe).
Boucherie Grinder is located less than a block away from the hotel. Its main draw is high-quality meats and charcuterie, but we also found a nice selection of Quebec wines and ciders. Grab a local bottle to enjoy in the room (or on the rooftop terrace, weather permitting).
Maison Grinder’s rooftop terrace, with a view of the Montreal skyline.MATDEROME/Supplied
The take-away
Maison Grinder has a few small hitches to iron out, but the overall experience is pleasant and its potential as a great weekend escape is high. The stairs, later breakfast (I know a couple of sixtysomething early risers who would balk at the 9 a.m. start time) and overall vibe may skew toward younger clientele, but the walkable location, neighbourhood feel and proximity to excellent dining, shopping and art are in its favour. After a frenzied day running around the city, the soothing and stylish urban oasis is a fine place to unwind and rest your head.
Maison Grinder is located at 1730 Notre Dame W. Rooms start at $275. For views, ask for a room that faces Notre Dame West. Breakfast is included (remember to preorder it every day at the front desk). Valet parking is available upon request.
The writer was a guest of the hotel. It did not review or approve the story before publication.
