Modern to the max, the Hotel Monville gives a hip and stylish alternative to name-brand chain hotels. From the street level, the property gives a strong first impression, thanks to a grid of gray windows edged in L-shaped brackets of white. Inside, the lobby kicks the design up a notch with a soaring two-story space bordered in blond wood and anchored by thick black-and-white columns, giving a slight industrial vibe. Room-dividers in jet-black metal enhance that industrial feel as do splashy black-and-white photo murals. Seating here is ample, with mid-century modern Danish loungers, patchwork-print sectional sofas. But the most telling thing in this space could be the self-check-in kiosks that tip guests off to the Monville’s commitment to being high-tech. Another hint: the little R2D2-style robot by the service desk. This little guy, named H2M2, is sent on delivery errands to rooms. This lobby space flows into a central white-marble bar surrounded by brass and leather seats, and behind that sits a café with dining-in and takeaway options.

All of these conveniences—quick check in, robot deliveries, grab-and-go food—speak to the fact that the Monville’s primary clientele are business travelers that appreciate a hip atmosphere with their corporate bookings.

For business travelers, Hotel Monville’s biggest selling-point is that it’s a block away from the Montreal Convention Centre. It’s also a block away from the Montreal underground and the metro. But sightseers won’t be disappointed by the hotel’s location, either, as it’s equal distance between Downtown and Old Montreal. In the Old Montreal direction, guests can reach the cobblestone cuteness of this neighborhood in a five-minute walk. The Notre-Dame Basilica is nine minutes away on foot, and the Old Port with the Montreal Science Centre can be reached in 13 minutes.

In the Downtown direction, the MAC (aka Montreal’s museum of contemporary art) can be reached in eight-minutes on foot, and the Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral is a 15-minute walk. Academics, or just those that appreciate a pretty campus, can walk to McGill University in 20 minutes.

However, not everything is in walking distance. Reaching the base of Mont Royal park takes a 12-minute drive or 33 minutes on public transit. And the neighborhood of Mile End, with its hip bars, famed restaurants, and boutique shops, takes an 18-minute drive or 35 minutes on public transportation. Reaching Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport takes a full hour on public transportation or around 30 minutes by car.

The glossy, hip look of public spaces continues into guest rooms. White platform beds front accent walls paneled in blond wood, which contain soft recessed lighting. Space can be a bit tight in the standard rooms (210 square feet), but it helps that furniture is kept to a minimum with metal box-frame nightstands and writing desks paired with a single gray chair. But one place where furniture isn’t paired back is the beds—they’re all king size. Sinks can be set in the hall space between the door and the bedroom, splitting them out from the toilets and showers. Bathrooms are equally modern with concrete-gray tiles and slate gray sliding doors. All bathrooms have Oneka toiletries and rainfall showerheads.

Amenities throughout are fairly high-end for a mid-range hotel and include Nespresso machines, mini-fridges, safes, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, hairdryers, reading lights, and individual temperature controls. Suites add a second TV and bathrobes.

The hotel offers various Accessible rooms that give more space around beds and bathrooms to maneuver wheelchairs along with no-threshold showers and other adjustments. Suites also add more space in the form of separate seating areas plus many have incredible views. The star of these is the Monville Suite, with wrap-around floor-to-ceiling views of Downtown.

Features at the Monville cater to the business-focused, on-the-go crowd. The lobby’s bar and café serves a full cocktail menu and all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) plus takeaway snacks and beverages. Breakfast is usually an extra fee.

Check-in is generally handed by self-check-in kiosks, but a front desk team is still on hand to answer any questions or trouble-shoot technological hiccups. The hotel’s delivery robot, H2M2, can also be dispatched to drop off requested items at rooms.

The second floor and the twentieth floor have event spaces that can accommodate various gatherings in all kinds of configurations (theater, boardroom, banquet). There’s also an outdoor terrace that can be used for events in good weather. The second floor also holds gym with various Matrix machines (treadmills, reclining and regular bikes, steppers, a rower, and a spin bike) plus kettlebells, medicine balls, and free weights.

Concierge and laundry service are on hand. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. Valet parking is available for a fee, and pets are allowed, with restrictions.