Alexandrie Hostel

If you are looking for a laid-back hostel in a big city like Montreal then Alexandrie Hostel is a good place to stay. It´s a fairly old building which looks a bit shabby from the outside and sleeps about fifty people.

The Location

The hostel is situated on the junction of Rue Amherst and Rue Robin in a poorer, gay area from Montreal. So if you are a guy and walk in alone at night time you may get some breathed kisses. To walk to downtown and old Montreal will take about thirty minutes. To climb Mont Royal will add additional fifteen minutes but this is worthwhile. From the top of the "Mountain" you will have a spectacular view over the city. The Berri-Uqam Metro station and the bus depot are about ten minutes away from the hostel (follow Boulevard de Maisonneuve to the east and you will hit Rue Amherst and then go north). Free parking is just around the corner but since Montreal has one of the highest crime rates in Canada, leave nothing visible in the car. Shops, bars, restaurants, and clubs are nearby and you can buy beer/wine in grocery stores on the other side of the street.

Rooms and Bathrooms

There are single, double, and quad rooms, as well as dorms (for six to eight). The dorms have lots of space and there is enough room for luggage. You will get free linen and sheets for the bed and a very good free breakfast in the morning (bread, toast, marmalade, honey, juice, fruits, coffee, tea, milk). The rooms, the kitchen, and the bathrooms are all clean and tidy but the outside looks a bit rundown and needs a general overhaul. There is a shortage of showers and you may have to wait in line in the morning. Security seems to be very good with locking doors for each room and the hostel itself.

Common Spaces

There is a huge common area with couches, chairs, and tables, a TV, and a stereo system. You will find another huge common area in the basement where you can party without disturbing other guests at night time. The hostel has internet and free wireless with a good connection. The kitchen is well equipped with everything you need to prepare your food. If you want to do your laundry you will have to wait until eight at night, which is a bit annoying.

Summary

This hostel is a good place to stay for a night or longer. The owner (who is bilingual) is very helpful and will point out the good spots in town. It looks a bit rundown but has a good atmosphere and the staff will introduce newcomers to the people hanging around. It is clean, tidy, and secure and in a good location to explore Montreal.

— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
June 2009