Montreal Experience

[Freda 0]

Ok, I just wanted you all to know I just had a visit with the guy Eric I mentioned and his boss the manager of the Days Inn here in Montreal. They both have been wonderful. Some one had called him and told him he needed to see this post. So he read it and was extremely disappoint by what was said and how I was treated. I explained to him the details and he was more than apologetic. So I have to say the Days Inn here in Montreal is an exception. If you have to come to the city I would recommend you stay here and keep your eye out for Eric and Olivier. They are wonderful men. And have really helped to make a otherwise unpleasant day a bit brighter.

[Freda 0]

I just wanted to clarify I am from Canada I grew up in Nova Scotia and we also have our share of french speaking people. I can speak a very limited amount of french. I drove into and around this province with a Nova Scotia license plate so in all fairness it's wasn't like I was some foriegner ( not that, that should give anyone to be rude). I am not trying to make this a platform for a rant or play politcs like most of us english/ french Canadians so enjoy. I was just trying to post my experience and if it helps anyone be more prepared to come then good. I guess at the age of 36 it was time for the rose color glasses off and realize as a country Canada will always be divided by this french/ english drama. But we all still Canadians and shouldn't we atleast try and remember that. Not to mention do onto others as you would have done onto you.

[SENKA 0]

Ok, I just wanted you all to know I just had a visit with the guy Eric I mentioned and his boss the manager of the Days Inn here in Montreal. They both have been wonderful. Some one had called him and told him he needed to see this post. So he read it and was extremely disappoint by what was said and how I was treated. I explained to him the details and he was more than apologetic. So I have to say the Days Inn here in Montreal is an exception. If you have to come to the city I would recommend you stay here and keep your eye out for Eric and Olivier. They are wonderful men. And have really helped to make a otherwise unpleasant day a bit brighter.

It's good to hear that at least someone was pleasant and nice to you. I also stayed in Day's Inn in Vancouver and had nice experience with the service and staff.

[iceyspots 0]

I've always had a wonderful time in montreal !!

[cdngirl06 0]

I'm sorry you had such a rough time here in Montreal... Personally, I love this city and will really miss it when I move (although I love Boston too, and my fiance even more!). I've had a few bad experiences in other towns, but I usually find my next visit, or even the next day, is much better. I hope you'll give Montreal another chance!

[Sharon 1]

You just had a real crappy experience, unfortunately Freda....

I'M a Montrealer, well was for 44 years before I came here and oddly enough, I never encountered anyone like that. I'M not like that. Even my hubby who is American and speaks no French says that he had absolutely no problem every time he visited me - the people realized he couldn't speak French, then they'd simply switch to English.

Unfortunately, you don't know the city that well either. If you had, you might not have chosen the Days Inn. (on Guy St. right?) It's a bad part of town down there at the end where that motel is. I'm not surprised your car got broken into. Unfortunately tho, car break-ins DO happen anywhere you go.

And just as there are breakins anywhere, there are people who have unfortunate experiences such as yours.

Thank God tho, that Montrealer that I am, I know better than to compare a few people to the other MILLIONS in and around the city....lol...and know that one or two pages does NOT a book make!

I Montreal!

That said, congrats on getting your visa.

See? I didn't speak French, spit OR act rudely either! And GASP! I'm from

MONTREAL!!!!

Imagine that.

[Freda 0]

As I posted repeatedly I am not saying all Montrealers. I have tried and tried to avoid offending anyone and not try and sound like a few people speak for all of Montreal. I don't think that not being from a place gives people a right to treat anyone with disrespect. I realize people are busy and all that but don't they know being helpful takes no more energy than swearing and honking your horn at them? And at the end of the day you may even get a small amount of pleasure from it? All am saying is Montreal was not a pleasureable experience for me and wouldn't not return anytime soon. And as said it's not a nice part of town. Well since this is where we all have to be for this process. The hotel is located on the same street as the consulate. Just out the door and straight up Rene-Levesque Boul. Then maybe it's a good thing to post here so others will know it's not a great part of town. But as I recall the hotel recommended on the board here is just across the street I assumed that this one being just up the street would be just as good.

[Cristy 4]

I have heard the same. Even my friends and family living there say the same thing. Glad you got it sorted out with the hotel and congrats on your visa.

[Cassie 8]

Sorry you had a rough time in montreal, I've had nothing but decent times there.

But glad to hear you got your visa! Congratulations on that.

[incanada1234 0]

I've lived in Canada for almost 4 years now and I can honestly say I've never heard even ONE good thing about Quebec. And now after reading about your experience, I wish we didn't have to go there at all.

[wally 0]

well, my experience in Montreal was a good one. Sure, the driving is brutal around there but it's got to be the culture. We also stayed at the Day's Inn and I'm not sure why you were charged so much for parking, we parked underground and it wasn't near as much as you did. We tried to try out our 'school' French on whoever we could but most people spoke English.

I'm sorry you had a rotten visit. Just the stress of the interview is rough enough. Montreal/Quebec really is quite beautiful and it's too bad most people make only flying visits and can't stay to see the rest of it. I went to the Jazz Festival a couple of years ago....amazing.

[Canuck Carrie 1]

I'm sorry your time in Montreal isn't that great

Unfortunately, the area around you isn't the best. You're downtown, with a lot of street kids, homeless and crime. It's also a pretty much french only speaking area, other parts are more english. I've spent lots of time in that area over the years without a problem but when I went back for my interview I was amazed at it's downfall.

You aren't too far from Old Montreal, take a walk over there and enjoy yourselves a little.

And yes, Montrealers are known for their 'driving' (if you can call it that)

Edited June 9, 2006 by Canuck Carrie

[bcmcfish 0]

well... if it makes you feel any better (which i doubt it does), my sister-in-law and her husband got their car stolen when they went for their visa... so my wife and i have decided not to bring anything that isn't absolutely necessary...

[hockeygal 0]

I'll take the driving in Montreal over the driving in Vancouver anyday!

[SENKA 0]

I've always had a wonderful time in montreal !!

Perhaps because you most likely speak French