Royal Victoria College Residence
Staying at Royal Victoria College Residence was a surprisingly good experience for the price. Located just two blocks from McGill Metro and bus stops, it's incredibly convenient for getting around Montreal—perfect for students or budget travelers. The room is dorm-style with shared bathrooms, but the affordability makes up for it: we paid only about one-third of what other hotels charge. Our large room had two single beds, two desks, a spacious walk-in closet, and a small fridge—very functional for short stays. The main downside? No air conditioning. During a July heatwave, the first night was unbearable without fans—no units were available initially, and the room felt stuffy and hot. Luckily, we managed to rent two fans (one per person), which made a huge difference when pointed toward our beds. The windows had no screens, but we were lucky—no mosquitoes on the 5th floor. Facing University Street, there was some street noise, but it was manageable, especially with the fans running. The shared bathroom included two showers, one toilet stall, and three sinks with mirrors. There’s also a separate bathroom with a tub (though it looked rarely used), a sink, and another toilet. Despite sharing the area with a few other guests, we never had to wait for showers in the morning or evening. Towels, hand towels, washcloths, and a bar of soap were provided, though there was no daily towel refresh service. Overall, this was a solid stay given the low cost and unbeatable location. If I return, I’d definitely bring my own fans and mentally prepare for no AC—otherwise, it’s a great value option.
