Kaydes and I stayed at Sonder Gare Saint Denis in Montreal, and it was one of those stays where the simplest pleasures created wonderful memories. From the cosy space to the convenience of the location, everything made our stay feel effortless and enjoyable. There’s something special about finding a place that feels like home, and this was one of those stays. Here’s a deeper dive into our stay, the space, and why I’m already looking forward to returning next year!
First Impressions
Arriving from Vancouver, I was immediately enchanted by the Victorian-style brick building. Dating back to 1880, its architecture reflected the timeless charm of Montreal. The building’s façade, with its intricate brickwork and historical character, set a delightful tone for our stay. In perfect contrast, I loved that check-in was handled via Sonder’s app. With door codes sent directly to my phone, there was no need to fumble with a physical key—a modern touch I truly appreciate as both a traveller and a mum!
Our only small hiccup came at the front door. It required a bit of a hard push to open, and for a moment, I thought I’d entered the wrong code. That tiny moment of panic – imagining us homeless for a second – quickly gave way to laughter once I worked it out. After all, mix-ups like these are part of the adventure!
Our Perfect Montreal Home Base
Stepping into our Sonder Gare Saint Denis studio room, we found it perfectly equipped with everything we needed. A comfy bed, a fully functional kitchen, and, most importantly, in-suite laundry! Since we were travelling with just a carry-on and had almost used up all our clothes, the timing was perfect. The in-suite washer and dryer spared us the hassle of finding a laundromat, which was a huge relief.
The room itself was impeccably clean and thoughtfully designed. The modern decor, with its soothing colour palette and minimalist furnishings, made the space feel inviting and tranquil. The kitchen, in particular, was a blessing. It’s always nice to have the option to prepare simple meals or snacks, especially when travelling with a toddler. We enjoyed slow mornings together, making breakfast and sipping juice, which gave the whole experience a homey feel.
We also took full advantage of the room’s streaming services. Our mornings were spent cuddled up watching Elementaland the new The Little Mermaid. These simple movie mornings unexpectedly became a highlight of our trip. Now, whenever those films come on, they instantly evoke the cosy, comforting feel of our Sonder stay.
Another awesome detail was the elevator – it spoke in French! I had almost forgotten that we were in a French Canadian province, so it was a pleasant surprise. Every time it spoke, I couldn’t help but smile and repeat what was said. These small touches made our experience feel even more authentic and special, adding to the charm of staying in a vibrant, French-speaking city. Kaydes didn’t seem too phased by it, but I found it delightful – a wonderful reminder of our surroundings and the local culture.
Cultural Heart of Montreal
Sonder Gare Saint Denis is perfectly located in downtown Montreal, right between the historic Old Port, the CHUM hospital, and vibrant Saint-Catherine Street. We were close to everything we wanted to see and do, yet the building was wonderfully quiet—a perfect retreat. The area’s lively atmosphere, with its mix of historic and modern elements, provided a rich backdrop for our stay. We felt incredibly safe the entire time, something that’s always top of my mind when travelling solo with Kaydes.
Montreal is rich in culture, and being near landmarks like Notre-Dame Basilica made exploring easy. We enjoyed strolling along Saint-Catherine Street with its lively shops and cafés, soaking up the local atmosphere. I had hoped to visit the Bota Bota spa as suggested by Sonder, but it wasn’t possible with Kaydes being so young. Instead, we explored other local attractions and went to the Biodome.
Why We Love Sonder
This was our first stay with Sonder, but it certainly won’t be our last. What sets Sonder apart is the consistency and ease of everyone’s stay. The app-based check-in, digital room codes, and absence of a traditional reception make the experience smooth and stress-free. The thoughtful design and attention to detail are evident in every aspect of the stay.
Sonder’s approach blends simplicity with sophistication. Each stay feels personalised and thoughtfully designed without being overwhelming. The little touches make a big difference. The in-suite laundry, fully equipped kitchen, and modern yet cosy decor made us feel right at home. After a day of exploring, it was wonderful to return to a space that felt as inviting as our own.
Until Next Time
Our stay at Sonder Gare Saint Denis was really amazing, and for anyone planning a trip to Montreal, this spot is perfect for families. The thoughtful amenities make travelling with kids effortless, and the location is ideal for discovering all the best the city has to offer. Whether you’re exploring historic landmarks or enjoying local dining, it’s a perfect base for your Montreal adventure.
I’m already counting down the days until we return to Sonder Gare Saint Denis. We may even rewatch Elemental or The Little Mermaid again and relive those cosy mornings. As Kaydes grows, these trips will become cherished parts of our shared memories, adding new layers to our story with each visit. If travelling with young ones, I have written some hotel baby-proofing tips here.
Have you stayed at Sonder before? What’s your favourite memory from your stay? Share your experiences in the comments – I’d love to hear about your own special travel moments!
Lore & Tempo is where motherhood meets adventure. I’m Ren – storyteller, explorer, and single mum in Wellington, New Zealand. I’ve been lucky enough to wander through 45 countries. 15 of them with my +1, Kaydes, either strapped to my front, on my hip, or running ahead on her own adventures. I created this space to share single parent life, travel tips, and the joy of exploring the world.
