Located at 5000 Rue Sherbrooke Est in Montreal’s east end, Hotel Universel Montreal places you directly across from Olympic Park — a strategic base for families and event-goers who want spacious rooms, free parking, and easy access to the Biodôme and Botanical Garden. This review draws on verified data from the hotel’s official site, major booking platforms, and guest reviews to help you decide if this property fits your Montreal trip.
Last checked: 2026-06-28
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Property name: Hotel Universel Montreal · Address: 5000 Rue Sherbrooke Est, Montreal, Quebec H1V 1A1 · Star rating: 4 stars / 3 Diamonds · Distance from city center: 6.2 mi · Free parking: Yes · Number of rooms: 230
How we researched this
Last checked: 2026-06-28.
Sources reviewed: official property website, Kayak listing, Expedia listing, TripAdvisor reviews, HRS listing, Travelocity listing, Trip.com listing, Yelp reviews.
No on-site visit, no staff interview, and no independent price verification were conducted. Ratings and amenities are based on publicly available data as of May 2026.
Snapshot: Hotel Universel Montreal at a glance
- 5000 Rue Sherbrooke Est, Montreal, Quebec H1V 1A1 — directly across from Olympic Park. (Hotel Universel Montreal official site)
- Expedia: 8.6/10 “Excellent” (2,794 reviews). (Expedia)
- On-site parking included at no extra charge — a rare find among Montreal hotels. (TripAdvisor features page)
- Heated indoor pool year-round, plus a seasonal outdoor heated pool. (HRS)
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Property name | Hotel Universel Montreal |
| Address | 5000 Rue Sherbrooke Est, Montreal, Quebec H1V 1A1 |
| Star rating | 4 stars / 3 Diamonds (varies by OTA) |
| Distance from city center | 6.2 mi (10 km) |
| Free parking | Yes |
| Number of rooms | 230 |
| Nearby landmark | Olympic Stadium (12 min walk) |
| Check-in / Check-out | 4:00 PM / 12:00 PM |
How Far Is Hotel Universel Montreal From Downtown?
Hotel Universel Montreal sits about 10 km (6.2 mi) east of the city center, in the Mercier–Hochelaga-Maisonneuve district (Kayak). That translates to a roughly 15‑minute drive to downtown Montreal without heavy traffic, and about 20‑25 minutes by metro from nearby stations.
Walking distance to Olympic Stadium
The hotel is directly across from Olympic Park, making it a 12‑minute walk to Olympic Stadium and even closer to the Biodôme and Montreal Botanical Garden (Kayak). Yelp reviewers frequently mention the convenient 10‑minute stroll to the Viau metro station, which connects to the city’s central line.
Drive time to city center
By car, you can reach downtown Montreal’s shopping and dining districts in about 15 minutes. The trade‑off: while you sacrifice walkability to Old Montreal and the Plateau, you gain free on‑site parking that can save $20–$40 per day compared with downtown garages. “The bottom line: If Olympic Park is your focus, this location is hard to beat; if you plan to spend most of your time downtown, factor in the commute.”
Getting to the hotel
- From Montréal-Trudeau Airport (YUL): ~25‑30 minutes by car via Autoroute 20; no direct shuttle.
- By metro: Viau station (Green Line) is a 12‑minute walk; Assomption station is slightly farther.
- Free shuttle: The hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to the metro and surrounding area (subject to availability, per HRS).
What Amenities Does Hotel Universel Montreal Offer?
Room categories and comfort
The hotel has 230 smoke‑free rooms. Several platforms describe them as clean and comfortable, though decor is basic. Kayak’s summary notes that some guests mention small room sizes and occasional maintenance issues like broken elevators. Yelp reviewers add that beds are relatively comfortable and the mini‑fridge works fine for a short stay.
On‑site amenities
Hotel Universel Montreal packs in more facilities than a typical mid‑range property: a full‑service spa, indoor heated pool, seasonal outdoor pool, sauna, on‑site restaurant and bar, and a snack bar/deli (Travelocity). Expedia gives special praise to the pool and helpful staff.
Free parking and Wi‑Fi
Both free on‑site parking and free high‑speed Wi‑Fi are included. Tripadvisor’s feature Q&A confirms that the parking lot is large enough for many vehicles and that this is a major advantage over downtown hotels.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total rooms | 230 |
| Star classification | 3‑star on Trip.com, 4‑star on Booking.com, branded as 3 Diamonds by CAA |
| Check‑in / Check‑out | 4:00 PM / 12:00 PM |
| Parking | Free, on‑site |
| Wi‑Fi | Free |
| Indoor pool | Yes, heated |
| Outdoor pool | Yes, seasonal (heated) |
| Spa | Full‑service spa on site |
| Restaurant / Bar | On‑site restaurant, bar, snack bar/deli |
| Shuttle | Free shuttle to metro and surrounding area (subject to availability) |
Pricing overview
Average nightly rates hover around USD 150 for standard dates, though prices can spike during major events at Olympic Stadium or Stade Saputo (Trip.com). This positions Hotel Universel Montreal in the mid‑range bracket — less expensive than downtown full‑service hotels but slightly above budget motels. The free parking and included Wi‑Fi add real value for drivers and families.
What guests like
- Free on‑site parking – rare in Montreal (Tripadvisor)
- Close to Olympic Park, Biodôme, Botanical Garden (Kayak)
- Indoor and outdoor pools, spa, and sauna available
- Staff praised as helpful and friendly (Expedia)
Common criticisms
- Rooms described as basic and sometimes small (Tripadvisor user review, 2013)
- Broken elevators and maintenance complaints appear on Kayak
- Restaurant food quality cited as slow or underwhelming by multiple guests (Tripadvisor)
- Noise from on‑site events can bother some rooms (Tripadvisor)
Is It Better to Stay in Downtown Montréal or Old Montreal?
Downtown Montréal
Downtown is Montreal’s commercial core, with the Underground City, major shopping (Sainte-Catherine Street), and nightlife. Hotels here are generally more expensive and parking fees can run $25–$40 per night. If your itinerary revolves around shopping, museums (Musée d’art contemporain), and the Bell Centre, downtown is more convenient.
Old Montreal
Old Montreal offers historic cobblestone streets, Notre-Dame Basilica, Old Port, and top restaurants. It’s the most tourist‑friendly area, but also the most expensive for accommodation and parking. Walking is the best way to experience it.
Hotel Universel Montreal’s location
Hotel Universel Montreal sits 6.2 mi east of both areas. Kayak reviewers note that while it’s perfect for Olympic Park attractions and Stade Saputo events, it’s less convenient for those focused on Old Montreal or downtown nightlife. The free parking and metro access mitigate the distance, but it’s a deliberate trade‑off. “The catch: you save on parking and room rates, but you add 15‑20 minutes of travel each way to central attractions.”
Who this hotel is best for
- Families: Spacious rooms, two pools, and free parking make it easy to come and go with kids. Proximity to Biodôme and Botanical Garden is a bonus.
- Budget‑conscious travelers: Free parking, free Wi‑Fi, and lower room rates compared with downtown hotels.
- Event visitors: Walking distance to Olympic Stadium and Stade Saputo for concerts, soccer, and sports events.
- Travelers seeking proximity to Olympic Park: The hotel is directly across the street, a clear advantage for anyone spending time at the park’s attractions.
Is 2 Days Enough in Montréal?
Yes — two days is enough to cover Montreal’s top highlights, especially if you use Hotel Universel Montreal as a base. Its location near Olympic Park and metro access lets you hit both the east end attractions and the historic core efficiently.
Day 1: Olympic Park and downtown
Start at the Olympic Park complex: visit the Biodôme (12‑minute walk), then the Montreal Botanical Garden. After lunch, take the metro from Viau station to downtown (15 minutes). Visit the Underground City, shop along Sainte-Catherine Street, and finish with dinner in the Plateau or Quartier des Spectacles.
Day 2: Old Montreal and Plateau Mont-Royal
Head to Old Montreal for a morning walk through Place d’Armes and Notre-Dame Basilica, then explore the Old Port. In the afternoon, ride the metro to the Plateau for a stroll up Mont-Royal Avenue or through Parc du Mont-Royal. Return to the hotel via metro in about 25 minutes.
Insider tip: The hotel’s free shuttle can drop you at the metro station, saving a short walk. Check availability at the front desk.
Our pick: Who should book Hotel Universel Montreal
Hotel Universel Montreal is a strong choice for travelers who value free parking, are attending events at Olympic Stadium or Stade Saputo, or are families seeking spacious rooms and pool access. It’s less ideal for nightlife‑focused visitors or those who want to be steps from Old Montreal. If your priorities align with the hotel’s strengths, the value is clear.
Frequently asked questions about Hotel Universel Montreal
Does Hotel Universel Montreal offer free parking?
Yes — the hotel provides free on‑site parking for guests, a feature that many travelers cite as a major advantage over downtown properties. Tripadvisor’s feature page confirms the parking is large and free.
How far is Hotel Universel Montreal from Montreal city center?
It is 6.2 mi (10 km) east of downtown Montreal. Driving takes about 15 minutes; the metro trip from Viau station to central stations takes approximately 20 minutes.
How many rooms does Hotel Universel Montreal have?
The hotel has 230 smoke‑free rooms, as listed on property descriptions across multiple booking platforms (hotelmontreal.net).
What is the address of Hotel Universel Montreal?
5000 Rue Sherbrooke Est, Montreal, Quebec H1V 1A1, Canada (official site).
Does Hotel Universel Montreal have free Wi‑Fi?
Yes — free wireless high‑speed internet is available to all guests. HRS and other sources confirm this amenity.
Hotel Universel Montreal delivers on its core promise: a clean, comfortable room near Olympic Park with free parking and a solid set of amenities. The distance from downtown is the main trade‑off, but for travelers whose plans center on the east end or who want to save on parking and room rates, it remains a practical, well‑rated option.