I will try to keep this simple and start with the positive. The unit is spacious and bright and the location is amazing, just outside of downtown. I had a top floor (#303) Note, no elevator. The management company provided clear access instructions. I was travelling alone with my child and booked 5 nights.
The unit itself is basic. Not much to clean with, no spices,
no shampoos etc, but I wasn't expecting it. It shows like a short term rental, not someone's home. Needs some TLC (walls and sofa especially) and a deep clean if you look close.
Unfortunately my trip took a downturn on the 4th day when two men entered my unit unannounced. I thought I was being robbed. Not knowing how to react to the situation, I went straight to them to confront them. They said they had a reservation. They proceeded to produce screenshots of the confirmation email and payment as well as the exact same entry code instructions that was sent to me. I called the property manager immediately. The men were using my phone as theirs were almost dead, but they did ask for a charger, to which I obliged and handed them a portable brick charger with cable. They remained in the unit and told me that they won't be leaving as its one of their birthdays and all of their friends are on the way. My daughter was so scared, she didn't move from a corner in the livingroom while watching me not be able to deal with her and the men at the same time. Horrible spot to be in as a parent. After about 20min of them in my space, I finally had enough and told the property manager that they need to remove these men and rectify the situation. Men stepped outside the unit door to the stairwell/hallway and continued to talk with the property manager. I peeked out 20min or so later and one was still there. Not long after that, I looked again and there was no one. (they left with my fancy charger) I was so shaken up, I didn't know what to do. I felt threatened and intimated and sent a text asking for instructions on how to change the unit door code. The only lock on the condo is a door handle that has a push button type code system. No additional lock inside. I was informed they couldn't change it that night. I asked them to please double check that it can't be changed as I didn't know how many people now had the codes for entry to the building and my unit. They said they couldn't, they need the building owner to arrange it, but it would be done Saturday. I didn't sleep until the sun came up as I was too afraid of someone entering my unit while we slept. Leaving wasn't an option as hotels were incredibly expensive and out of the way from where I needed to be Saturday. Saturday I asked what time they would be coming so that I could rearrange our last full day in Montreal. I didn't want to leave as my belongings were at risk and its very challenging to be out with a child and two suitcases on my own in the city. (Airbnb should require that door lock codes must be changed for every guest to ensure safety. It was then I realized all guests get the same codes, which is unsettling) They never came. My trip was ruined. Another sleepless night. I slept 4.5 hours in two days. I asked how to go about fixing this as my trip was horrible now. I lacked sleep for two entire days and was so paranoid. It was the most violating feeling and then I felt dismissed by the management company after speaking with them when I arrived home. To them it was an accident, to me, it was a very big deal.
I'd recommend the location and the unit if they would change the unit code for every guest and added an additional interior lock. But because of my experience, I have to rate it lower than its potential