Bota Bota, spa-sur-l'eau — Attraction in Montreal

I do not recommend this place at all. I took someone out for his birthday for what we were hoping would have been a much nicer experience. They did not put a note in my file, noting my guests birthday, when I was booking it. Upon arrival, there was a wait at reception, it was crowded and the receptionist was unconscionably rude, and unprofessional with no class. I was shocked!

The receptionist gave me attitude when my chip on my credit card didn't work, and rudely told me that I would have to show ID to use the pay pass. I told her I would like to try again or to swipe the card and then show my ID if needed. She answered me back and mocked me in telling me to show my ID then, while rushing me. I understand that ID was necessary with my chip not working (which was news to me) but the way she spoke to me with this request was nowhere near professional. As clients, we pay her salary and the salary of the employees of Bota Bota and it would appear the spa is doing quite well, financially. However, just because this spa seems to be doing well, it doesn't mean that Bota Bota should forget about customer service and kindness to their supposedly valued clients.

It gets worse. The whole point of taking my guest to Bota Bota for his birthday was for him to relax, while keeping it classy. However, with absolutely no care to this birthday gift for him, the receptionist ignored my reservation previously made, and flaunted the price in front of me and my guest. I even apologized to my guest for this, while mortified at this complete lack of decorum... towards us. The receptionist heard (and stared as us waiting for payment) that and didn't apologize nor show any care. Why does she work at Bota Bota I wonder? Do the clients not matter to this receptionist? What kind of staff do they hire, I wonder?

The 3 hour time limit for the water circuit, is not worth it. Yes, there is a magnificent view, but having to look and pay for parking downtown added to the costs (obviously), not to mention less of a 3 hour (it goes by fast) water circuit experience. This is because as a female, I had no time to blow-dry my hair as I chose the 3 hour spa time instead, and had to wait for a good 10 minutes for the restroom, as there are only 3 in the locker room. The locker room was jam packed and the lockers are half the size of a full body sized one. It is not enough space. There is a commercial vibe at Bota Bota, and it looks like money is the most important thing. They charge for sandals, and they do not provide them, nor do they provide apples, lime water, and green tea with unlimited time for the water circuit for the day, shy of closing time like the fantastic spa Scandinave does instead. Scandinave is just down the block in the Old Port, and it is amazing! I have been to Scandinave spa a few times and I miss it! We should have gone there instead!

After the 3 hour spa water circuit, I made an in person complaint to the manager. She apologized and said that she would talk to receptionist. However, no rebate was offered from what we already paid, nor were sandals offered, nor were any other rebates to entice us to return... were offered. Wow.

I highly suggest you go elsewhere and I am sorry to say that. But I would be lying, otherwise. If you want a relaxing and nice spa experience... I don't believe you will find it...

I really enjoyed my time at Bota Bota! I was kind of worried because I had read mixed reviews but I found my experience to be worthwhile:

The facilities were very clean and updated. Everyone was expected to shower before entering the saunas/pools, which I appreciated.

Three hours was plenty of time to fully enjoy the water circuit. My favorite part was probably the dry sauna with aromatherapy - one room had a fresh lime scent that was very relaxing.

Had a great deep tissue massage with Gabriel. He was very professional and kind.

I appreciated the no-phone/silence policy, which required no talking in the spa except in designated areas. Although there were sometimes very brief, quiet conversations (e.g., “Do you want to go to the next sauna?”), most people respected the silence policy. There weren't staff monitoring for noise, but if someone was talking loudly, a polite request to keep it down would likely be fine.

Fortunately, I didn't see any cell phones in the spa outside of the reception and one or two people checking their phones one last time before putting it in their locker. This is definitely a place that would be ruined by influencers and people who want to be influencers trying to turn the spa into the backdrop for an Instagram or TikTok reel, so I’m glad that guests like myself could enjoy a distraction-free environment without phones for a few hours. It was a great way to unplug and truly enjoy the spa’s relaxing atmosphere.

The food at the restaurant was tasty and seasonal but served as small plates and on the pricier side. The menu is extensive, but the atmosphere feels more suited to appetizers and drinks, with the best part being the dining experience right on the water. If you’re on a budget you could probably skip the restaurant, especially if you don’t like spending money on small plates.

I booked my reservation several days in advance and it took me less than 5 minutes to wait in line and check-in. I’d assume you’d wait longer as a walk-in and/or during peak hours. This probably isn’t a place I’d want to check out during its busiest hours, because it would feel more crowded and take a bit away from the relaxing atmosphere. I also visited on a summer day with great weather that was around 20 degrees Celsius. I am not sure what the experience would be like on a much colder day.

Two critiques: it would be nice to have a bathrobe option for more petite people (5'3" and under), rather than just one standard size. More importantly, the floor surrounding the indoor cold plunge stayed very wet, more than any other other areas, which could be a safety issue even with sandals on. Looks like a structural/design flaw but I think that’s something they should look into. That was the only area where I felt a bit concerned safety-wise.

Overall a really great experience, much better than anticipated. I definitely will be returning to Bota Bota in the future and recommending...

TLDR: Highly recommend this spa. Encourage following others' tip to book in advance and come first thing to avoid crowd. Even on a Thursday it was busy by 11am/noon. Know that Thursdays are social and talking is allowed.

Detailed review:

We did the black pearl package, including water circuit, massage, and facial. It was a good deal and highly recommend. My advice to Bota Bota, give the option to add on body scrub to facial - we would have done it. We asked but was told it wasn't possible.

We did massage at 9am open, and facial at 1:40pm. This was perfect. Gave us plenty of time in water circuit, time to have lunch, time to shower before facial so we didn't have to wash off product after. Didn't feel rushed. When booking, they wanted us to get facial at like 11:30 and I pushed back and asked for later time. Glad I did.

The design of the spa is pretty good. The locker room is a little on small side. Only two showers. Because of circuit timing, it's busy. The boat is nice, the garden is nice. I'd love to visit during colder months to better utilize some of the lounges and fire places. My partner commented on design of the spa and how it was nice. As a designer myself, I was a little bit more critical... But overall I did appreciate it.

My massage therapist and facial aestitician were phenomenal (full disclosure, first time for both). They talked me through process and really knew how to relax me, especially given how they could tell I was nervous for the experience. My partner did not enjoy his aestitician, but really enjoyed his cupping massage and wants to do it again!

The circuit is really choose your own adventure, unlike some bath houses with set, synchronous pools in defined orders. This has hot pools, cold pools/plunges, one regular/temperate pool in garden. I'm not convinced the hot or cold have varying temperatures. Just hot and cold. The saunas and steam rooms have some different aromas which I appreciated. We missed a river sauna, on the massage level basically in the restaurant. I recommend checking out all the circuit has to offer. There is really a wide variety of ambiences and you are likely to find a less busy pool if you just move around the venue.

The restaurant was good.. adequate maybe better word. Not life changing and on expensive side. Perfectly good for those like me who spent better chunk of day there and willing/understanding the food will be at a premium.

I would advise management to provide spa waters/infused waters throughout the circuit. Tap water from drinking fountain felt pedestrian and it seems like a really easy way to elevate the experience and encourage hydration.

I would encourage owners to expand and take better advantage of great views on the lot. There is a beautiful waterfall from the canal, that is totally blocked and not really in view of any pools. I believe an administrative building is taking the view.

Overall, definitely...