east side hotels
I have stayed at a few hotels in the area and quality range requested by chercherfemmes. Hotel St. Denis (I think you are referring to the one just south of St. Catherine-I think there is another with a similar name) is ok. You do need to walk through narrow entry way past the reception desk. The hotel is nothing special but is clean with basic amenities, but I recall the rates being somewhat reasonable, around $100 per night, but this was two years ago. Hotel books up fast, but I do not think that it is ever listed on the web travel sites. You should probably call the hotel directly for reservations. The room sizes do vary, as some of the rooms have smaller layout with a stall type shower, no tub.
You may also consider Lord Berri, on Berri, just north of Rene Levesque. Probably a little overpriced for the quality, but the location is good. Hotel is large enough that there are always people coming and going. I have never had a problem there. Hotel seems to book up faster than it should. Rates usually $140+
Travelodge on Rene Levesque is less than a block west of St. Laurent, but really not far from the area you are considering. The quality is not so great based on size of rooms, but it offers basic amenities, and some of the lowest prices for the chain type hotels. No problem with guests, although you need room keycard for elevator after 10 pm or so. Large hotel, so even later guests are likely to be able to get on elevator when someone else is going up.
Better hotel for quality, but higher priced, is the Suites Faubourg, on Rene Levesque, a few blocks east of St. Laurent. These are apartment style rooms with full kitchen, living room, and bedroom. The hotel is less than two years old. They also have rooms with two beds and a kitchen, without the seperate living room. Rates usually between 150-200 per night. No problem with guests.