Idolem Hot Yoga - Griffintown

I attended the 10:30 AM hot yoga class at Idolem Griffintown and it was amazing! Our instructor was a friendly male who encouraged us to go at our own pace and took time to show us certain positions we were struggling with. I loved that the class was 60 minutes long, followed by 15 minutes of relaxation with a cold eucalyptus-scented cloth — so refreshing and calming. I really appreciate that all Idolem locations include this relaxation segment; it makes you feel cared for and fully zen. Highly recommend Idolem to anyone looking for an amazing hot yoga experience!

This is a great venue but a few improvements would go a long way. There is only 15min between classes which means there is absolute congestion in the locker room, lobby and hallway particularly in the winter when it takes everyone longer with taking off coats, layers and boots. Just an extra 5-10min between classes would alleviate a lot of this overcrowding which would allow for a more peaceful experience before and after class. A second issue is a lot of the lockers are slightly broken and therefore unlockable. A welder could fix the small bit of metal on the locks returning the lockers to usable in 2-3hours but they have not been fixed in years. Other than these issues the yoga classes are great! The room is always pre-heated and the atmosphere is excellent. Instructors are high quality and adaptable to bilingual needs.

I wanted to write a review about a few classes that I’ve had and how I left feeling more annoyed than properly relaxed. I’ve been coming to this studio for the past year pretty regularly and usually don’t have an issue but when you’re paying good money for these classes, certain unnecessary comments from one of the instructors doesn’t go unnoticed. I understand that there is a certain level of discipline and respect that needs to be had while teaching a class but if you’re telling people they cannot leave the hot room unless they have a medical reason that’s quite ridiculous. I wasn’t even the person trying to leave and was trying to meditate at the end of the class but because the instructor kept making passive aggressive comments to some people trying to leave I couldn’t relax properly and was actually more annoyed than anything. I come to these classes in hopes and leaving more relaxed and these passive aggressive comments are not it.

I wanted to share my experience to hopefully help others. I recently booked a class here and unfortunately had a really disappointing situation. I arrived just three minutes late due to bad weather (and the slot was only opened a short time before), but I was still not allowed in. There was no clear policy about this in their info, and I noticed a lot of other reviews mentioning the same issue. It’s frustrating because people were still inside changing. I really hope the studio can be a bit more flexible given the circumstances. It’s a nice place otherwise, but this experience was a letdown. Reply to the comment: Thank you for the response. I appreciate it. I just want to clarify a few points for anyone reading this: 1. There is no late-arrival policy listed anywhere on ClassPass or in the booking info. If the rule is strict, it should be shown before booking. 2. Based on other Google reviews, the cutoff time seems inconsistent. Some people were turned away after 3, 4, or 5 minutes, and my friend was even rejected for being only 1 minute late. It feels like it depends on the receptionist. 3. The weather was really bad that day. I spent extra money to get there on time and arrived completely soaked and covered in dirt, and still got told I couldn’t join because it was already a few minutes past. It felt very rigid in that situation. 4. I come here often, and I see people arrive on time but still finish changing or drink tea and then walk into the room a few minutes after class has already started. I also see people leave the hot room and then come back if they feel unwell. So the idea that nobody can enter or exit once class starts doesn’t match what actually happens, especially since my spot was already available and booked. I wasn’t trying to join a full class — I was simply trying to attend the spot I had already reserved. I respect the studio and the teachers. Clear and consistent rules would really help avoid situations like this.

Great location for hot yoga, the staff were welcoming and the establishment is very nice and aesthetic with many amenities! The session went very well !

Very disappointing first experience at Idolem Studio. I had a 7:30 PM hot yoga class booked on a snowy evening and my bus was delayed due to the weather. I arrived at the building right at 7:30 PM, but there was no clear signage for the elevators, and only a slow service elevator was available. Because of this, I reached the reception at exactly 7:32 PM. Despite explaining that it was my first visit, that the weather caused delays, and that I was only two minutes late, the staff member was extremely rude and refused to let me into the class. On top of that, I was charged for missing the class. I understand studio policies, but there was absolutely no flexibility, empathy, or basic customer service. For a wellness space, this was a very unwelcoming and upsetting experience.

Compared to other Idolem Studios, the Griffintown studio is very loud, not very clean and disorganized. There were no towels available anymore, and no options were suggested. It was noon, so clearly they didn't bother preparing their inventory ahead of time. The class itself was an even worse experience. The instructor's name was Gaby. Altho it was advertised as a "all levels" class, she created an unhealthy environment of competition and speed. Music was loud, intense, and she was speaking non-stop without giving any cues on when to pause/start poses. It felt chaotic and most yogis were not aligned their posture or timing. She didn't give students time to transition or understand what we were doing. She also gave no alternatives to beginners. Some even left the class before the end, discouraged. I am used to go to other Idolem studios, and it felt like her class did not respect the spirit of yoga. It was intense, loud, obnoxious and I went out more anxious than going in. I will not come back to this studio or her classes.

I have to say, I love the classes here — and the chef’s kiss? The cold towel they place on your forehead at the end. Such a nice touch! I’ve tried several classes and loved every single coach I’ve had. Thank you so much for the amazing experience!