Best places to stay in Montreal
Montreal is one of those cities where the creativity practically drips from the sky! The architecture, events, and local eateries offer a combination of French and English aesthetics with Montreal’s unique twist. Inventions are made daily in local kitchens, theatres feature innovative performances, and the urban art scene of the city makes walking tours a must for anyone visiting the area. When visiting Montreal, you have a few neighbourhoods to choose from, each with their own set of benefits to consider.
Downtown Montreal
Downtown is like most downtown areas, including the bustling office district with towering buildings, restaurants, and traffic. However, this part of Montreal does not empty once the clock strikes 5:00 pm. Instead, the city is vibrant, alive, and safe to explore. Hotels in the area conveniently connect via the underground passageway, so you can escape the weather and get to your hotel on foot. Two hotels in the area to try include Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain and Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, which reopens summer 2017 with a complete renovation.
Old Montreal
Take in the boutique shops, historic charm, and quaint little buildings of Old Montreal. Hotels here are smaller but still quite luxurious. You can catch a ride on a horse-drawn carriage, visit the Notre-Dame Basilica, and walk to the river district with ease. Enjoy a walk along the cobblestone streets and find your perfect stay at the Auberge du Vieux-Port.
Le Plateau Mont-Royal
If you want something artsy and almost funky with style, the Plateau Mont-Royal neighbourhood is where you want to be. Here you can stay at the Hotel Plateau Royale and enjoy a free breakfast with your stay. For a cozier retreat, book your room at the Hotel Anne Ma Soeur Anne, which is a small chamber hotel with just 17 rooms.
Griffintown
Griffintown is the blue-collar area of Montreal, but over the years has endured massive gentrification, creating an artsy, industrial-like vibe. Here you have quick access to public transportation, and you can stay at Hotel Alt Montreal.
Mile End
Mile End is part of the Plateau Mont-Royal but consists of 10 blocks of cafes, restaurants, and trendy boutique shops. The hotels here are equally artsy and fun, like Kutuma Hotel & Suites. This African-themed hotel combines artistic styling with cozy at-home like features and each room is uniquely designed.
Mile Ex and the Village
Mile Ex is an up-and-comer in the trendy neighbourhoods of Montreal. However, this area has some of the hippest locations in the city, and the Gay Village has after-hours clubs, cabaret shows, and fashion boutiques galore. Stay at the Hotel Le Relais Lyonnais or the Auberge Le Pomerol.
Cheap hotels in Montreal
Montreal does not have to be an expensive visit. In fact, you can find budget-friendly accommodations for under $100 CAD per night. The Hotel Travelodge Montreal Centre sits on Rene Levesque Boulevard West and has a centralized location. Walk to public transportation, restaurants, and visit most of Downtown by foot. The Days Inn Montreal East sits on Metropolitan Boulevard East. While not as centrally located, it offers an affordable stay and sits close to the Montreal Botanical Garden and the Olympic Stadium. To have a more luxurious, but affordable stay, you can try the Embassy Suites by Hilton Montreal. This hotel sits in the financial district and you can walk to the Port of Montreal, local museums, and check out the hottest nightlife.