Hotels in Montreal

Getting around Montreal

Compared to other metropolitan cities of Canada, Montreal is one of the most pedestrian and bike-friendly. Not only can you walk to a vast majority of the attractions here, but there are over 750-kilometres of bike paths and affordable daily rentals. Also, the public transportation system is impressive. Take the metro subway from 5:30 am – 1:00 am (except Blue Line which is 6:00 am – 12.15 am) and wait less than 5 minutes between trains before 10.30 p.m. Pay $2.75 CAD for a single adult fare or buy the unlimited bus and metro card that lasts 24 hours from validation for $10 CAD.

Catch a Montreal festival

Montreal has festivals year-round. However, most peak during the early to mid-summer months. Some festivals change out annually, but ongoing festivals include the Just for Laughs street festival in June. The Festival Nuits d’Afrique is also another summer festival to try. For cinema screenings, catch the Festival du Nouveau Cinema from February – June.

Seasons in Montreal

Montreal is exciting to visit regardless of the season. Summer days see outdoor festivals, including the Jazz Fest concert. Neighbourhoods come to life and artwork is sold on the street in the summer too. Late fall brings out the ice skates and star gazing at Old Port of Montreal. Catch the lights and enjoy gourmet meals in the winter while attending the Montreal en Lumière festival.

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.

Find inspiration everywhere you go in the city of Montreal. For a taste of the historical areas, spend your day walking through the 18th century buildings in Vieux-Montreal, which have museums and shops. The Montreal Biodome is also a good place to visit when traveling as a family.

• For free adventures, walk through Old Montreal. Access the area by taking the Orange Line from the metro. Tour Parc du Mont-Royal, which is a 761-foot hill and one of the largest city parks in the country. Then, stroll through Jean-Talon Market to pick up ripe apples, gourmet cheeses, and fine meats.
• The Montreal Botanical Gardens have 10 greenhouses, each with a novel theme. You have over 185 acres to explore and over 22,000 species of plants. You could easily spend a half day here, but if you are in a time crunch, you can get through the park in 2 hours.
• Museums are plentiful throughout Montreal, including in the downtown area and Old Montreal. The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is the most prestigious one with their unmatched collection, while the Pointe-a-Calliere – Museum of Archaeology and History offers some insight into the history of Montreal.
• For adventure and thrills, stop and spend the day at La Ronde. La Ronde is on Ile Sainte-Helene and gives you a full day of heart-pumping rides to try.