Choosing Where to Stay in Montreal
If you’re visiting Montreal but unfamiliar with the city, choosing where to stay is an important decision to make, and one that can affect your experience significantly. Montreal is vibrant and diverse, with accommodations ranging from high-end boutique stays to budget-friendly options. Most hotels are located downtown and in the old part of Montreal, near the waterfront. Therefore, it is vital to understand your options and know the advantages and disadvantages before your stay.
Downtown
Montreal’s downtown is home to the majority of the city’s hotels. Well-known establishments include Hilton, Marriott, Delta, Fairmont, Holiday Inn, and Novotel. This area essentially covers the southernmost part at the base of Mount Royal, which is Montreal’s most prominent natural landmark. Conducting a little research will aid you in finding the best location with access to necessary amenities.
If you enjoy shopping or are visiting McGill University, staying near Ste. Catherine is an option. If walking to Old Montreal is a priority, consider one of the hotels along Rue Sainte Antoine.
Certain downtown Montreal hotels connect closely to the city’s Underground, which is a below-ground network of walkways filled with shops, restaurants, and convenient access to attractions and subway stops. Consequently, the Underground is especially useful during Montreal’s bitterly cold and snowy winters.
It is also essential to remember that Crescent Street boasts a lively nightlife, while the area where St. Catherine and St. Laurent intersect has developed a reputation as a less secure neighborhood.
Old Montreal
Address
414 Rue Saint-Sulpice, Montréal, QC H2Y 2V5, Canada
Phone +1 514-288-1000
There’s a certain charm about Old Montreal, a historical bubble within a modern cosmopolitan city. Much of Old Montreal remains preserved in its 17th and 18th-century state, featuring cobblestone streets, a magnificent central cathedral, intriguing public squares, and stunning heritage architecture that houses many upscale boutique hotels. Staying in Old Montreal offers a romantic and unique experience, complete with waterside views, horse-and-buggy rides, and lovely French cafés.
If a luxurious boutique stay seems out of reach, several chain hotels stand right on the edge of Old Montreal and downtown, providing competitive rates. Consider options such as the InterContinental or Hilton Embassy Suites.
The Plateau
The Plateau neighborhood is a vibrant and densely populated area known for its eclectic mix of hipsters, students, and young families. Rather than towering hotels, you will find delightful Victorian row houses with their iconic wrought iron spiral staircases. These buildings serve both residential purposes and house the neighborhood’s charming cafés and boutiques.
This area does not boast any significant high-end or luxury hotels, but you might have luck with vacation rentals. Consider platforms like Airbnb, Vacation Rentals by Owner (VRBO), or Homeaway.
Near the Airport
Address
800 Pl Leigh-Capreol, Dorval, QC H4Y 0A4, Canada
Phone +1 514-636-6700
Montreal has a busy airport located in Dorval, with at least a dozen hotels to meet travelers’ needs, including a Marriott conveniently situated within the Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport.
The airport, with the code YUL, is approximately 13 miles (20 kilometers) – or a 25-minute drive – from downtown Montreal. Staying at an airport hotel can make sense if you are passing through town, perhaps en route to Quebec City or Ontario. However, it may not be the most convenient option if planning to explore Montreal for more than a day.
