While staying in Old Montreal, you will come across various different styles of accommodation. Many of the top attractions can be found within walking distance of each other with subway stations only minutes away.

William Gray Hotel : Contemporary Hotel

We stayed 2 nights at the William Gray Hotel, which was the most modern one. Having recently opened it’s doors in summer 2016, the hotel is situated in the center of Old Montreal reuniting two historic buildings, while staying true to the historic nature and style.

From Sainte-Catherine Street, OTH opened a smaller boutique within the hotel, showcasing mostly Canadian or Quebec-based brands and product.

Steve Spazuk, the famous Quebecois artist who paints with fire (he uses the open flame of a candle on a canvas), also collaborated on the decoration of the hotel – adding a little more of that Montreal spirit.

There is also another interesting addition – Café Olimpico (touted as the best coffee shop in Montreal) was opened in the same building.

The common areas are beautiful designed, especially the living room, with dozens of suspended water drop light bulbs. You will also find a pool table and a small library where you can chill and hang out around a giant communal table, lit by a four-story glass atrium.

The rooms are contemporary, spacious, tastefully decorated and the bedding is really comfortable. The bathroom was a little smaller than the one we would have later in Montreal, but the balcony clearly makes up for that shortcoming!

Can you spot Loic on it, in the video ?

Maggie Oaks, is the name of the hotel restaurant, located in the main square in Old Montreal. It does step up the Place Jacques Cartier culinary game, far from the touristy one. When entering the restaurant from the hotel -you can see a glass wine cellar, and an impressive dry-aging room. A green wall allows the Chef to grow his own sprout and aromatic herbs.

Website : http://hotelwilliamgray.com/

Address : 421 Rue Saint Vincent, Montréal, QC H2Y 3A6, Canada

Tel : +1 514-656-5600

Hotel Nelligan : Stylish Hotel inspired by a great poet from Québec

This hotel has a lot of charm, despite its size; it feels like you are entering someone’s home and the staff will happily assist you with anything you may need. Émile Nelligan was a “cursed poet” from Quebec (generally seen as the starting point of the modern poetry from Quebec).

The theme also gave its name to the restaurant ” Verses “, an added value to hotel Nelligan, a sophisticated cuisine of French inspiration. As much as Verses evokes the tradition, “Méchant Boeuf”, is definitely more contemporary. With its visible bricks, custom-made cocktails and DJ set, the restaurant is located on the other side of the hotel.

The breakfast in our opinion is the only improvements that could be made (maybe a bagel from Fairmont Bagel would be a good option?). Obviously, it is very subjective. Potentially add an extra dressing gown hook too. With the exception of this tiny things, I don’t see how you could not enjoy your stay. We also got a package delivered to the hotel with no issue at all.

The spacious rooms are also decorated in the theme of poetic verses, with for some, a gas fireplace. All the staff genuinely helpful and friendly and that made us feel very at home there.

Make the most of the duo-jacuzzi bath and glazed shower to pamper yourself during March’s cold weather.

Don’t forget to head to the rooftop terrace for terrific views of the historic rue Saint-Paul and Notre-Dame Basilica as soon as it opens.

Website : http://hotelnelligan.com/accueil

Address : 106 Rue Saint-Paul O, Montréal, QC H2Y 1Z3, Canada

Telephone : +1 514 788 2040

Auberge du Vieux-Port : Spectacular views of the Old Port

Last but not least we also did spend two nights in Auberge du Vieux-Port. I think this was definitely my favorite one, I loved its vintage, cozy style, and the room had that kind of “storytelling magic”. It features huge windows overlooking the harbor, exposed beams and a telescope to suit the interior design.

Taverne Gaspar (the restaurant where you will also have breakfast in the morning) does get really busy in the evening but it is a really nice place to enjoy a drink before heading to the room. Their decoration makes you feel right at home and the staff are really friendly and dedicated. I read a few complaints about the noise while searching the Internet prior our arrival in Montreal. But, in my opinion, in a building such as this one facing the street, there is nothing outrageous or shocking about the noise level.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t enjoy the rooftop as it was closed due to weather.

We will definitely stay here again when we come back to Montreal. Enjoying a balneo bath after a long day under the falling snow will be something i wouldn’t mind doing again.

After trying the breakfast on the first morning, I was already looking forward to the next one (I do love breakfast time!). And at Auberge du Vieux-Port you can’t go wrong with any of the things on the menu – my favorite one being the Apple Cheddar Crepe, unusual but delicious. Around breakfast time you can hop across the street and fall on some of the longest trains i have seen, with more than 100 cars.

Website : http://aubergeduvieuxport.com/accueil/

Address : 97 Rue de la Commune E, Montréal, QC H2Y 1J1, Canada

Telephone : +1 888-660-7678

In a nutshell:

Hotel Nelligan

Telephone : +1 514 788 2040
Address : 106 Rue Saint-Paul O, Montréal, QC H2Y 1Z3, Canada
Website : http://hotelnelligan.com/accueil

Auberge du Vieux-Port

Telephone : +1 888-660-7678
Address : 97 Rue de la Commune E, Montréal, QC H2Y 1J1, Canada
Website : http://aubergeduvieuxport.com/accueil/

Hôtel William Gray

Telephone : +1 514-656-5600
Address : 421 Rue Saint Vincent, Montréal, QC H2Y 3A6, Canada
Website : http://hotelwilliamgray.com/

To reach the city center :From the airport, you will find the usual types of private and public transport available.

Taxi : Between 30-40CAD, for a 30-40 minutes drive. The minimum charge is 17CAD.

Public Bus : As always, the cheapest option. 3.25CAD – valid for 120 minutes. Walk to the Dorval Railway Station, or take the bus 204. Then take the 211 to Lionel Groulx station where you can join the metro.

Car : If you do want to rent a car, you might find better deals downtown.

Shuttle bus : 747 Express, going to the city center via all main Hotels.

Itinerary here : http://www.stm.info/en/info/networks/bus/shuttle/line-747-east

10CAD / 40 minutes, coming with a 24H pass good for any metro and bus on the island.

Train : If going to Ottawa or Toronto for example.