We over-nighted in Montreal at the beginning and ends of the trip. We stayed at The Nelligan on the way out and at Le Petit Hotel on return. Both hotels are in the Old Port section of the city within a few blocks of each other, are housed in 19th century buildings and are owned and operated by the same company. The finishes, exposed stonework and bricks, beds and room features are nearly identical.
Of the two, the Nelligan is larger, more crowded and includes some very nice public spaces. There is a multistory atrium, a few private niches with tables and several over sized leather sofas. It also had a nice selection of cocktails and beers, including this Belgian.
Le Petit Hotel has a more intimate feel and a delicious (and complimentary) breakfast.
We took a stroll around the Old Port district when we arrived the night before our flight. Montreal had what appeared to be a solid 5 or 6 inches of snow on the ground. While pretty, the mix of snow, cobblestones and sub-freezing temperatures convinced us to retreat back to the Nelligan before it got too late.
The next morning, my wife and I enjoyed some banana and Nutella crepes as big as a child's shin.
