Originally Posted by
Cedar Jet
Hi just bumping this thread.
I'll be in Montreal the week before Christmas and have read that the area around the Hyatt Place Hotel is full of vagrants. Is it better in that regard during the winter due to the chilly weather with the homeless perhaps seeking shelter. Is it a safe area? Also, I read the old entry above pointing out mid summer is different to winter in Montreal with lots of places closed up so staying in Old Town isnt really as nice as staying in summer-making the Hyatt Place not too bad a choice?
I personally recommend staying in the Plateau. It's a great neighborhood - lots of great shopping, restaurants, and bars, along with beautiful architecture and easy Metro access. Plus it's an easy walk to Parc Mont-Royal and even downtown. You won't find international hotel chains there, but there are plenty of small, boutique properties. I personally recommend this place - it's sort of on the edge of the Plateau, but it's comfortable and quiet, the staff is lovely, you're right by the Metro, and it's a two-block walk to St.-Denis. I've stayed there many times:
https://www.hotel-chateau-argoat.com/en/
I personally would avoid the area around Ste.-Catherine in the Village. It's not unsafe, but it does have a lot of homeless/bum/druggie activity. They generally won't bother you, but they do make it less of a pleasant neighborhood to walk around in.
Montreal is one of my favorite cities, so please feel free to ask if you'd like detailed recommendations!