emma69

For 2 female friends coming in to town for 3 nights. Am at a loss, there seem so many options, but I don't have many first hand sources to go on. Several have suggested Old Montreal, but anyone have any thoughts? Would rather be walking distance to things, but 'walking distance' easily includes 20 minutes of so walking time. Advice greatly appreciated!

A few that have been suggested include Hotel Nelligan, Place D'Armes, St Paul and St James. But the person recommending doesn't actually know me (friend of a friend!) and I have no idea what he considered 'good'!

(And while we are at it, Quebec City suggestions also welcome!)

Ericka

I've been to Le St. James in Old Montreal. Mostly a good experience. The hotel is lovely. I have a trip report on this board from last year.

MtlChris

I'll second St-James in Montreal for you, I believe the only "luxury" hotel. The others you mentionned are mostly "boutique chic", not luxury per se.

In Quebec City, Auberge Saint-Antoine (especially their specialty suites) is lovely and probably your best choice. The Fairmont could work, if you're more into "old world" settings, but the general hardware show it's age.

nba1017

Agree that St. James is by far the most luxurious choice in the area. However, it may be a bit stuffy for your friends' tastes.

From personal experience, I can vouch for the Place d'Armes being very nice, if more a four-star boutique than a genuine luxury property. Their so-called 'penthouse suites' are quite nice though. They generally go for around ~$600usd.

FlyerEC

(And while we are at it, Quebec City suggestions also welcome!)[/QUOTE]

While we stayed at a good / well regarded hotel in Montreal , I will stay at another even nicer one on a next visit so will not comment for now.

The last time we were In Quebec City we stayed onboard ship. But have done the touristy bit in the early 90's - really enjoyed our stay at Chateau Frontenac
Not sure what the rooms are like now but ours was very comfortable back then & had a spectacular view of the St Lawrence River and beyond. Bear in mind though , the throngs of visitors in the public areas - seems a lot more when we were returning on the cruise visit .
It was a good base , easy exploring the old town and drive out to the countryside & islands.

ABG

Sofitel is best option on Sherbrooke Street..... St James is the best for Old Montreal, but limited choices with two beds for people who want to share a room. Nelligan and Place D'Armes are very similar and more than fine. I personally would take saint sulpice with a room facing the garden, but again, limited two bed options besides a sofa bed.
St. Paul is really showing its age and would not come on my list.

In Quebec City, Auberge St Antoine with its new GM is my personal fav

emma69

Thanks for the help folks! I will do some more investigating. I am also trying to recall if my friend is a wriggly sleeper or not - we've known each other since we were tiny, so no qualms sharing a bed (provided she doesn't wriggle! ) which may open up a few more options - 2 would be better of course, but 1 big bed better than someone having to take a sofa bed!

To the person who mentioned Sherbrooke Street - would that be a reasonable tourist base - rather than on business? I really am not terribly sure of what is where!

ABG

Sorry for the late reply.... Sherbrooke is the grand dame of montreal streets. Home to our Holt Renfew and countless high end apartment buildings. Easy access to the Mount Royal Park and the downtown shopping centres, restaurants etc. Old Montreal is certainly more touristy, but it has the historical charm. Many quality dining options around and shopping is more independant retails stores. In the summer, there is no wrong choice. However, Sofitel is still the only quality hotel on Sherbrooke until Ritz re-opens

luxury

There are the McGill dorms which I think they rent out in the summer!!

nba1017

Haven't been to Montreal since 2009, and was wondering if the opinions expressed here still stand.

Currently I"m booked at the Place d'Armes in a Balcony Junior Suite. I've stayed in the 'Penthouse' suites, which are great; anyone have firsthand experience in the balcony suites? Place d'Armes has the advantage of great location, excellent bathrooms, and balconies.

The Saint Sulpice has the same location and balconies, but from what I've been able to find online, the bathrooms look very pedestrian. Again, any thoughts?

Finally, anywhere else I ought to consider? St James is nearly sold out and a bit too formal anyway, and the Hotel Vogue, though the only other FHR hotel, looks tacky and a bit impersonal. Nelligan, Gault, and Le Crystal are a bit too cutting-edge for us. Sofitel, W, Marriott and IC all seem fine but boring.


Thanks for any suggestions!

emma69

I ended up saying in a Club Room at the IC this time - in part because there was a priority club offer for free ambassador status with 3 nights stay. The lounge was good - the chap running it was excellent, despite it not being his regular job (he is a concierge but someone was off sick / holiday). We really enjoyed it - the room was very modern, clean (it had a renno recently I believe), the lounge was pleasant, with plenty of choice of wines, spirits and beers in the evening for the cocktail hours, and the nibbles were substantial, good, and why I couldn't find something veggie, the chap went and had the chef make me my own plate of delicious grilled veggies. We ate breakfast in the main restaurant rather than the lounge, and it was pleasant, but fairly standard hotel breakfast fare. It was a short walk to the old part of the city where we went two of the three evenings, and right across from the metro which made it easy to get to places further afield. Front desk staff were professional and friendly, housekeeping were great and didn't mind at all requests for extra towels, conditioner etc. Only real disappointment was the pool, which is tiny and was freezing, but the sun deck was pleasant, and you could order 'room service' to the deck.

ABG

Yes, my opinion has not changed in two months.... Saint Sulpice bathrooms are fine, but no TV in the mirror or super sexy rain showers. Just a deep soaking tub and a shower that can flood the floor if you are not careful.

ridefar

I am not sure that Montreal has much in the way of real luxury hotels. I have stayed at most of the ones you named, and they are all somewhere between average and just above average. And distinctly off in terms of luxury as it is usually defined on this board. I usually stay at the W--but I am not as picky about that lately because part of the attraction used to be the food and the restaurant and has really gone downhill over the last couple of years.

nba1017

Thanks for the feedback. I think we're going to end up at the St. James, as it seems to be the closest thing to a true 5-star hotel in Montreal. I'll report back with thoughts in a couple weeks.

ABG

Good choice for certain..... you will give up the balcony (unless ur paying 4 figures a night) but gain a lot more. PM if you need additional Montreal information. To round out the thread, try and get up to Laurier BBQ by Gordon Ramsey for a lunch. Quebec Roasted chicken!