Best Hotels in Montreal

Hotels in Montreal

Montreal isn’t a city that tries too hard , it simply is. There’s a quiet rhythm to how it wakes up, the scent of espresso curling through Old Montreal’s narrow lanes, and that faint hum of conversation in both English and French. One step off Rue Saint-Paul, and the limestone facades tell stories older than Canada itself. It’s not Europe, not North America, but something in between a bilingual compromise that somehow feels more cosmopolitan than either. Every traveler sees a slightly different Montreal. Some come for the festivals: the International Jazz Festival in summer, the Just for Laughs shows that leave your cheeks sore, or the winter lights that make even sub-zero nights charming. Others come for the food and rightly so, because the city’s culinary scene punches far above its weight. Smoked meat sandwiches at Schwartz’s Deli, bagels from St-Viateur, and foie gras poutine at Au Pied de Cochon: each plate feels like a culinary dare accepted and won.

But here’s what most guides don’t mention, Montreal’s hotel scene is a story of character, not convenience. The best hotels in Montreal aren’t always the newest; they’re the ones that have learned to respect their neighborhood’s quirks. One near the Plateau might hand you a vintage key instead of a card; another in Old Port may keep the hallway lighting deliberately dim to preserve that 19th-century mood. When it rains, which it often does around April, hotel lobbies smell faintly of wet wool coats and strong coffee; oddly comforting, if you ask around. For travelers booking through akbartravels.com, the advantage lies in local curation, not just prices, but knowing which hotels release early bird rooms roughly 45 days out, and which ones quietly hold back suites for repeat guests. Montreal rewards curiosity, not speed.

Those who prefer a well-organized trip can explore Montreal tour packages, which blend flights, stays, and local experiences into one easy booking.

Montreal Airport Address

Name: Montréal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Address: 975 Boulevard Roméo-Vachon N, Dorval, QC H4Y 1H1, Canada
Contact: +1 514-394-7377
Email: yulinfo@admtl.com

Airport taxis have a fixed fare of around CAD 41 to downtown; no haggling. Credit cards are accepted, but small tips (CAD 2–3) are appreciated.

The Best Time to Visit Montreal

There’s no bad month, only different versions of the same story. Spring (April–June) brings blossoms to Mount Royal Park, though puddles make walking tricky. Summer (July–August) is festival madness & hotel rates shoot up by 25–40%, and you’ll rarely find last-minute rooms. Autumn (September–October) is pure magic; crisp air, golden trees, and lower occupancy make it the best window to find cheap hotels in Montreal without losing character.

Winter has its own charm; skating in the Old Port with snowflakes landing on your scarf, but it’s cold enough to make your phone battery quit early. Still, akbartravels.com lists solid deals between January and early March, when room rates drop roughly 30% and hotels throw in breakfast just to keep occupancy up.

How to Reach Montreal

By Air:

Direct flights from Europe, the U.S., and Asia land at YUL. From the airport, hotels in Montreal near airport are mostly along Boulevard Cote-de-Liesse, about 5–7 minutes away. Shuttle vans run every 15 minutes; Uber works fine too, though peak fares double during storms.

By Rail:

VIA Rail connects Montreal Central Station (895 Rue de la Gauchetière O) with Toronto, Ottawa, and Quebec City. Staying at hotels in Montreal near railway station like Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth means you can literally walk from platform to pillow, useful when your train arrives in sleet.

By Road:

From Ottawa, the drive takes just under two hours if traffic on Autoroute 40 behaves. Note: weekend highway closures for construction are frequent. Most downtown Montreal hotels charge CAD 25–35 for overnight parking; budget travelers can try lots around Rue Berri for half that rate.

Things to Do in Montreal

• Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal): Cobblestone lanes, boutiques, and centuries of history packed into a few blocks.
• Notre-Dame Basilica: Gothic Revival masterpiece glowing blue at night.
• Mount Royal Park: The city’s green lung – climb for the skyline view.
• Jean-Talon Market: Piles of local produce, maple syrup, and buttery pastries.
• Biodome: A set of recreated ecosystems – tropical to Arctic under one roof.
• La Ronde Amusement Park: Waterfront rides with a skyline backdrop.
• Underground City: Forty kilometers of tunnels linking shops, offices, and hotels in Montreal – a lifesaver during winter.
• Saint-Joseph’s Oratory: Pilgrimage site with panoramic views of the island.
• Botanical Garden: 75 hectares of floral artistry – spring feels eternal here.
• Lachine Canal: Perfect for a summer bike ride or picnic.

Shopping in Montreal

Shopping feels personal here. There is less mall, more mood. 

1. Rue Sainte-Catherine
2. Simons
3. Ogilvy Holt Renfrew
4. Complexe Desjardins
5. Boutique 1861
6. Off the Hook
7. Les Etoffes
8. Eva B
9. Frank and Oak
10. SSENSE
11. Mlle Juliette
12. Marché Bonsecours
13. Renaissance Vintage
14. La Gaillarde
15. Artpop
16. L’Intervalle

Even the smallest thrift store has a sense of theater, expect a mirror tucked between coats and an owner who insists “you’ll look magnifique.”

Famous Restaurants in Montreal

Locals talk about food like weather constantly and passionately. 

1. Schwartz’s Deli
2. Joe Beef
3. Au Pied de Cochon
4. Leméac
5. Damas
6. Liverpool House
7. St-Viateur Bagel Café
8. Toqué!
9. La Banquise
10. Maison Boulud
11. Buvette Chez Simone
12. Café Olimpico
13. Bar George
14. Nora Gray
15. Le Club Chasse et Pêche

Quick tip: reservations for Joe Beef or Toqué! open 60 days in advance; blink and you’ll miss them.

Popular Hotels in Montreal

Each neighborhood has its rhythm and the hotels in Montreal reflect that.

1. Hotel Nelligan (Old Montreal elegance)
2. Le Mount Stephen (historic mansion turned Montreal 5 star hotel)
3. Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
4. Hotel Monville
5. Hotel Place d’Armes
6. Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile
7. W Montreal
8. Hôtel William Gray
9. Hotel Gault
10. Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel
11. Hotel 10
12. Le Centre Sheraton Montreal
13. Hotel Bonaventure
14. Auberge du Vieux-Port
15. Hotel Le Germain

Popular Resorts in Montreal

For those who prefer more space: 

1. Esterel Resort
2. Le Westin Montreal
3. Humaniti Hotel Montreal
4. Manoir Rouville-Campbell
5. Hotel Mortagne
6. Auberge du Lac Morency
7. Spa Eastman Montreal
8. Hotel Quartier des Spectacles
9. Hotel des Arts
10. Hotel Alt Montreal
11. Hotel de Paris
12. Hôtel Brossard
13. Hotel Le Cantlie Suites
14. Hotel Omni Mont-Royal

Resorts closer to nature like Lac Morency offer a mix of kayaking and spa lounging, ideal for long weekends.

Where to Stay in Montreal

The best places to stay in Montreal depend on mood. Old Montreal charms romantics and photographers; the Plateau buzzes with street art and bagels; Downtown serves business travelers who like walking distance convenience. For quieter nights, Outremont or Mile-End offer boutique hotel apartments in Montreal with kitchenettes and leafy views.

Rates fluctuate by event calendar: expect CAD 160–250 mid-week, rising to 300+ during July festivals. If booking via akbartravels.com, aim for 40–50 days before arrival; Montreal hotels release lower tariffs early, then climb fast once 70% occupancy hits.

Places to Stay in Montreal Near Popular Attractions

• Near Old Port: Hotel Nelligan, Auberge du Vieux-Port – cobblestone charm and short strolls to cafés.
• Near Mount Royal: Hotel 10 or Sofitel Golden Mile – quick Uber ride uphill.
• Near the Bell Centre: Le Centre Sheraton and Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth – best for hockey nights.
• Near Underground City: Hotel Bonaventure – directly connected, ideal for winter explorers.
• Near Lachine Canal: William Gray – views and bike rentals nearby.

A small note: some hotels charge CAD 50+ for parking during big events. Public garages around Rue Saint-Jacques cut that in half if you don’t mind a 5-minute walk.

Budget Hotels in Montreal

Budget doesn’t mean boring. Cheap hotels in Montreal like Hotel Quartier Latin, Hotel Le Deville, Hotel des Arts, Hotel Arena Palace, Auberge Manoir Ville Marie, Hotel Chrome Downtown Montreal, Hotel Villa, Hotel St-Denis, Hotel Bon Accueil, and 2 star hotel Montreal stays such as Hotel Les Suites Labelle or Hotel Abri du Voyageur still keep things tidy and central.

These spots average CAD 90–130, but prices drop to 70–80 during January. Keep an eye on akbartravels.com filters, it helps spot the cheapest hotel in Montreal with breakfast included, saving at least CAD 15 daily.

Montreal Hotels by Star Rating

• 5 Star Hotels in Montreal: Ritz-Carlton, Le Mount Stephen, Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth, Hotel Le Germain, Sofitel Golden Mile.
• 4 Star: Hotel Nelligan, Hotel Gault, Hotel Bonaventure, W Montreal.
• 3 Star: Hotel Chrome, Hotel des Arts, Hotel St-Denis.
• 2 Star Hotel Montreal: Abri du Voyageur, Hotel Villa.

Luxury hotels in Montreal add thoughtful touches: pillow menus, lavender-scented turndown, even heated bathroom floors. But mid-range properties around Rue Sherbrooke quietly outperform expectations; friendly concierges, espresso machines, and quick repairs when the radiator misbehaves.

Best Hotels in Montreal Based on Location

• Old Montreal: For romance – Hotel Nelligan or Auberge du Vieux-Port.
• Downtown: For convenience – Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth.
• Plateau: For creativity – Hotel 10.
• Mile-End: For local charm – small hotel apartments in Montreal.
• Airport Zone: Sheraton Airport Hotel or Aloft – ideal hotels in Montreal near airport.
• Waterfront: William Gray – practically hotels in Montreal near beach with views of the port.

Small tip: local taxis add CAD 1.50 per luggage piece after midnight; keep coins handy if coming from late flights.

Family-Friendly Hotels in Montreal

Kids love Hotel Bonaventure (outdoor pool year-round), Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth (close to trains), Hotel Le Germain (family suites with city views), and Hotel des Arts (budget-friendly). Always check room size because Montreal’s older buildings have charmingly small bathrooms. A crib request should be made at least 48 hours prior; smaller Montreal famous hotels occasionally run out during peak weekends.

Montreal Hotels Tariff

The Montreal hotel prize game is simple but strategic. Downtown averages CAD 250–300 in summer; Old Montreal slightly higher at 280–320. Budget options hover around 110–140 except during Formula 1 week, when rates can triple overnight.

A quick Montreal hotel price comparison:

• Old Montreal (Heritage Hotels): 280–350 CAD
• Downtown (Business Class): 220–280 CAD
• Plateau (Boutique): 160–220 CAD
• Airport Area: 130–180 CAD
• Suburbs: 100–140 CAD

Book Tuesday through Thursday for best deals – hotels refresh unsold inventory mid-week.

Montreal Travel Tips

1. Book Early for Better Rates: Reserve the best hotels in Montreal about 45–50 days in advance as rates spike fast once rooms fill to 70% capacity. 
2. Montreal Flight Tickets Tip: Montreal flight tickets can vary in price. To secure the best fares, it’s advisable to book cheap flights to Montreal well in advance. Pair early flight deals with hotel sales for big savings. 
3. Check Festival Dates: Formula 1, Jazz Festival, and Osheaga each inflate tariffs by 50–80%. Avoid those weekends unless attending. 
4. Carry Coins: Metro ticket machines and some cafés refuse large bills. CAD 2 coins go farther than you’d think. 
5. Public Transit Hack: Buy a 3-day metro pass (CAD 21.25). It covers unlimited buses and trains, even to the Biodome. 
6. Weather Layers: Montreal’s temperature swings wildly; carry a compact jacket even in June. 
7. Book on Tuesdays: Hotels refresh unsold inventory midweek; Tuesday rates are 10–15% lower on akbartravels.com. 
8. Language Etiquette: Start with “Bonjour” even switching to English afterward earns goodwill. 
9. Check-in Quirk: Some heritage hotels in Montreal lack elevators; request ground-floor rooms when traveling with luggage. 
10. Wi-Fi Trick: Signal strength improves near windows in stone buildings. Reconnect for better speeds. 
11. Tip Politely: 15–18% is standard. Round up; locals notice quiet generosity. 
12. Avoid Rush Check-outs: Between 10–11 AM, elevators clog. Drop bags early, grab coffee at Café Olimpico, then return. 
13. Festival Food Carts: Try the maple taffy at street stands, it’s sticky, sweet, and oddly perfect. 
14. Taxi Reality: Uber works, but standard taxis rarely refuse cash. Night surcharges begin at midnight around CAD 1.50 extra per bag. 
15. Offbeat Season Rule: November and April are underrated;  cool air, half-price hotels in Montreal, and fewer crowds.

Travelers planning a trip can easily apply for a Canada visa online, the process is straightforward and usually takes just a few days if documents are ready.