Montreal hotels

If you want to be close to the finest historic sites in the Old Port of Montreal, you can’t beat the location of Auberge du Vieux Port. It’s the only hotel on Rue de la Commune, which means it’s the only one facing the St Lawrence River and its picturesque boardwalk. In seconds, you can walk to Cirque du Soleil, scenic boat tours, and bustling sights like Place Jacques Cartier and the Notre-Dame Basilica. Top-rated as one of the best hotels in Montreal, you’ll find exposed stone walls and ambient lighting that harks back to centuries of Montreal's history as a trading port and bootlegging hub. But old doesn’t mean dated, as all 45 rooms have top-of-the-line beds and vintage furniture. Another unique aspect of this hotel is its extraordinary concierge, who calls booked guests ahead of their stay to offer recommendations for their trip to Montreal.

Dating back to 1850, Hotel Nelligan pays tribute to Montreal’s heritage with its name (after the poet Émilie Nelligan), exposed brick walls, wrought iron window gates, and 105 stylish rooms. Its location on Rue Saint Paul, arguably Montreal’s prettiest promenade, is also historic and is mere steps from the Notre-Dame Basilica in the Old Port. One of the best hotels in Montreal, Hotel Nelligan offers the opportunity to dine at not one but three restaurants that are beloved by locals and visitors alike. As you walk in the front door, you’ll enter the brand-new Mama C, a Mediterranean restaurant that opened in June 2024. Next door, there’s Méchant Boeuf, a superb steakhouse that’s a popular spot for happy hour. Or ride the elevator up to Terrasse Nelligan, my favourite rooftop in Montreal for brunch. You should definitely try the omelette à la truffe and pair it with the Nelligan Caesar cocktail.

You can’t miss Hotel Le Germain due to the kaleidoscopic 171-foot-tall mural on its façade. The mural was painted by Canadian artist Michelle Hoogveld as part of the annual Mural Urban Art Festival – making this one of the top-rated hotels in Montreal for art lovers. Inside, curved couches, lamps, and furniture deliver a modern, minimalist vibe with unique flair. Pay a visit to the sophisticated Flâneur Bar, where you’ll find guests sipping quality cocktails and slurping on oysters each evening. One of the best hotels in Montreal for business travelers, it’s also a terrific location for visitors who want to shop on Rue Sainte-Catherine or see a live performance at Quartier des Spectacles. Hotel Le Germain offers a flexible cancellation policy, which allows guests to cancel penalty-free as late as 4 pm on the day they’re scheduled to check in.

You’ll find this luxurious boutique hotel in one of Montreal’s most charming historic buildings, on the corner of a quiet side street in the city’s financial district. I love walking by to soak in its beauty while on my way to Crew Cafe, one of my favuorite coworking spaces and coffeehouses in Montreal, located in the center of a grand former bank building lobby. Hotel Gault is also close to Old Port attractions, as well as shopping and museums Downtown. Built in 1871 and converted into a luxury hotel in 2002, the 30 suites here are contemporary in style, with minimalist, colourful furniture and comfortable beds. Despite its boutique size, Hotel Gault has a gym that’s open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and its restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, and evening drinks.

This budget accommodation is one of the best hotels in Montreal for its authentic Victorian-style vibe, from its stone turret to its thick hardwood and chandelier-lit entrance. The location is perfect if you want to experience Montreal as a local, since it’s situated on the corner of Sherbrooke and De Bullion streets, in between Downtown and one of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods, Le Plateau-Mont-Royal. Around the corner you’ll find Square Saint-Louis, a pretty park lined by colourful houses that make frequent appearances on Montreal postcards – I love to grab a coffee or ice cream and watch the world go by at the park’s kiosk. Manoir Sherbrooke is also close to Rue Saint Laurent, a.k.a. The Main, where you’ll find cool bars and restaurants as well as the world-famous Schwartz’s Deli, known for its Montreal-style smoked meat.

Perfectly situated on the Old Port’s most photogenic alley, Rue Sainte-Amable, Hotel William Gray isn’t the type of place you stay for a night on a layover. This luxury hotel inside two 18th-century buildings offers plenty of reasons to stop and stay awhile. There are comfy beds and an extravagant atrium, as well as an urban pool, an expansive fitness centre, and a spa. One of the best hotels in Montreal, Hotel William Gray also has a wonderful rooftop restaurant with views over the St Lawrence River and of La Grande Roue de Montreal Ferris wheel. It’s directly across from the Cour des Arts (Arts Court), an open-air artisan market that’s easily the best place in Montreal to find high-quality souvenirs. It’s also in between the bustling Place Jacques Cartier and Cafe Olimpico, a branch of Montreal’s treasured Mile End coffee shop.

Walking into the lobby of the Ritz-Carlton Montreal feels like you’re a movie star strolling the red carpet in the golden age of Hollywood. This top-rated accommodation is full of elegant charm, from the chandeliers and painted ceiling in the tea hall to the uniquely decorated rooms with vintage wallpaper and mid-century furniture. The decadence continues in its restaurant, Maison Boulud, which serves French cuisine with regional ingredients. Despite opening back in 1912, the Ritz-Carlton has been frequently updated to modern standards, as evidenced by its sleek indoor pool. There’s also a lovely outdoor pool in the centre of a lush garden, which is perfect for a romantic evening, making this one of the best hotels in Montreal for couples. It’s located just steps from the city’s finest shopping, and its best art collection inside the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts.

On lovely Rue Saint Paul in the Old Port, Le Petit Hotel is, as its name suggests, charmingly small. It has just 28 rooms spread over three floors in an 1866 building that was once home to a leather salesman. But its quaint size delivers a homey elegance that few other hotels in Montreal possess. Every morning you’ll be offered excellent roasted coffee along with a tasty breakfast that may include Montreal’s prized bagels. The beds come with plush duvets, while the rooms feature exposed stone walls and minimalist contemporary furniture. After you’ve grabbed another cup of unlimited coffee, head across the street to peruse the always-intriguing collection at Maktaba Bookshop. Later, visit Pointe-à-Callière, a.k.a. the Montreal Museum of Archeology and History, which is built atop ruins dating back to the city’s founding.

Towering over the city’s Downtown area, the Four Seasons is hands down one of the best hotels in Montreal. Opened in 2019, the Four Seasons’ rooms are spacious and classy, with modern comforts and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer spectacular views. Bonus points for the large marble bathrooms. Eat room service in the height of luxury, or head down to the Marcus Restaurant and Lounge, run by celebrity New York chef Marcus Samuelsson. The restaurant specializes in seafood, including oysters, caviar, sashimi and grilled octopus – the ambiance is particularly buzzy during dinner and cocktail hour. Four Seasons Montreal is also home to a unique spa, which offers relaxation experiences like Kneipp Hydrotherapy and reflexology, making this one of the best hotels in Montreal for wellness lovers.

This art-filled hotel's six rooms and suites range from budget to luxury options, which come with hot tubs and fireplaces, and are painted in vibrant primary colours and decorated with psychedelic paintings. Have your morning coffee plein-air on your private balcony, a typical Montreal experience. Or make yourself a sandwich and eat it outside, as all guests have access to a fridge and shared kitchen. Located Downtown on quiet Argyle Avenue, this is one of the best hotels in Montreal for sports lovers as it’s close to the Bell Centre, home to the Montreal Canadiens hockey team. It’s also near Crescent Street, which hosts the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada festival every summer. If you’re game for a pint and meeting some locals, head to Grumpy’s, my favourite dive bar, which is also where Montreal author Mordecai Richler used to drink.