Montreal

[mom_to_zoe]

DH and I are planning a romantic weekend getaway for next spring to celebrate our anniversary and to spend our first weekend away from our DD, Zoe. After much back and forth, I've settled on Montreal. It seems very European and romantic, plus the exchange rate makes it kind of a bargain.

I would love some tips on hotels, restaurants and things to do.

Right now, I am thinking about this B&B: Auberge les passants du Sans Soucy
http://www.lesanssoucy.com

Or this hotel:
http://www.hotelnelligan.com

And for restaurants, I am interested in:
Au Pied du Cochon
Bonaparte
Toque
L'Express
Schwartz's Deli (for lunch)

I would love to hear some feedback from anyone who has been to Montreal recently! TIA!

[Myra]

We went for Memorial weekend, and L'Express was wonderful and not expensive. Service was great too. I got the prix fixe, but husband ordered from the regular menu, so we had the perfect amount of food for the two of us. Also had a good dinner at Le P'tit Plateau.

[papergirl]

I've never been but it was just featured as a honeymoon destination in a recent MS Weddings magazine.

They listed the following two places to eat:
Les Ramparts
Les Caprices De Nicolas

I hope that helps.

[laralu]

My parents grew up in Montreal and we visited my grandparents all the time growing up. DH and I have also gone to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix since 1995. Montreal is one of my favorite cities and can be very romantic.

I have never been to any of the restaurants you listed but I bet they are great. Old Montreal is very romantic and has many good restaurants. We always try and go to Gibby's when we are there. It is located in an old stable in Old Montreal and their steaks are excellent along with everything on the menu. Schwartz's deli is good but I prefer Dunn's, although they may not be there anymore.

As for hotels we have stayed in the Queen Elizabeth, Ritz, Holday Inn, Rennaisance on Park and they have all been nice. I would trey and stay away from hotels in the very French district unless you are fluent in French. Anything over by St. Denis St. would be the French area.

I'll have to ask my mom if she hasany recommendations. I haven't been there since DD was born 2 1/2 years ago and restaurants come and go. I know the last time they were there they raved about a French restaurant.

[mbw1024]

My fiance' and I had this place booked last NYE but had to cancel due to his job. I was disappointed as it looks great. It's a nice city for exploring.

http://www.bonsmatins.com/v1/an/home.htm

Mary Beth

[Evie]

Has anyone stayed at the Hôtel InterContinental Montréal? We are definitely looking to stay at a five star hotel, somewhere either downtown or in Old Montreal.

What other things are there to do in Montreal? We are going to celebrate an anniversary, so we want something pretty romantic.

Thanks in advance!

[Mrs. M.]

Not too romantic, but last time I went, we really enjoyed breakfast at eggspectations

http://www.eggspectations.com/

[mom_to_zoe]

Evie, have you checked out www.fodors.com. They have lots of hotel reviews and lists of things to do. Travel and Leisure magazine also has an article about the best of MOntreal available on their website. It's from a few years ago, but I bet much of the information is still good.

There's lots of upscale hotels in Montreal. I'm sure you'll find a fabulous one. For my taste, I might prefer a boutique hotel to an international chain, but that's just me. Also, I think Old MOntreal might be mroe romantic than the downtown.

[Evie]

Hmm, thanks mom_to_zoe. I will definitely check that website out.

Just curious as to why you prefer boutique hotels. We are not set on staying at a particular place, so I would love to hear the benefits/disadvantages of staying at a large chain.

Thanks;)

[mom_to_zoe]

Large chains are reliable and you can feel confident that you know what you are going to get. That obviously has some advantages, especially if you are traveling to an unfamiliar place. But the Intercontinental in Montreal isn't going to be all that different from the Intercontinental in Chicago, say. My preference when going to a new city is to find a local boutique hotel that is unique to that location. It gives you more of a flavor of that city, plus it is a unique experience. Montreal, I know, has some really outstanding local hotel, like the Hotel Nelligan or the St. James. They might make for a fun experience. Just my $.02.

[lilo]

I HIGHLY recommend Le Square Phillips Hotel & Suites. I read many, many positive reviews on Trip Advisor.com (love that website) prior to booking and everyone was right about how wonderful this hotel is. I got a really good rate from Expedia.com and somehow we got upgraded from a studio suite (which would've been plenty for just two people) to a 2-bedroom suite. The hotel is right off of Catherine Street, which is the main shopping and restaurant street and it's not too far from Old Montreal (15 minute walk or a 5 minute cab ride). Our suite had beautiful vaulted ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. We couldn't have asked for a better hotel. The suite included a mini-kitchen, dining area, living area and two bedrooms.

We passed Hotel Nelligan (it's in Old Montreal, right?) and it looked very nice too.

Unfortunately we didn't luck out in terms of restaurants but I definitely recommend going somewhere in Old Montreal one night. That area is very romantic with all of the cobblestone streets and quaint shops.

In terms of things to do, DH and I just walked around the city, checking out the main tourist sights like the Basilica, etc. Definitely check out the Underground city. It's amazing and fun to walk around for a little bit. Shopping is great too so be sure to bring some extra $$ for that!

It's a wonderful city. Have a great time! :)

[westamp]

We're planning on going back to Montreal this summer to visit DH's folks. Looking for a good place to stay while there. Does anyone have any recs as to where to stay? Should we book a hotel or rent a vacation home? Are there any sites where I can find good deals for lodging?

I'd prefer some place that includes a kitchen so I can make DS food in the am. Since we're taking our baby, obviously, we're not looking for a fancy and romantic hotel. :D

Any help would be welcomed! Thanks!

[mom_to_zoe]

For anyone considering a trip to Montreal, be sure to pick up this month's issue of Gourmet magazine. It is the Montreal issue!

Their hotel recommendations did not seem economical, although they did mention one suite hotel, which might be worth checking out. I would definitely look at TripAdvisor.com.

[Kates]

I'd recommend the Marriott SpringHill Suites (http://www.springhillmontreal.com/en/index.php) in Old Montreal. We stayed there a few times and it's very economical (especially considering the exchange to US$$). The location is great, and Old Montreal is beautiful in the summer.