Amy Adejokun
Section editor
The first impression as we enter the Auberge du Vieux Port ('Old Port Inn') is hardly surprising, as it fits perfectly with our idea of a traditional inn. But, the comfort of the rooms, the quality of the food and the rooftop terrace lounge are a pleasant surprise for guests. And to prove it, most of them are regular guests!
Auberge Du Vieux-Port - © Igor Lubinetsky
Auberge Du Vieux-Port - © Igor Lubinetsky
Ideally located a stone's throw from the port, it looks onto Saint Paul Street, Montreal's most touristic and iconic street. The underground is just a few minutes' walk away, providing connections to the other major tourist spots in the city.
The hotel is divided into two sections: the old part with 27 guest rooms and the new part with 18. The old section is, in our opinion, more charming, even if it is a tad less comfortable. Stone walls, ceiling beams, large windows and wrought iron beds. The bathrooms are fitted with a shower, whereas those in the Premium rooms have a double bathtub. The parquet flooring and all the period fittings take you back to the past, while the iPad and the bathrobes are a reminder that you are definitely in 2013! The guest rooms in the old section have the drawback of being equipped with central air-conditioning, while those in the new wing have windows that do not open...
The interior is quite gloomy: a blend of the old with a few modern elements, the decoration is a bit of a hodgepodge but you will certainly find the ambience cosy. Stone walls, parquet flooring, and a fireplace... it all exudes an old world charm. The reception hall is furnished like a lounge, where tourists sip coffee while planning their next outing. You will feel at home right away, and this is what makes it special! Other than this communal area, guests cannot get together at the pool, the gym or the spa since the hotel does not have any of these! Not yet anyway...
The hotel has a main restaurant on the ground floor with a small terrace on the street as well as a terrace lounge bar where you can enjoy cold tapas (made with high-quality products) and a cocktail while admiring the view of the St Lawrence River. Provided it is summer, of course. This very trendy terrace bar is on the rooftop and sports a highly modern and chic look. Below, the ambiance is more that of an inn, with large wooden tables, a bar made with beams from the building and a gastro pub ambiance, which means that the food here is simply delicious! It is only open in the evenings and the dishes are excellent. Acras (cod fritters) will cost you $7 (£4), a platter of cold meats $14 (£9), and as for the main courses, you can enjoy a burger (excellent!) for $18 (£11) and a lamb shank for $22 (£14).
A full breakfast is served à la carte and is included in the room price. French crepes, French toast with maple syrup, eggs, enough to get you ready to explore the city.
Guests are free to use the gym in the two hotels belonging to the same group, just 5 minutes away on foot: the Hotel Nelligan and Le Place d'Armes.
The hotel has two entrances, one on rue Saint Paul and the other overlooking the St Lawrence River.
massage, beauty salon, spa
fitness
Amandine J.
Superbe quartier de Montreal , bien qu'un peu loin du centre, il est parfait pour ceux qui souhaite loger dans le vieux quartier artistique de Montreal. Le cadre de l'hotel est superbe.
L'hotel est magnifique et le quartier est très calme.
aucun si ce n'est que pour les gens souhaitant etre plus pres du centre il faut marcher beaucoup.Les magasins alentours sont chers.
Very modern, this Novotel stands out because of its contemporary style and well-deserved 4 stars. The very comfortable rooms and the tasty albeit expensive cuisine served at the restaurant are just two of the hotels advantages in addition to its ideal location: opposite the ice-rink where the hockey matches take place! Puck lovers will be delighted!
This hotel has two different aspects: on one side, the basic-standard rooms, the reception and amenities, all of which is a little outdated and of simple comfort, on the other side, Deluxe bedrooms and ultra-modern suites, stylish and contemporary, worthy of a top hotel. Make your choice! And whichever it is, make the most of the ideal location, a few streets away from Vieux Montreal.
This Sofitel hotel, which is part of the chain's new generation of hotels, offers stylish interiors. Opened in 2002, it really does deserve its excellent reputation and its business and upmarket clientele does it justice.
Note for those who are broke and have nowhere to stay. If all the hotels are full and it is minus 30° C outside, choose the Econolodge, which has the advantage of being not too far from the centre on foot.
The Place d'Armes is a beautiful and sophisticated central hotel, with a clientele which mainly consists of guests travelling for business in winter, and for leisure in summer. Modernity and authenticity come together here to create an impeccable result. The hotel will also afford much easier access when the road works in the street are complete.
Rather than going to a hotel, why not rent an apartment that has all the advantages of a hotel. This is what the Clarion offers, with its former studio flats converted into suites. You can cook here, the suites are large and you are not far from the city centre. These are ideal for families and those wishing to entertain guests.
As its name suggests, 'Le Petit Hotel' (The Small Hotel) is not very big, however it could just as easily have been called 'Le Petit Hotel Design' (The Small Design Hotel). Situated in the heart of Old Montreal, this hotel is ideal for young holiday makers who want to be at the heart of activity and are looking for extra comfort.
A charming little place, located on a very small street, the Saint-André will take your breath away. Despite the impression that it gives of being a small hotel for young penniless people, this hotel conceals a stylish and trendy interior blending originality and comfort. A hotel which you will enjoy coming back to, and where you're likely to become a regular.
One of the best hotels in Montreal, the Ritz-Carlton was entirely renovated in 2013 and probably has the most comfortable and best equipped guest rooms in the city. A great hotel for fans of old buildings and classic decor which leaves nothing wanting in terms of comfort.
The Queen Elisabeth deserves its reputation as one of the most legendary hotels in Montreal. A part of the famous Fairmont chain, it caters to an elegant clientèle in a luxurious decor. Welcome to excessiveness and gilded ornamentation!
A chic hotel hidden away in a charmless building. People come here to sleep and enjoy the great comfort of the rooms or to eat. Le Germain boasts one of the best restaurants in Montreal. All it needs is a well-being area to compete with the other 4-stars hotels in the city.
With an exterior dating from the 19th century, a contemporary interior and a relaxed ambience, the Gault is an atypical hotel where you will quickly feel at home. A hotel that makes you want to make the most of your room and the nice bourgeois-bohemian district, without getting bored or wanting to go any further.
Overlooking the Place des Arts, the Hyatt has a great location for the festival season. Those familiar with the hotel chain will not be disappointed by this hotel, which offers all the services and amenities you'd expect from a Hyatt. For the rest, this luxury hotel may certainly not have a lot of charm, but comfort is guaranteed. The hotel is very popular with business travellers, while families will appreciate the swimming pool!
The Place d'Armes is a beautiful and sophisticated central hotel, with a clientele which mainly consists of guests travelling for business in winter, and for leisure in summer. Modernity and authenticity come together here to create an impeccable result. The hotel will also afford much easier access when the road works in the street are complete.
This Sofitel hotel, which is part of the chain's new generation of hotels, offers stylish interiors. Opened in 2002, it really does deserve its excellent reputation and its business and upmarket clientele does it justice.
As its name suggests, 'Le Petit Hotel' (The Small Hotel) is not very big, however it could just as easily have been called 'Le Petit Hotel Design' (The Small Design Hotel). Situated in the heart of Old Montreal, this hotel is ideal for young holiday makers who want to be at the heart of activity and are looking for extra comfort.