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The Best Hotels in Montreal

Plan your stay with these T+L award-winning and editor-loved hotels.

Exterior of Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile
Photo:

Accor Hotels

Montreal makes for a delightful getaway, delivering all the charm of a European city without needing to travel overseas (if you’re based in the U.S.). Quaint cobbled streets, a fantastic food and music scene, a friendly Francophone population, and a distinctly Quebecois sense of hospitality are just a few of the reasons to go. As for where to stay when you arrive, we’ve got you covered.

To help you plan the perfect trip, we’ve researched the city’s top hotels, which are tucked for the most part around the historic Golden Square Mile in central Montreal. We’ve included award-winning properties that earned coveted spots in our annual T+L World’s Best Awards, which features properties voted on by thousands of T+L readers, as well as places we’ve personally stayed, loved, and would recommend to a friend.

Whether you’re looking for an intimate boutique hotel just off the majestic Saint Lawrence River, or a luxury suite from one of the biggest names in hospitality (think: the first-ever Ritz-Carlton), you’ll find it on this list.

The Ritz-Carlton Montreal

Restaurant in Ritz Carlton Montreal

Marriott

What We Like
  • This long-time celebrity-favorite hotel boasts superior service, Michelin-star cuisine, and an indoor saltwater pool with spectacular views over the city.

What to Consider
  • This is the Ritz-Carlton, after all, so it’s a splurge to stay here — but one that feels well worth it if you’re after old-school luxury with contemporary amenities.

A longstanding beacon of luxury, the 130-room Ritz-Carlton Montreal has been the hotel of choice for the city’s most distinguished visitors since it opened its doors on New Year’s Eve in 1912. Everyone from Queen Elizabeth II to Elizabeth Taylor (who wed Richard Burton on the property) has walked these halls, which were the first to ever use The Ritz-Carlton name. Various design refreshes over the years — including an epic four-year, $2 million renovation that wrapped in 2012 —  have brought welcome modern touches to an otherwise classic property that keep it feeling like a destination, and earned it the top spot in our World’s Best Awards in 2021.

From the ground up, there are endless corners to explore, with roaring fireplaces offering warm respite on snowy days, and an indoor saltwater pool promising jaw-dropping views over the city from the rooftop. In the elegantly appointed rooms and suites, expect elevated extras, like gold-framed televisions and heated bathroom floors. While Montreal’s culinary scene has plenty to draw you out of the hotel, it’s pure luxury to have Maison Boulud at your fingertips for elevated French fare — just be sure to stop by the Dom Pérignon bar beforehand to give your night a sparkling start. 

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Centre-Ville
  • Distance From Airport: 11 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, McCord Stewart Museum, Dorchester Square
  • Accessibility: Varies across room categories
  • Parking: Yes, $28-35 CAD per day
  • Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards
  • Pet Policy: Service animals welcome; pet-friendly, $110 flat fee
  • Rates: Start at $339

Hôtel Place d'Armes

Guest room in Hotel Place d'Armes

Hôtel Place d’Armes

What We Like
  • It’s located smack in the middle of one of Montreal’s most charming neighborhoods, and offers unparalleled views over the Notre-Dame Basilica.

What to Consider
  • You’ll have to leave your furry friends at home — the property isn’t pet-friendly.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better location to base yourself as a first-time visitor to Montreal than the prestigious Le Place D’Armes, an institution in Old Montreal that dates back to the 19th century. The property comprises four historic buildings which sit opposite the Notre-Dame Basilica, the city’s defining architectural landmark. Its location is so exceptional that it earned the number two spot on our World’s Best Awards list in 2023.

After a long day of sightseeing, you can unwind at the luxe hammam spa or in the comfort of your own room, thanks to multi-jet rain showers and souvenir-worthy Le Labo toiletries. Inside the spacious rooms and suites, you’ll find exposed brick walls, arched windows, and leather headboards, plus electric fireplaces that add some extra charm to chilly winter days. 

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Old Montreal 
  • Distance From Airport: 13 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, Le Champ-de-Mars, Montreal City Hall, Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History 
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
  • Parking: Paid indoor parking, valet service, $42 CAD per day
  • Pet Policy: Not allowed
  • Rates: Start at $263

Hôtel Nelligan

Guest room in Hotel Nelligan

Hôtel Nelligan

What We Like
  • The rooftop terrace is a hotspot in the area for locals and visitors alike, offering beautiful views of the city and excellent cocktails.

What to Consider
  • There isn’t a pool or spa on the property, but you’re just around the corner from Bota Bota, one of the city’s premiere wellness destinations.

Maybe it’s the exposed brick lobby, or the terracotta tile floors — or perhaps it’s just the smile the staff flashes you as they deftly whisk your luggage away when you arrive, but there’s something about Hôtel Nelligan that feels like a homecoming. It’s the first hotel I ever stayed at in Montreal, and frankly could have been my last — my room looked out over a cobbled side street, hemmed in by the St. Lawrence River on one side and Notre-Dame Basilica on the other, with some of the city’s best shopping within gawking distance from my window. The views only got better from the rooftop terrace, which opens seasonally and draws a hip, local crowd for sunset cocktails; there’s also a steakhouse, Méchant Boeuf, where drinks flow freely and DJs take over on weekends.

While there’s no spa or pool on-site, you’re just a ten-minute walk from the indulgent water circuit at Bota Bota, the city’s famed boat spa that’s anchored in the St. Lawrence River. 

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Old Montreal 
  • Distance From Airport: 10.6 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, Bota Bota Spa Sur-L’Eau, The Underground City
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
  • Parking: Paid indoor parking, valet service, $42 CAD per day
  • Pet Policy: Not allowed
  • Rates: Start at $179

Auberge du Vieux-Port

Auberge du Vieux-Port

Auberge du Vieux-Port

What We Like
  • Vintage charm abounds in this restored warehouse, which offers exceptional riverfront views.

What to Consider
  • The property only has one elevator, and it’s rather narrow — suffice it to say, it isn’t ideal for overpackers.

A night at the Auberge du Vieux-Port is an opportunity to travel back in time. The crackling fireplace in the lobby of this World’s Best Awards winner is the tip-off — the burnished wooden mantle feels like a relic from a bygone era. This 19th-century warehouse oozes vintage charm, with antique bed frames, exposed wooden beams, and spectacular casement windows that open out onto the St. Lawrence River or bustling St. Paul Street. Nearly all of the 45 rooms boast postcard-perfect views, although you’ll likely spend equal amounts of time admiring the original brick and stone walls.

While there isn’t a spa, the multi-jet rain showers and Le Labo bath products are sure to help you relax within the comfort of your own room. Once you’ve freshened up, make the most of the hotel’s prime location on the waterfront by grabbing a cocktail on their rooftop terrace, which has some of the best views in the city.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Old Montreal 
  • Distance From Airport: 10.6 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Old Port, Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, Bota Bota Spa Sur-L’Eau, Montreal City Hall 
  • Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible 
  • Parking: Paid indoor parking, valet service, $48 CAD per night
  • Pet Policy: Not allowed
  • Rates: Start at $173

Four Seasons Hotel Montreal

Bar in Four Seasons Montreal

Four Seasons Hotels

What We Like
  • The hotel’s signature scent seduces you from the moment you walk in — the entire experience is a feast for the senses.

What to Consider
  • The ultra-modern design doesn’t offer the same distinct sense of place as the city’s historic boutique hotels.

In a city full of charming boutique hotels set in former warehouses that just barely clear the surrounding buildings, the Four Seasons Hotel Montreal quite literally stands out from a mile away. Its glimmering facade towers 18 stories above Golden Square Mile, offering a fresh perspective from ultra-modern digs that earned it a spot on our 2023 World’s Best Awards List. 169 rooms, 19 of which are suites, are perched between the sixth and 12th floors, all drenched in natural light and appointed with sleek four-poster beds. The neutral color palette is sophisticated and subdued, with brass accents and rosy pops of color in the form of pink velvet chaises and glass bedside lamps.

For a truly indulgent moment, book the signature Kneipp Hydrotherapy Experience at the Guerlain Spa, or retreat to the marble oasis of the indoor pool for a dip. 

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Old Montreal 
  • Distance From Airport: 12.9 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Grevin Museum Montreal, Mount Royal Park 
  • Accessibility: Deluxe rooms, Deluxe Carré Doré rooms
  • Parking: Valet parking, $42 CAD per day
  • Pet Policy: Pet-friendly, no fee
  • Rates: Start at $441

Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile

Exterior of Sofitel Montreal Golden Mile

Accor Hotels

What We Like
  • The staff go above and beyond, from the twice-daily room service to the in-the-know concierges.

What to Consider
  • There isn’t a spa on-site, although the concierges will gladly arrange a visit to a nearby spa or for a private treatment in the comfort of your room.

Retro flair meets decidedly modern luxury at this 256-room property at the foot of Mount Royal Park. The rooms are simple and stylish, with wooden headboards, dreamy feathertop beds, geometric-print carpets, and pops of art on the walls. Victorian accents are studded throughout the property, collected from the estate of North American railroad pioneer William Cornelius Van Horne. Like with all Sofitel properties, you can expect elevated and professional service from the accommodating staff, who will go out of their way to ensure you enjoy your stay.

It’s easy to see why the hotel is a favorite for business travelers and anyone passing through on a shorter stay, as its prime location in Old Montreal puts you within easy walking distance of must-see destinations like The Museum of Fine Arts. 

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Old Montreal 
  • Distance From Airport: 8.8 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Mount Royal Park, Montreal Museum of Fine Art, Place des Arts
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible 
  • Parking: Valet parking, $45 CAD per day
  • Loyalty Programs: ALL – Accor Live Limitless
  • Pet Policy: Pet friendly
  • Rates: Start at $203

Hotel Uville

What We Like
  • ‘60s- and ‘70s-themed rooms tell unique stories about Montreal’s history through photos and videos from that era.

What to Consider
  • This hip hotel is a social space designed to invite conversation and discovery — it may not be ideal for those seeking a quiet or private getaway.

Mod wallpaper, tiled bathrooms, and in-room turntables with vinyls set the mood at this ‘60s- and ‘70’s-themed hotel, which is essentially an ode to Montreal’s rich cultural history. Each of the 33 rooms shares a unique perspective on the city’s past, tracing its legacy from Expo 67 through hundreds of archival photographs and films courtesy of the National Film Board. It’s kitschy yet well-curated, and the sparsely-yet-stylishly furnished rooms allow you to focus on the mini gallery set up on your walls.

The vibe is decidedly playful and hip, drawing a youthful and artsy crowd who lingers over coffee or wine in the convivial lounge before chatting with the concierge, who’ll gladly offer insider tips on the best exhibitions in town.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Old Montreal 
  • Distance From Airport: 12 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Youville Park, Notre-Dame Basilica, Old Port 
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible 
  • Parking: No
  • Rates: Start at $139

W Montreal

Bar at W Montreal

Marriott

What We Like
  • The spacious suites here boast next-level views — literally, they span two floors.

What to Consider
  • The showers don’t offer much in the way of privacy — you can be seen from pretty much any angle in the room.

There’s a distinctly youthful energy radiating from the W Montreal, where locals and visitors alike gather in the hotel’s vibey co-working space, The Living Room, to sip on specialty coffee and hop on Zoom calls until it’s time to switch to cocktails instead. On weekends, DJ sets further liven up the space (light sleepers, pack earplugs), so night owls needn’t trek over to Plateau in the cold. It feels designed for the digital nomad crowd, with writing desks in every room (even the entry-level “Cozy” rooms) for those who prefer to work on their own. The only drawback here is that Wi-Fi is only included for Marriott Bonvoy members — otherwise, it’ll run you an additional $9.95 CAD per day.

While not exactly a steal, the hotel’s “Wow” suites are surprisingly well priced for how spacious they are: the bi-level set up means ultra-high ceilings, tons of natural light, and plenty of room to spread out — and best of all, you can take in the skyline from your own private terrace. Just note that the transparent plexiglass showers offer minimal privacy, so even with all the extra space, sharing these rooms is a somewhat intimate experience. 

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Old Montreal 
  • Distance From Airport: 7.4 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Banque du Canada, The Underground City, Notre-Dame Basilica 
  • Accessibility: Wonderful Guest Rooms
  • Parking: Paid private parking, $50 CAD per day
  • Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy
  • Pet Policy: Yes
  • Wi-Fi: Free for Marriott Bonvoy members; $9.95 CAD per day for non-members
  • Rates: Start at $216

Hotel William Gray

Guest room in Hotel William Gray

Hotel William Gray

What We Like
  • Housed in two 18th century buildings, this hotel boasts proximity to the water, an outdoor pool, a rooftop terrace, and drawings from a local artist in every room.

What to Consider
  • The hotel features a lively, social atmosphere – a consideration if you prefer a quieter, more private experience.

Perched over the Place Jacques-Cartier in the heart of Old Montreal, the Hotel William Gray is one of the city’s most contemporary luxury offerings, seamlessly blending modern decor with historical structures like the original stone walls and slate floors of the 18th century buildings. The buildings have lived many lives, previously housing a printer, shops, and stables, and later preserved as a historic monument. Inside, however, the vibe speaks entirely to the Montreal of today: young creatives gather in The Living Room, the hotel’s central library bar equipped with a pool table and vinyl, which feels like a hub of energy in this neighborhood.

The property, which opened to much fanfare in 2016, was designed by Montreal-based firm CAMDI, who adorned the rooms with dark woods, gauzy curtains, and ultra-comfortable beds. Each room also features fabulous bird drawings from local artist Steven Spazuk, while common spaces boast graffiti-inspired murals by Montreal-based visual artist Alan Ganev. Those seeking some proper rest and relaxation should head to the luxurious spa, which boasts an outdoor pool and a thermal circuit. For some of the best views around, head up to the 7th floor for a drink on Terrasse William Gray.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Old Montreal 
  • Distance From Airport: 9.9 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Place Jacques Cartier, Notre-Dame Basilica, The Biosphere
  • Accessibility: Alcove Queen, Alcove King
  • Parking: Paid private parking, $48 CAD per day
  • Pet Policy: No pets allowed; service dogs allowed with certificate
  • Rates: Start at $209

Booking Tip

Rooms facing the central lobby atrium can be slightly noisier — ask for a street- or river-facing room.

Hôtel de l'ITHQ

Guest room in Hotel de I'ITHQ

l’Hôtel de l’ITHQ

What We Like
  • Located near the bustling, artistic Plateau district, this hotel offers simple yet stylish rooms and balconies in a vibrant part of town.

What to Consider
  • While rooms are generously sized, the acrylic furniture feels utilitarian rather than luxurious.

For the most part, the city’s best hotels are crowded around Golden Square Mile in Old Montreal, which is a fantastic place for first timers to base themselves — but return visitors will want to be a little closer to the action of Plateau-Mont-Royal, a hip neighborhood home to shops, cafés, and the city’s most famous bagel shop (St-Viateur).

The sustainably-driven Hôtel de l'ITHQ is the ideal home base for exploring the area, offering sunny, sparse rooms and spacious suites just above the Sherbrooke metro station. While the decor isn’t particularly luxurious, it's modern and comfortable, and most rooms boast a private balcony that’s perfect for scoping out the charming surroundings. The hotel, which is part of the renowned Institut de Tourisme et d'Hôtellerie du Québec, is run with the help of hospitality students, who are enthusiastic and highly professional (and make a mean breakfast, which is included).  

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Plateau-Mont-Royal
  • Distance From Airport: 7 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Lafontaine Park, Museum of Contemporary Art, Place des Arts
  • Accessibility: Universelle Room
  • Parking: Indoor parking, $19 to 24 CAD per day
  • Pet Policy: Pets allowed
  • Rates: Start at $177

Hotel Le Germain

Guest room in Hotel Le Germain

Hotel Le Germain

What We Like
  • The ‘60s-inspired decor is retro and whimsical, with hanging bubble chairs in most rooms.

What to Consider
  • The design of this hotel skews quirky and modern; distinct from more traditional properties in the area.

Le Germain Hotel Montreal’s colorful facade stands out among the glass buildings of Downtown, thanks to a vibrant mural painted by Canadian artist Michelle Hoogveld. Inside, it’s charmingly retro, with elegant ‘60s-inspired furnishings in shades of gray and chrome in each of the 136 rooms — think hanging bubble chairs and even a round bed, in one quirky suite. It feels somewhat like arriving at the beloved TWA Hotel in New York, although there’s only a smattering of red decor here.

Rooms start at 300 square feet (The Classic) and extend up to 975 square feet (The Apartment Suite, which is equipped with a kitchen, spacious living area, and terrace), and all boast dreamy goose-down duvets encased in sumptuous linens and topped off with fluffy feather pillows. You’ll find plenty of business and leisure travelers here, either fitting in a workout in the 17th floor's sunlit fitness center, or tucking into escargot at Le Boulevardier, their French bistro restaurant.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Downtown Montreal
  • Distance From Airport: 6 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: The McCord Museum, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Mount Royal Park
  • Parking: Public parking nearby, CAD $40 per day
  • Pet Policy: Pets allowed
  • Rates: Start at $243

Booking Tip

Book directly through the hotel to access 24-hour checkout, so you can enjoy your room however long you’d like on your departure day — ideal for those with late flights out of town.

Hotel Monville

Guest room in Hotel Monville

Hotel Monville

What We Like
  • Sleek, sparsely furnished rooms and high-tech amenities are ideal for business travelers.

What to Consider
  • Self-service kiosks at check-in and robot butlers may feel a little too futuristic for some — but you can still expect plenty of human interaction and kindness from the helpful concierges.

Stepping into the expansive double-height lobby at this Downtown property might make you do a double take. Massive columns rise above the black-and-white space, which is adorned with large-scale photographs of the city by Canadian musician and filmmaker Valerie Jodoin Keaton. The feeling is distinctly modern, with oak paneling that keeps the space feeling warm and inviting. For your convenience, you can easily check in via a self-service kiosk, and robot butlers are available to drop off room service — although a friendly team of staff members is always around to help, if that’s more your speed.

269 rooms offer ultra-sleek accommodations, with enormous windows allowing in plenty of light. The entry-level Standard room is a cozy 210-square-feet, so business travelers planning to work from their rooms will want to spring for a larger suite, which offers up to 378-square-feet of space and seemingly endless windows. There’s also a lounge that functions as a coworking space during the day, and a fantastic, colorful rooftop terrace where you can sit and sip a cocktail with views over the city. 

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Downtown
  • Distance From Airport: 13 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Notre-Dame Basilica, Christ Church Cathedral, Bell Center 
  • Accessibility: Suite
  • Parking: Paid valet parking, $38 CAD per day
  • Loyalty Programs: I Prefer
  • Pet Policy: Pets allowed
  • Rates: Start at $162

Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain

Guest room in Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain

Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain

What We Like
  • The unique arched windows frame picture-perfect views of the city from the center of Downtown.

What to Consider
  • None of the rooms offer outdoor space, such as a terrace or balcony.

Named after Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Quebec City, the Marriott Chateau Champlain was initially constructed ahead of Expo 67 to house the influx of visitors coming for the world's fair. The facade of this 40-story tower is striking from any angle, with arched windows peering out over the city like hundreds of eyes (or, as it’s locally nicknamed, like a cheese grater). The windows frame postcard-worthy views from inside each of the whopping 596 guestrooms, which are elegant and streamlined. While entry-level rooms begin at a generous 312 square feet, those seeking more space can splurge on the truly palatial 2,184-square-foot Presidential Suite, a two-bed, three-bath residence complete with M Club Lounge access, an electric fireplace, crystal chandeliers, and more.

The hotel is particularly well suited to business travelers, first-time visitors, and anyone who appreciates the reliable comforts (and loyalty perks) of staying at a Marriott property. It’s perfectly located for shopping and sightseeing, and what’s more, the hotel is also connected to the metro system, making it easy to navigate further afield if you’re looking to explore a more local side of the city. 

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Downtown 
  • Distance From Airport: 8.6 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Clock Tower Beach, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Place des Arts
  • Accessibility: Varies across room categories
  • Parking: Yes, $32 CAD per day
  • Loyalty Programs: Marriott Bonvoy
  • Pet Policy: Pets allowed
  • Rates: Start at $216

Hotel Gault

Guest room in Hotel Gault

Hotel Gault

What We Like
  • The open-concept bathrooms all feature heated floors, which are a game changer during winter visits.

What to Consider
  • Upgrading to a suite here lands you nearly double the space (plus incredible natural light and a dedicated workspace).

Housed in a beautiful 19th-century Haussmanian greystone building, Hotel Gault turns out to be delightfully contemporary once you step through its doors. There are 30 suites, including three airy lofts and two rooms with spacious terraces, all equipped with fluffy beds by Flou and luxe Italian linens from Casa Rovea. Heated floors in all the bathrooms are a welcome touch during chilly Montreal winters.

Rooms range in size from 350 to 1,020 square feet, and upgrading to a suite (like the superbly sunny Corner Suite) offers significantly more space for a rather slight difference in rate. Walls are left mostly blank, and furnishings are minimal — think brightly colored rugs, a TV, and a sitting area — so business travelers will find it particularly easy to concentrate without any excess clutter. 

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Downtown
  • Distance From Airport: 7 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Lafontaine Park, Museum of Contemporary Art, Bota Bota Spa Sur l’Eau
  • Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible, one reduced mobility room 
  • Parking: Paid private parking, $42 CAD per day
  • Loyalty Programs: I Prefer
  • Pet Policy: Pets allowed
  • Rates: Start at $278

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

Bar at The Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

Stephane Brugger / Accor Hotels

What We Like
  • This family- and pet-friendly hotel is connected to The Underground City, offering easy access to a labyrinth of shops, restaurants, and walkways connecting Montreal.

What to Consider
  • The large property sees a lot of foot traffic, given its prime location — if you’re looking for a tranquil place to retreat from the city’s bustle, consider one of the boutique options on this list instead.

Spanning a full city block, this behemoth 950-room property got a mega-cool redesign in 2017 by hip agency Sid Lee, who breathed fresh life into the ‘60s design. A glamorous, expansive lobby welcomes you in, with a trendy and perpetually busy lounge area featuring eggshell chairs and other design nods to the hotel’s history.

If you recognize the hotel’s name, that is likely because it was the site of John Lennon and Yoko Ono’s famous Bed-In — an experience you’re welcome to recreate in Suite 1742. Heading on a girl’s trip? Book the over-the-top Barbie Dream suite, a pink palace that’s equal parts playful and glamorous. Otherwise, the renovated Fairmont Rooms feature slate blue walls, abstract works of art, Le Labo toiletries, and poofy beds that you sink into immediately.

The Details:

  • Neighborhood: Downtown
  • Distance From Airport: 10.5 miles
  • Nearby Attractions: Place des Arts, Clock Tower Beach, Grevin Museum Montreal
  • Accessibility: Across room categories 
  • Parking: Valet parking, $39 CAD per day
  • Loyalty Programs: ALL (Accor Live Limitless)
  • Pet Policy: Pets allowed
  • Rates: Start at $261

Know Before You Go

French is the primary language in Montreal, with English as a close second

French is the only official language recognized in Quebec, where most people learn it as their mother tongue. Throughout the province, many people learn English as well, with Montreal specifically operating as a bilingual hub where the majority of people learn English at a young age. While you will likely be able to communicate easily in English throughout your time there — particularly when interacting with folks in the hospitality industry — it never hurts to brush up on a few key French phrases before your trip.

Montreal is walkable and has a great public transportation system

Be sure to pack your walking shoes — Montreal is a city you’ll often traverse on foot, particularly if you’re taking in the sites centralized around your hotel in the Downtown area or Old Montreal. Note that the city is hilly, so you’ll want to take care to bring shoes with good traction, particularly in winter when roads get snowy and slick.

If you’re heading to explore in Plateau or Mile End, you can always hop on the bus or metro, both of which have extensive, reliable networks and are easy to navigate.

It gets extremely cold in the winter

Montreal’s winter weather is no joke — temperatures hover around 16 degrees Fahrenheit in January, which is the coldest month of the year there. At night, it can dip down to well below freezing, with temperatures hitting -22 degrees Fahrenheit. But if you dress accordingly, you’ll still be able to enjoy all that this winter wonderland has to offer — thanks in no small part to The Underground City, a massive network of heated pedestrian walkways that allow you to get around while avoiding the winter air.

For any winter trip, waterproof and insulated winter boots are non-negotiable — as are a warm jacket, plus a hat and gloves. Once you’re appropriately layered up, be sure to also check out Domaine de la Forêt Perdue, a maze of ice-skating trails through a wooded park just outside Downtown.

Get outside of the Old City

Montreal’s famed Golden Square Mile is home to many of the city’s best luxury hotels, given its superlative location in the center of everything. Here, you’ll be close to Downtown, Old Montreal, and a stroll along the Saint-Laurent River. The architecture is charming and Victorian, and there are certainly enough shops, landmarks, and restaurants to keep you here for an entire trip — but it’s worth hopping on the metro to explore beyond the main tourist drag, too. For third-wave coffee shops, vintage shopping, natural wine bars, and more, head to hip alcoves like Plateau, Mile End, or Griffintown, which are a delight to wander around and boast plenty of delicious restaurants as well.

How We Chose These Hotels

Montreal is home to a vibrant hotel scene, with hundreds of properties to choose from that range from playful ‘60s-themed boutique hotels to enormous cultural hubs spanning full city blocks from big-name luxury brands.

Narrowing down the top hotels in the city is a difficult task — we started by highlighting the properties which thousands of T+L readers have voted as their favorites in our annual World’s Best Awards in recent years.

In addition to including those award-winning properties, T+L contributor Sophie Dodd relied on her expertise as a travel writer specializing in luxury and boutique hotels in order to research and review a handful of hotels that came highly recommended by fellow editors. She also included properties she’s personally visited during trips to Montreal, where she’s stayed in various neighborhoods over the years.

The properties included here reflect top-tier guest experience from check-in to checkout, as well as strong aesthetic appeal, superlative comfort, and excellent concierge services. Sophie also prioritized hotels with accessible rooms, sustainable programs, and luxurious amenities like spas, pools, and fitness centers.

And finally, as with all our hotel roundups, editors ensure all hotel recommendations we make align with our core T+L Hotel Values.

Edited by
Sophie Mendel
Editor Sophie Mendel at a restaurant
Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel and accessories for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 50 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than five years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter.

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