Montreal Boutique Hotels

It is quite possible to spend a week in downtown Montreal and never see the light of day. Want to escape the bitter cold of winter or the sometimes humid days of summer? Just go underground. Beneath the traffic and pedestrian flow of the downtown core is an entire second city. The quiet, rubber wheeled Metro (subway) system services seven hotels, 1,600 boutiques, 30 movie theatres, 200 restaurants, three universities, two colleges, two train stations, a skating rink, 40 banks, a bus terminal, an art museum, concert halls, the home ice arena of the Montreal Canadiens (hockey) and a cathedral.

The 1976 Olympics biking stadium now houses the Biodome with its natural history exhibit. Nearby the Jardin Botanique (Botanical Garden) and the Insectarium (all you ever wanted to know about bugs) attract visitors of all ages. The surrounding residential areas offer bed and breakfast venues, apartments and condominiums that create a chance to mingle with the locals. EasyRez offers information and summer packages on many of Montreal's popular visitor venues.

Boutique hotels may be found many parts of Montreal. Many are in vintage buildings and combine the intimacy found in small scale European style properties with the customer service expected in luxury hotels. They tend to have more of an old country feel to them than perhaps a hotel in Tremblant which, as fitting the location, is more alpine in nature.

A perfect example of the type of boutique hotel found in Vieux Montreal is a restored circa 1725 ancestral family mansion. The modest exterior, looking very much as it did when first built, is a startling contrast to the extravagantly luxurious interior. Stepping into the doors of the Bonsecours Boutique Hotel is like stepping into history. From Louis the XV furnishings in the lobby to a Victorian greenhouse and patio complete with resident parrots, this hotel makes an amazing hideaway.

Just beyond the entrance to Old Montreal is another surprise. The gingerbread facade of a beautifully restored Beau Art building houses an ultra modern interior. Featuring a monochromatic contemporary decor, the contrast could not be more extreme, or more elegantly unique. The Earth and Sky Hotel, complete with its award winning restaurant is a decadent surprise.

Want your nights filled with song and laughter until the wee hours of the morning? Perhaps the lively Latin Quarter is for you. The Saint Louis Square Hotel is a century old Victorian home that has been transformed into a charming boutique hotel. The turret tower gives it the appearance of a mini castle and the high ceilings, period furnishings and carved wall mouldings offer more than a hint of nostalgia. The non stop action is at your doorstep.

Another 19th century Victorian home now houses the Montreal Latin Quarter Inn. Offering budget rooms as well as suites, this boutique hotel can fit almost any budget. It is within easy walking distance of dining and entertainment venues and is only one block away from a Metro (subway) station. From this station you can reach the Montreal Casino, the Olympic Stadium, the Botanical Gardens, the Biodome and the Insectarium without changing lines.

Does the underground city fascinate you? The 19th Century Victorian Hotel is within steps of this subterranean marvel. Next to the Peel metro station it is conveniently located in the heart of Montreal's business district. Decor is bright, modern and welcoming and families are welcome.

Though the underground city provides refuge, Montrealers love to celebrate their snowy clime. On weekends in late January to early February, the entire Ile Ste-Helene is transformed into a winter playground. Explore the massive snow castle, take a dog sled or horse drawn sleigh ride, or coast a toboggan down one of the many hills. Ice skating is quite popular not only here but at one of the 195 outdoor and 21 indoor rinks throughout the city, including the huge outdoor venue in Vieux-Port.

Montreal offers both cross country and downhill skiing venues either in city limits or within an hours drive. Cross country ski trails can be found in most city parks, including Mont Royal. The Lachine Canal is a local cross country ski favourite. Though Parc du Mont Royal has a small downhill ski slope, Mont St-Bruno with a vertical drop of 443 feet, it does include QuebecÂ’s largest ski school, a high speed lift and offers night skiing. Mont Tremblant Ski Resort is about a two hour drive and there is an assortment of hotels in Tremblant for those seeking an overnight or longer stay. Ste Sauveur is less than an hour. Combine your Montreal visit with a trip to Quebec City and also explore skiing at Mont Ste Anne.

The horse drawn caleshes or carriages continue their clip clopping along Old Montreal's streets. Snuggle under a winter fleece blanket as you make your way through this cobblestoned winter wonderland. Many of these venues are available through EasyRez in assorted winter packages.

Though not quite as aged as Old Quebec, the historic square in the heart of Vieux-Montreal is home to musicians, magicians and acrobats that entertain the crowds during the summer season. Diners may indulge in escargot, authentic French onion soup or the more calorie laden but popular poutine (fries with cheese curds smothered in gravy) in open air cafes that provide excellent seats for the art of people watching.

Golfing is popular in the summer months and there are challenging courses in the greater metropolitan area. Scenic courses are also scattered throughout the Laurentians including Mont Tremblant Resort (Hotel Mont Tremblant is an option for overnight stays) and Mont Ste Anne. Biking is also popular. There are more than 350 kilometers (217 miles) of cycling trails throughout the city.

Take to the water and experience the impressive skyline from a different perspective. Of particular interest are the romantic night cruises where the city lights rival the stars for your attention, or the cruises during the popular International Fireworks Competition held in June and July that offer the best view in the house, so to speak.

The young at heart will find a bit of a thrill at La Ronde amusement park that is home to the Monstre, one of the tallest wooden roller coasters in the world. Check with EasyRez about information about these popular venues as well as available summer packages and last minute discounts.