Welcome to Montreal! Or should we say “Bienvenue a Montreal!” I wish we could put those little accent things where their supposed to be in the word “Montreal.” Anyway, for this week’s trip destination we’ve selected a city that is rich in history and culture, yet took a turn in the 60’s to create a fun, modern, bustling city. Montreal has a great story about it’s heritage and you can feel free to read more about it on one of the Montreal Tourism sites we found. In order to learn more about the city you can also visit Tourism Montreal, Ville De Montreal, and Montreal.com. And don’t worry, you can translate all the sites into English So on to the hotels!

Accomodations

We actually took a bit of a move away from Trip Advisor on this one. Instead we asked friends, family and other people on the web to find out where we might stay in this wonderful city. Of course we still consulted with the big boys as well.

#1 - Hotel Le St James

We have heard this is the finest place to stay in Montreal. Built back in 1870 this hotel has plenty of history. And if you guys read anything about Montreal (if not we’ll tell you) the hotel is located in Old Montreal (Montreal is essentially split up into an Old, more European styled section and a new, modern American style section). It’s a perfect combination of elegance and proximity to all of the finest dining and attractions in Montreal. Be sure to visit the Hotel’s Website as well as check out some of Trip Advisor’s reviews. There are also some more pictures to be found on Hotel.com’s site.

More Pictures:

#2 - Le Saint Sulpice

Another great pick in Old Montreal, Le Saint Sulpice is a classy and fine establishment. The hotel has a beautiful courtyard and the rooms get up to over 1000 square feet in size, most having a fireplace. Not to mention 24 room service for those long nights at the casino! Be sure to check out Le Saint’s Website. Also, Expedia’s Average Review was a 4.9 out of 5. Not bad!

#3 - Sofitel Montreal

The Sofitel chain of hotels is an excellent network of fine hotels, and when you see the one in Montreal it does not disappoint. It’s considered one of the most popular downtown hotels and is located in the heart of “Golden Square Mile.” Please visit Sofitel’s Website for more information. FYI, it was rated #6 on Trip Advisor. Here are some Yahoo Travel Reviews.

#4 - The W Montreal

Who doesn’t like the W? Aside from them having reasonably small rooms in the NYC branches, I can’t find anyone who didn’t think highly of a W hotel. Starwood Resorts has gotten hotels down to a science. Just take our words for it will ya? Fine, visit the site and check out a review or two. You really have to push us don’t you….

#5 - Hotel Gault

Look, we’ve been through a lot together and if you don’t trust us by now then we just don’t know what to say. Would you check out the Hotel Gault please? Man I’m in a funny mood today.

* You didn’t think we wouldn’t let you know that there’s a Ritz Carlton in Montreal did you? For a full list of hotels be sure to check out Trip Advisors 143 of them. On with the restaurants!

Restaurants

#1 - Toque

We’re not going to argue with Zagats Survey here. In fact Toque was the very first restaurant Zagats surveyed in Montreal and it still remains at the top. Every single time we typed in something like “Best restaurants in Montreal” Toque popped up at the top. The style of food is called “Post Nouvelle” and we hear the portions are hearty. We read a great review on Frommer’s and we suggest you check it out too. Here is Toque’s Website.

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#2 - The Beaver Club

No, it’s not a Strip Club! Although if a Strip Club had top 5 food we’d definitely put it in our recommendations OK let’s get back to reality for a second. Located in the Fairview Elizabeth Hotel, The Beaver Club has been known to serve some of the best Martinis around. Their food isn’t too bad either. Bring out the checkbook though. Here’s the Fairmont’s Beaver Site.

#3 - Le Club Chasse Et Peche

There’s no sign! How do we find this place? No worries it’s right near the Notre Dame Basilica (which we’ll mention later). Check out the Montreal Mirror Review. Sounds delicious.

#4 - L’Express

Dubbed the “Heart and Soul” of Montreal L’Express apparently lives up to it’s name. Here’s something we found in a review: “Take Montreal and pour it into a pot. Slowly turn up the heat and start reducing. As the city bubbles away, we are down to the Latin Quarter, to rue Saint-Denis. Keep simmering until we have reduced Montreal to its essence, a dozen or so long blocks between Mount Royal and René-Lévesque. Now, in the final stage of demi-glace, the heart and soul of Montreal emerges. It is the restaurant L’Express”

#5 - Moishes

Who wants some steak? Travel Guy is a big steak eater so naturally I’m gonna be putting a steak joint on here when I can. Moishe’s was rated a top steakhouse in a number of publications and from what we hear, get the Porterhouse.

*We know, we know, five restaurants can’t possibly cover all that great French food. The sites listed in our first paragraph have great directories for food so be sure to check them out.
And where would we be without some fun activities.

Fun Things to Do

#1 - Old Montreal

You may have noticed that some of the hotels we listed are in this amazing little part of Montreal. One of the first things we hear when someone asks, “where should I go in Montreal?” is “You have to check out Old Montreal.” Old Montreal is the place that looks very European and well…old. The streets are filled with Cobble Stone and you feel like you’re straight out of a history book: old pubs, galleries, things to do on the street. It’s a must see. We decided that Wikipedia has a great description of Old Montreal.

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#2 - Montreal Botanical Gardens

22,000. That’s the number of plant species going on in this amazing site. 30 gardens? 10 exhibition greenhouses? Perfect for couples and families. It’s a must see in Montreal. For more information check out Ville Montreal

#3 - Notre Dame Basilica

We’re always up for a good church you know? Seriously though, some of the architecture on churches around the world is truly breathtaking and this Basilica is no exception. If only to take a peek, make sure your eyes take a look at this piece of art. Here’s more information on the Notre Dame Basilica.

#4 - Montreal Casino

Do we even need a description here? It’s a casino. It’s a big one. Find it. Best of luck when you get there.

#5 - The Underground City

The Underground City is a set of complexes both above and below ground and is considered the largest underground complex in the world. We went to Wikipedia for more info on this mammoth construction.

Honorable Mention: Montreal Zoo, Olympic Stadium

*Well, we hope you take a visit to Montreal. It’s not just a bunch of mountaineers and “eh, eh, eh” stuff you know. Canada’s got some rich culture, good eats, and plenty to do. Enjoy your stay!

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