Where to Sleep, Eat and Chill in Montreal

Ah, Montreal. A charming European-feeling city of infinite delights. A small town vibe in a big city package, where love of art, food, drink and nightlife permeates every corner. A place where, if you’re lucky enough to visit, you almost always leave saying, “I could live there.”

But it’s also a city that can chew you up and spit you up if you’re not careful, what with its overpriced tourist traps and infamous city traffic. So a first word of advice: Plan your visit so you can walk or take the metro as much as possible. And no matter if you’re brought to la belle province for work or pleasure, make sure to carve out time to meander. Eat. Sit. Sip. Sleep. And repeat. Santé!

Read on for the best Montreal travel guide recommendations, including hotels, restaurants and cafés.

The superior walking neighbourhood: Old Montreal

Old Montreal is a tourist mecca, but it’s not an overrated one — its reputation as a charming respite is entirely warranted. From the magic of the cobblestone streets stunning European architecture and the breathtaking views to the array of restaurants, coffee shops and cute boutiques (all within walking distance), it really can’t be beat.

Pro tip: Factor the cost into your travel budget and park your car in a lot or do valet at your hotel. The stress of trying to find and keep street parking simply isn’t worth it. 

The best hotel for elevated business travel: Le Centre Sheraton Montreal

If you’re heading to Montreal for a work trip and are in search of a hotel that’s functional, spacious, centrally located and totally modern, look no further than Le Centre Sheraton Montreal. The recently renovated hotel features a stunning new lobby with plenty of meeting spaces, private booths to get work done or take business calls and studio rooms to hold meetings and conferences.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head over to the hotel’s restaurant, Stanley, which offers delicious dishes and drinks in a warm, inviting atmosphere. (Pro tip: don’t skip the focaccia or truffle-parmesan fries!) Plus, if you upgrade to a Sheraton Club level guest room, you can enjoy access to the hotel’s 37th floor Sheraton Club Lounge, a chic space that offers plenty of room to meet, work, relax and unwind.

The lush spa: Guerlain Spa at Four Seasons Montreal

Skin in need of a boost before we head into cooler temperatures? Get yourself to the Guerlain Spa located in Four Seasons Montreal, stat. Offering luxury treatments like facials, massages and body treatments, you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the long, blistering winter season. (Er, as ready as you can be.)

The chic hotel: William Gray

Where to begin on this magical property? From the outside, the Hotel William Gray looks like an 1800s cottage meets a modern hotel (in fact, the property is comprised of two 18th-century stone homes topped with a sleek glass tower) and inside, the amenities are unparalleled. There are countless tricked out lounge areas for chatting, drinking or getting some work in. There’s a sleek pool in the summer and an outdoor patio with fireplaces and comfy Muskoka chairs. There’s a rooftop patio with insane unobstructed views of the waterfront. Plus, the rooms themselves are superior in every way, from the deliciously cozy king-size beds to the Le Labo toiletries.

Make time for a gorgeous glass of Prosecco at the onsite restaurant Maggie Oakes before heading to your dinner plans. Slide into one of the metallic barstools at the pristine marble bar and bottoms up.

The iconic coffee shop: Café Olimpico

Ah, Café Olimpico. The OG location in Montreal’s Mile End is such an institution that you almost invite the anxiety that waiting in its intimidating line causes. The Old Port outpost, located conveniently within the William Gray hotel, is smaller (and ridiculously cute) but still offers the same superior espresso Olimpico is known for. They get extremely busy but the line moves quickly and the staff at this location is very friendly. Get the lemon cake. Don’t ask questions.

The ideal spot for extended stays: Warwick Le Crystal

If space and comfort are what you’re after, Warwick Le Crystal (formerly Hotel Le Crystal, which was the city’s only independently owned five-star hotel) is a must-visit. Recently acquired by Warwick Hotels & Resorts, this downtown location can’t be beat and its oversized rooms are perfect for longer stays or family vacations. Every single suite in the hotel features a kitchenette and king-sized bed, and fun fact: many of the suites have attached balconies. One particularly stunning penthouse suite features not one but two oversized balconies (one on either side of the living area), while another suite boasts a terrace that is larger than most one-bedroom apartments in Toronto. Everything’s bigger in Texas Montreal, it turns out.

The cute cocktail bar: Knox Taverne

Fancy a cocktail? Knox Taverne will hit the spot. Serving up creative cocktails and an excellent wine list (not to mention delicious sharable plates, if you want to nibble) in a cozy setting, you won’t want to leave this intimate Pointe St. Charles hangout spot. Come for the sips and bites; stay for the décor (gorgeous herringbone floors, plants and string lights galore).

The can’t-miss restaurant: Damas

Serving up authentic Syrian flavours in a lush setting (think jewel-toned lanterns and dark polished wood), Damas offers an unforgettable dining experience. It’s no wonder the restaurant was named one of the best places to eat in Canada.

The quintessential Old Port hotel: Auberge du Vieux-Port

With waterfront views of the St. Lawrence river, exposed brick walls and original wooden floors that creak just the right amount, the Auberge du Vieux-Port offers the most authentic Euro-inspired experience. The charm of this 19th century property, comprised of two converted warehouses, is unbeatable but its hotel amenities are decidedly modern and luxe. Think: a wrought-iron bed straight out of Jane Eyre, but with a cloud-like king-size mattress. Did I mention the bathroom is spacious and the soaker tub is big enough for two? (In my case, me and my toddler — and his bath toys.) For the ultimate night in, grab a cheeky cocktail in their wildly cozy lobby lounge, complete with roaring fireplace, and then get Italian takeout from Jacopo just around the corner to keep the chill vibes going. The mushroom risotto is unmatched.

With files from Souzan Michael Galway