Where to stay in Montreal? Our best recommendations

Hello everyone! I’m happy to be back with you today with a brand new article that I’m sure will help you out. I’m going to give you an idea of the best places to stay in Montreal for your next trip!

Travelling can take a lot of time and hopefully this article will save you some! First of all, if you’re planning a trip there, don’t hesitate to read our article on all the things to do in Montreal, a real neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood guide to what to do and see in this magnificent city. Then you’ll find even more information in this new article, which aims to give you the best addresses and a small selection of popular accommodation in the city’s most central districts.

We also have a dedicated article on the best hotels in Montreal if you want to treat yourself! And if you’re planning to explore more of the Quebec region, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide on where to stay in Saguenay.

Of course, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of different places to stay in this wonderful city, and you will always be able to find something to suit you, but the purpose of this article is not to give you an exhaustive list of all the places to stay in the city (that would take hours and be of little use, wouldn’t it?), but rather to give you a selection of relevant places to stay, located in the most interesting areas, according to location and, above all, type of budget: low budget, medium budget and comfortable budget.

Naturally, when you make your booking, it will be based on

• How to get to where you want to stay
• your budget (the price of a room or a rental varies according to the season)
• the area’s atmosphere, nearby attractions and the number of days you’ll be in town.

For your stay in Montreal, I’d advise you to start by choosing your accommodation based on its location.
There’s nothing like getting out of the house and being close to the metro or attractions to save time and enjoy the city as quickly as possible. That’s why I’ve focused on 3 districts that I consider to be strategic places to stay. Finally, I’ll give you some suggestions for places that are a little more out of the way, but still very practical in terms of logistics.

At the end of the article, I’ll give you some recommendations for things to do in Montreal that we love!

If you need a car to visit around Montreal, we find DiscoverCars always have great deals !

Obviously, the first neighbourhood I mention is one of Montréal’s most touristy areas—and for good reason: it’s the city’s historic centre, Old Montréal. As you might guess, it isn’t the most affordable location, but its geography is ideal—especially if you have only a few days to visit—because the district is well served by at least two metro stations. With its old‑world charm and cobblestone streets, it’s a very popular choice for travellers seeking a romantic, picturesque atmosphere.

Hotels in Old Montréal often blend historic architecture with modern amenities, letting you immerse yourself fully in the city’s history. You’ll also be close to major attractions such as Notre‑Dame Basilica, the Old Port, Bonsecours Market, the cobblestone lanes of Old Montréal, and many restaurants and shops.

Small budget
For tighter budgets I recommend hostels. Dorm living isn’t for everyone, but it cuts costs dramatically.

• Auberge Alternative offers rooms from $50 excl. tax / night. It sits in Old Montréal, and Square‑Victoria metro station is only an 8‑minute walk away.
• There’s also Auberge Saint Paul (Alt Hostel) in Old Montréal, which provides free Wi‑Fi and air‑conditioned rooms. The Old Port of Montréal is less than a 5‑minute walk away.

Mid‑range budget

• Hyatt Centric Montréal: This super‑central hotel features a seasonal rooftop outdoor pool with panoramic views of Montréal, private parking, a gym, and a restaurant. Expect prices from $250 excl. tax / night for double occupancy. Nearby Berri‑UQAM station lets you reach anywhere in the city in no time.

Mélanie and Sylvain also tried the Hyatt Place Montréal – Downtown, another location in the city, and they loved it!

Comfortable budget
Staying in a hotel can feel impersonal, but it adds a touch of prestige to your holiday. And if you’re going to do it, why not go for the best of the best:

• Just a few minutes from Old Montréal’s historic district, the InterContinental Montreal is a luxury hotel with direct access to the “Underground City.” Thanks to excellent transport links, you can easily explore the city on foot or by public transit. A big plus: the indoor salt‑water pool and sauna, perfect for unwinding after busy days of sightseeing.
• Ideally located in a historic building, the Hôtel Place d’Armes blends old and new, offering top‑of‑the‑line amenities sure to delight. Along with the 701 terrace—great for a cocktail overlooking the Old Port—you can continue the evening at the ground‑floor Kyo Japanese bar, which serves refined, generous Japanese cuisine and a selection of Japanese spirits.
• Last but not least, I recommend the Hôtel Nelligan. Also located in the heart of Old Montréal, it offers high‑end services such as a rooftop terrace, a renowned bar‑restaurant, a fitness room, and 24‑hour concierge service.

Now, if you prefer a livelier, more urban setting that feels like a little New York, downtown Montréal is the perfect spot for you. With its towering skyscrapers, abundant shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, downtown is packed with things to do. You’ll also find a wide range of hotels—from high‑end properties to more affordable chains—offering easy access to the city’s landmarks such as Mount Royal, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and the Quartier des spectacles. In summer it’s the ideal base for enjoying the many festivals and for radiating out to other tourist sites via the metro.

Small budget

• SaintLo Montréal Hostel is located downtown, just a 2‑minute walk from Lucien‑L’Allier metro station. You can book private rooms for added privacy or dorm beds to cut costs. A continental breakfast is served every morning and Wi‑Fi is free—great value for money.
• For another solid option, check out M Montréal Hostel, less than 2 minutes from Sainte‑Catherine Street (one of Montréal’s main shopping avenues). Besides its handy location, this hostel has a bar where you can catch a comedy show on some evenings or play pool and table football.

Mid‑range budget

• This modern‑style hotel is a trendy choice: Hôtel Zéro 1 Montréal offers sleek rooms and easy access to city attractions. Extras include a terrace with panoramic views over the Quartier des spectacles and proximity to Chinatown and the restaurants on Saint‑Laurent Street.

Comfortable budget

• The luxurious Fairmont Queen Elizabeth sits right in the city centre, with an unbeatable location close to most sights and metro stations for exploring the whole city. Take the opportunity to try their Barbie Tea Experience or grab a delicious grilled‑cheese sandwich in their café.
• For a completely different vibe, Hôtel Le Germain features rooms with eco‑friendly Québec‑made furniture and original artwork. A big plus is the excellent on‑site restaurant, Le Boulevardier, which serves authentic Québec cuisine.
• Just a 5‑minute walk from downtown and the Bell Centre, Warwick Le Crystal overlooks Montréal’s rooftops, with a spa, sauna, and hot tub set on a wooden terrace on the 12th floor. You’ll also be close to Mount Royal, a lovely place for a stroll in any season.

If you’ve read the complete guide I wrote on Montréal, you already know this is my favourite neighbourhood. And if you’re after a bohemian, artistic vibe, the Plateau‑Mont‑Royal district is a perfect choice. Known for its colourful streets, trendy cafés, eclectic shops and distinctive architecture, this part of the city offers a unique, laid‑back atmosphere. You’ll find a range of hostels, small boutique hotels and apartment rentals—ideal for travellers on tighter budgets or anyone looking for true neighbourhood life and a local experience.

Small budget

• A lovely hostel near one of the city’s largest parks: Auberge de la Fontaine. From $140 / night, you’ll be in one of my favourite areas. This property has about ten rooms, and you can enjoy a view of Parc La Fontaine while staying close to all the key sights.
• Auberge du Plateau offers both private rooms and dorms. It’s right in the heart of the Plateau, and Sherbrooke metro station is a 5‑minute walk away. In high summer, relax on its rooftop terrace after a full day of exploring.

Mid‑range budget

• Also close to Sherbrooke metro, Hôtel St‑Thomas is a 4‑star hotel with classy décor and a fine city view. It offers free bike loans—a great way to get around—and even airport transfers. Expect a little over $300 / night depending on the room.

Comfortable budget

• Tastefully renovated, François‑Denis Apartments is a quintessential Montréal building in the heart of the Plateau, with carefully decorated flats. Each unit has a dining area with everything you need, a flat‑screen TV, and a private bathroom with a walk‑in shower.
• Carré Saint‑Louis is one of Montréal’s spots where you can see the famous colourful façades—and that’s exactly where the Hôtel & Spa Carré Saint‑Louis sits. From this charming hotel you’ll have access to a nearby wellness centre and spa, and I recommend the renowned Sushi Momo restaurant, whose vegan sushi will thrill your taste buds.

All of these neighbourhoods are very well served by public transport. Pick up single metro tickets or a rechargeable card if you’re staying several days—more than enough to explore the city from top to bottom.

To finish, here are two accommodation suggestions a little farther from the main tourist spots but just as convenient logistically.

• Boutique Lofts Milton Parc by Simplissimmo offers modern and spacious lofts that are perfect for visiting Montreal. Each apartment features an industrial style with brick walls, high ceilings, a fireplace and a fully equipped kitchen. But that’s not all! The lofts are comfortable and clean, and the bathroom has a double shower. Self-check-in and the lively neighbourhood are highly rated by travellers. Whether you’re travelling as a family or on a romantic getaway, these modern lofts offer a wonderful place to stay in Montreal.
• Gîte L’Imprévu is a charming B&B only 100 metres from Place Saint‑Henri metro station. You can walk to Atwater Market in less than ten minutes—a local version of Jean‑Talon Market but far less touristy.

I hope these different selections will make planning your future trip to Montréal easier. For the next leg of your journey in Québec, take a look at our article on Tadoussac and its surroundings; it provides valuable information on a beautiful corner of the province.

Some suggestions for fun things to do in Montreal

• Dog sledding in St Hippolyte
• Guided snowmobile tour on Lake Morency
• Dog sledding in Saint Liguori
• Discover ice climbing in Montreal
• Helicopter flight over the St Lawrence River in Montreal

Don’t hesitate to leave your comments on the places you visited, whether mentioned or not, and I’ll see you soon for new adventures! Since then, we’ve compiled a guide to the best things to do in Charlevoix!

Written by Valérie PLANQUE

I've been living in Montreal for 6 years now, and I take every opportunity to discover and appreciate this beautiful region of Quebec by sharing my personal experiences with you! You'll love it!

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