Where to Stay in Montreal: Our Top Recommendations

Hello, everyone! I’m happy to be back today with a brand-new article that should make planning your next trip much easier. Here’s a guide to some of the best places to stay in Montreal!

Trip planning can be time-consuming, so hopefully this article will save you some of it! First, if you’re heading there, be sure to read our guide to the best things to do in Montreal, with neighborhood-by-neighborhood ideas for what to see and do in this beautiful city. This article takes things a step further, sharing our favorite addresses and a small selection of popular places to stay in Montreal’s most central districts.

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

Of course, there are hundreds—if not thousands—of places to stay in this wonderful city, so you’re bound to find something that suits you. Rather than giving you an exhaustive list of every option in Montreal, which would take hours and probably not be very useful, this article focuses on a carefully chosen selection in the most interesting areas. The recommendations are organized by location and, above all, by budget: low, mid-range, and comfortable.

Naturally, your choice will depend on:

• how easy it is to reach your accommodation
• your budget (room and rental prices vary by season)
• the neighborhood’s atmosphere, nearby attractions, and how many days you’ll be in town.

For your stay in Montreal, I recommend starting with location when choosing your accommodation.
Being able to step outside and quickly reach the metro or nearby attractions is one of the best ways to save time and make the most of the city. That’s why I’ve focused on three neighborhoods that I consider especially convenient places to stay. At the end, I’ll also share a few options that are slightly farther out but still very practical for getting around.

At the end of the article, I’ll also share a few of our favorite things to do in Montreal!

If you need a car to explore the area around Montreal, we often find great deals through DiscoverCars!

The first neighborhood on this list is one of Montréal’s most touristy areas—and for good reason. Old Montréal is the city’s historic center. As you might expect, it isn’t the most affordable place to stay, but its location is ideal, especially if you only have a few days to explore, and the district is served by at least two metro stations. With its old-world charm and cobblestone streets, it’s a popular choice for travelers looking for a romantic, picturesque atmosphere.

Hotels in Old Montréal often combine historic architecture with modern amenities, making it easy to soak up the city’s history. You’ll also be close to major attractions such as Notre-Dame Basilica, the Old Port, Bonsecours Market, Old Montréal’s cobblestone streets, and plenty of restaurants and shops.

Budget-friendly
For tighter budgets, I recommend looking at hostels. Dorm rooms aren’t for everyone, but they can reduce the cost of your stay considerably.

• Auberge Alternative offers rooms from $50 excl. tax / night. It’s located in Old Montréal, just an 8-minute walk from Square-Victoria metro station.
• There’s also Auberge Saint Paul (Alt Hostel), located in Old Montréal, with 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 centrally located hotel features a seasonal outdoor rooftop pool with panoramic views of Montréal, as well as private parking, a gym, and a restaurant. Rates start at $250 excl. tax / night for two people. Nearby Berri-UQAM station makes it easy to get around the city.

Mélanie and Sylvain also tried the Hyatt Place Montréal – Downtown, another of the brand’s locations in the city, and they loved it!

Higher budget
A hotel stay can sometimes feel impersonal, but it can also add a touch of luxury to your trip. And if you’re going to splurge, why not consider some of the city’s standout options?

• Just a few minutes from Old Montréal’s historic district, the InterContinental Montreal is a luxury hotel with direct access to the Underground City. With excellent transportation links, it’s easy to explore on foot or by public transit. Another plus is the indoor saltwater pool and sauna, ideal for unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing.
• Ideally located in a historic building, the Hôtel Place d’Armes blends old and new, with upscale amenities throughout. After enjoying a cocktail on the 701 terrace overlooking the Old Port, you can continue the evening at Kyo, the Japanese bar on the ground floor, which serves refined, generous dishes alongside a selection of Japanese spirits.
• Last but not least, I recommend the Hôtel Nelligan. Also in the heart of Old Montréal, it offers upscale amenities including a rooftop terrace, a renowned bar and restaurant, a fitness room, and 24-hour concierge service.

For a livelier, more urban setting with a hint of New York energy, downtown Montréal may be just what you’re looking for. With its skyscrapers, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, there’s always plenty to do. You’ll also find a wide range of hotels, from upscale properties to more affordable chains, with easy access to landmarks such as Mount Royal, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, and the Quartier des spectacles. In summer, it’s an ideal base for enjoying the city’s many festivals and reaching other attractions by metro.

Budget-friendly

• SaintLo Montréal Hostel is downtown, just a 2-minute walk from Lucien-L’Allier metro station. You can book a private room for more privacy or a dorm bed to keep costs down. A continental breakfast is served every morning, and Wi-Fi is free, making it a good-value option.
• For another solid option, check out M Montréal Hostel, less than a 2-minute walk from Sainte-Catherine Street, one of Montréal’s main shopping avenues. Along with its convenient location, the hostel has a bar where you can catch a comedy show on certain evenings or play pool and foosball.

Mid-range budget

• For a stylish, modern option, consider: Hôtel Zéro 1 Montréal offers sleek rooms and easy access to the city’s attractions. Highlights include a terrace with panoramic views of the Quartier des spectacles, as well as a location close to Chinatown and the restaurants along Saint-Laurent Street.

Higher budget

• The upscale Fairmont Queen Elizabeth is right in the city center, in an excellent location close to many sights and metro stations, making it easy to explore the city. While you’re there, you can try the hotel’s Barbie Tea Experience or enjoy a grilled cheese sandwich in its café.
• For a completely different atmosphere, Hôtel Le Germain features rooms furnished with eco-friendly pieces made in Québec and decorated with original artwork. Another highlight is the on-site restaurant, Le Boulevardier, which serves authentic Québec cuisine.
• Just a 5‑minute walk from downtown and the Bell Center, Warwick Le Crystal offers views over Montréal’s rooftops, along with a spa, sauna, and hot tub on a wooden terrace on the 12th floor. You’ll also be close to Mount Royal, a lovely place for a walk in any season.

If you’ve read my complete guide to Montréal, you already know this is my favorite neighborhood. For a bohemian, artistic atmosphere, the Plateau-Mont-Royal is an excellent choice. Known for its colorful streets, trendy cafés, eclectic shops, and distinctive architecture, this part of the city has a relaxed character all its own. You’ll find hostels, small boutique hotels, and apartment rentals, making it a good fit for travelers on tighter budgets or anyone hoping to experience everyday neighborhood life.

Budget-friendly

• A charming place to stay near one of the city’s largest parks: Auberge de la Fontaine. With rates from $140 / night, you’ll be staying in one of my favorite parts of the city. The property has around ten rooms, with views of Parc La Fontaine and easy access to the area’s main sights.
• Auberge du Plateau offers both private rooms and dorms. It’s right in the heart of the Plateau, a 5-minute walk from Sherbrooke metro station. In the height of summer, you can relax on the rooftop terrace after a full day of exploring.

Mid-range budget

• Also near Sherbrooke metro station, Hôtel St‑Thomas is a 4-star hotel with elegant décor and city views. It offers complimentary bikes, a great way to get around, as well as airport transfers. Depending on the room, expect to pay a little over $300 / night.

Higher budget

• Tastefully renovated, François‑Denis Apartments is housed in a quintessential Montréal building in the heart of the Plateau, with thoughtfully decorated apartments. Each unit has a fully equipped dining area, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower.
• Carré Saint-Louis is one of the places in Montréal where you can see the city’s famous colorful façades—and it’s also where the Hôtel & Spa Carré Saint‑Louis is located. Guests at this charming hotel have access to a nearby wellness center and spa. I also recommend the well-known Sushi Momo restaurant, whose vegan sushi is full of flavor.

All of these neighborhoods are well served by public transportation. You can buy individual metro tickets or use a rechargeable card if you’re staying for several days—either option will make it easy to explore the city from one end to the other.

To wrap up, here are two places to stay that are a little farther from the main tourist areas but still very convenient for getting around.

• Boutique Lofts Milton Parc by Simplissimmo offers modern, spacious lofts that make a convenient base for exploring Montreal. Each apartment has an industrial look, with brick walls, high ceilings, a fireplace, and a fully equipped kitchen. The lofts are also comfortable and clean, and the bathrooms feature double showers. Travelers particularly appreciate the self-check-in and lively neighborhood. Whether you’re visiting as a family or on a romantic getaway, these modern lofts are a welcoming place to stay in Montreal.
• Gîte L’Imprévu is a charming B&B just 100 meters from Place Saint-Henri metro station. Atwater Market is less than a 10-minute walk away; it has a similar local-market feel to Jean-Talon Market but draws fewer tourists.

I hope this selection makes planning your future trip to Montréal a little easier. For the next stop on your journey through Québec, take a look at our article on Tadoussac and its surroundings; it’s packed with useful information about this beautiful part of the province.

A Few Fun Things to Do in Montreal

• Dog Sledding in St. Hippolyte
• Guided Snowmobile Tour on Lake Morency
• Dog Sledding in Saint-Liguori
• Try Ice Climbing in Montreal
• Helicopter Flight over the St. Lawrence River in Montreal

Feel free to leave a comment about any places you visited, whether or not they’re mentioned here. See you soon for more adventures! We’ve also put together 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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