Vieux Montreal is Montreal’s historic heart – and there are plenty of gorgeous accommodation options there, too.
Why stay in Vieux Montreal?
The oldest part of Montreal lines up along the St Lawrence River, and acts as the tourist honeypot for the easily pleased. That’s not to say it isn’t lovely, however.
There’s a brilliant mingling of the quaint and the imposing. Banks and merchant buildings from Montreal’s long-gone era as a financial powerhouse mix with galleries and cafés. Evening options straddle the line between restaurant and nightspot.
Many of the city’s best cultural attractions can be found here too. The Musée Pointe-à-Callière does a cracking job of covering the history of the city and French influence in North America. Meanwhile, Cirque du Soleil’s home turf is on the waterfront.
Hotel Le St James
Inside a former bank, the Montreal’s most personality-packed luxury hotel option goes in with all guns blazing. Guests at the Hotel St James wait in the chandelier-dominated library, which is full of coffee table books covering everything from 20th century Russia to impressionism. Then, once the room is ready, the fickle finger of individualism takes over. No two rooms are alike. The furnishings are hand-picked by the owner. He often brings back tapestries and carvings from various exotic locales that he likes the look of.
Serious attention is paid to providing a genuinely luxurious experience. A ten strong team meticulously irons the Frette bedsheets. Room temperature, music, and perfume are tailored to personal preference. Doors have motion sensors so staff know exactly when someone’s inside. This prevents them from barging in for turndown service when you’re in the shower.
The rooms on the first couple of floors keep the original wood panelling from the bank. What once were high-end meeting rooms now have a masculine, home away from home feel.
The XO restaurant is dressed to impress. It’s hugely decorative and stucco-packed. The restaurant is a multi-level power dining monster. It could easily pass as a swanky nightclub.
L’Hotel
Another former bank, and another hotel with the distinctive stamp of its owner applied. In L’Hotel’s case it’s Georges Marciano, a jeans mogul who decided a hotel was the perfect place to display his art collection.
The bubbly, comical Voluptuous Man On A Horse by Fernando Botero stands outside. Originals by the likes of Jaume Plensa, Magritte and Andy Warhol are inside. Ordering a glass of wine from the bar, then embarking on an inquisitive mooch around the collection, is highly appealing. Staff will talk you through it on request.
Hotel Gault
As transformations go, turning this 19th century cotton importer’s warehouse into a hotel is pretty spectacular. The reception desk at Hotel Gault doubles up as a large, central bar, while photographic exhibitions line the walls. In the rooms, original stone and brickwork is kept where possible. Bare concrete floors add a touch of edgy minimalism.
They’re heated for winter comfort, though. Each room is slightly different, although giant beds generally get centre stage, with everything else built around them. That includes filmy curtains that divide off the bathroom. The look’s not one easily forgotten.
Auberge du Vieux Port
An atmospherically dark, wood-lined lobby of the Auberge du Vieux Port conjures up the feel of the Old Montreal area – a centuries old fur-trapping hub that later became a financial powerhouse. There’s a choice of older or more modern rooms. The classic rooms have more character. They have wooden pillars and beams kept in place.
There are also big windows looking out over rue St Paul. It is the charming, pedestrianised heart of the district. The street is lined with fashion stores and restaurants. In summer, Montreal launches regular fireworks displays. The terrace overlooking the old port area and St Lawrence River becomes a prime viewing platform.
Le Petit
There’s something of a hip hostel vibe to this affordable-but-fun 28 room joint. This partly comes from the hybrid lounge, reception, and café area. It features cowskin seats and ultra-detailed street art-esque murals over the walls.
But head upstairs at Le Petit and the rooms have a touch of class. Quirky and colourful chairs feel like they belong in a design museum. The old stone walls are left exposed. Bamboo floors create a sense of peace. Should a wake-up call be in order, the multi-jet showers should quickly power away the last vestiges of slumber.
Things to do in Vieux Montreal
Vieux Montreal is the city’s historic heart, with cobbled streets, riverfront views and some of Montreal’s most important landmarks concentrated in a compact area.
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
One of the city’s best-known buildings, Notre-Dame Basilica is renowned for its richly decorated interior and stained glass. It sits at the centre of Vieux Montreal and is easy to combine with a walking tour of the area.
Old Port of Montreal
Stretching along the St Lawrence River, the Old Port offers waterfront walks, seasonal attractions and river cruises. It is a good place to slow the pace after exploring the narrower streets inland.
Pointe-à-Callière, Montreal Archaeology and History Complex
Located on the site of Montreal’s founding, this museum explores the city’s history through archaeological remains and interactive exhibitions beneath street level.
Bonsecours Market
This 19th-century domed building now houses boutiques, galleries and exhibition spaces. It is also a useful landmark for orienting yourself within Vieux Montreal.
Montreal City Hall and Place Jacques-Cartier
City Hall anchors the eastern side of the old town, while nearby Place Jacques-Cartier is lined with cafés and restaurants. The square is particularly lively in warmer months and works well as a stopping point during a self-guided walk.
More Montreal travel
Other Montreal travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- River surfing on the St Lawrence River in Montreal.
- Three great places to stay in Montreal’s Centre-Ville.
For a selection of Montreal tours, experiences and activities, pick your favourites here.
