Where to stay in Montreal: A complete guide for first-time visitors

I’ll be honest with you – when I started researching where to stay in Montreal for my first time, I felt completely overwhelmed. I read a lot of blog posts and articles about the different neighbourhoods packed with hotel recommendations, but they left me feeling more confused. Should I stay in Old Montreal or will it be too expensive? Is Downtown a good area or will it be too boring? Could Griffintown work or will it be too remote?  

If you’ve been asking yourself the same questions, then you’re in the right place. To save you time (and protect your sanity!), I’ve put together a simple guide on where to stay in Montreal. This is based on my personal experience and is really geared towards first-time visitors who are planning a short trip and want to see as much as possible.  

Montreal has lots of cool neighbourhoods, but I’m just focusing on my top three places for first-time visitors. I’ve also included some hotel recommendations in each area for different budgets – these are ones I found through my research, as well as ones my Montreal friends suggested. So, if you’ve been feeling decision fatigue and just want a straightforward answer to “where should I stay in Montreal?”, this guide is here to help! 

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Where should I stay in Montreal for the first time? Quick Answer 👇 

I go into more detail on each area in this guide, but if you don’t have time to read the whole thing, here’s a quick overview: 

Where to stay in Montreal for the first time

Deciding where to stay is always the hardest part of trip planning for me. I work full time and usually travel on weekends or take short trips, which means where I stay really matters. I need something central so I can make the most of my time, but I also want something that feels safe as I normally travel by myself.  

After spending three days in Montreal for the first time in January 2024 (and two subsequent trips while living in Ottawa), I’ve got to know the city pretty well!  

In this guide, I’m sharing the three areas in Montreal that I personally recommend for first-time visitors, along with the pros and cons. I’ve picked them for convenience, walkability, safety and how easy they make it to experience the best things in Montreal in a short amount of time. Basically, all the things I look for when planning my own trips! 

All three are excellent choices if you’re visiting Montreal for the first time – it really just depends on personal preference! I’ve also included hotel recommendations for each neighbourhood, with options to suit different budgets.  

A quick note on short term rentals in Montreal: 

If you’re researching ‘where to stay in Montreal for the first time’, you’ll come across plenty of articles that cover lots of other neighbourhoods. While they’re really interesting (and definitely worth visiting if you have time), the reality is that there aren’t many places for tourists to stay in these areas.  

I lived in Canada for six years and during that time they’ve really cracked down on short term vacation rentals. I’ve travelled to a lot of provinces and cities, and I’d say that Montreal has some of the strictest short-term rental laws in the country. They do still allow Airbnb and short-term rentals but under very specific conditions.  

Firstly, landlords can only rent out their principal residence (i.e. the one they live in). Secondly, they can only rent out their property for stays of 31 days or less between June 10 and September 10 each year. Outside of this peak tourist season, short-term rentals are not allowed in residential areas.  

So, while a lot of blogs and websites will tell you to go and stay in some of these less touristy neighbourhoods, it’s actually quite tough to find accommodation there. Most hotels and guesthouses are concentrated around Downtown Montreal and Old Montreal, which is why I recommend staying in these areas for your first time in Montreal.  

If you do decide to stay in a short-term rental in a more residential area, please be very careful and make sure it’s not an illegal listing. You can find more information on Montreal.ca.  

1. OLD MONTREAL: THE BEST PLACE TO STAY FOR FIRST TIMERS 

Visiting Montreal for the first time and only have a few days? I highly recommend staying in Old Montreal. This is the historical heart of Montreal and dates back to the 17th century, making it the oldest neighbourhood in Montreal. Here you’ll find a lot of the city’s must-see attractions and best photo spots, such as Notre Dame, the Old Port, and Marché Bonsecours, one of Canada’s finest heritage buildings.  

A lot of people will talk about how “European” Montreal is. As someone who has lived in France and Germany and spent a lot of time in Europe, I wouldn’t quite agree (Quebec City, on the other hand, is a totally different story). However, there are definitely some spots in Old Montreal that have a European feel. Regardless of your take, Old Montreal is definitely one of the prettiest areas and a great place to stay for your first trip to Montreal. 

Why stay there? 

Aside from being very central, Old Montreal is a vibrant and lively area. This is where I stayed in Montreal on my first trip, and I loved the energy. Yes, it is the most touristy neighbourhood but in a way that’s charming, not kitschy like some historic districts in other cities can be. In summer, there’s a real buzz as locals and tourists fill the streets. In winter, the lights and festive decorations create a very magical atmosphere.  

Many hotels are just steps away from the main sights, making it a very convenient location to base yourself in. There are great transit connections too so it’s easy to get to other areas like Mont Royal Park, Downtown, and Mile End.  

Things to keep in mind 

When deciding where to stay in Montreal, Old Montreal is a popular choice for visitors. As a result, you do tend to pay a premium to stay here. Compared to other cities in Canada, I found Montreal to be quite reasonable in terms of accommodation, but Old Montreal was definitely pricier! If you’re planning to visit in the summer for festivals or in winter for the Christmas markets, make sure you book in advance to get the best rates.  

While I absolutely loved staying in Old Montreal, I did find the crowds a bit overwhelming at times. It does get very busy, so if you decide to stay here, be prepared for crowds and noise.  

I also found the restaurants quite average for the price. As it’s a more touristy area, you’ll end up paying more for the location and atmosphere than for standout food. There are some lovely restaurants, but you’ll pay more than in other parts of the city. If food is a big part of how you like to experience a city, you’ll be better off staying in Plateau Mont-Royal. 

Places to stay in Old Montreal 

Luxury: Hotel William Gray 

When I started looking at where to stay in Montreal, I came across so many lovely boutique hotels in Old Montreal and they all looked fabulous. But after a lot of research and reading tons of reviews, Hotel William Gray came out as one of the top choices if you want a luxury stay.  

Named as the 5th best hotel in Canada by Condé Nast Traveler in 2025, William Gray is one of the city’s most stylish luxury hotels. It’s housed in a beautifully restored 18^th-century building with a contemporary glass addition that fills spaces with light. What I loved about this hotel was the way it blends historic charm with modern design in a very elegant way. It’s right on the edge of Place Jacques-Cartier so you’re very close to the Old Port and all the sights.  

The rooms and suites all have high-end amenities, and there is also a rooftop terrace with gorgeous views over the neighbourhood, on-site dining options, and a full-service spa. If you’re visiting Montreal for a special occasion and want something a memorable stay, this is the hotel I’d recommend.  

Check availability > 

Mid-Range: Hotel Monville 

If Hotel William Gray is out of your price range but you still want to stay in a boutique hotel in Old Montreal, Hotel Monville is a great alternative. This is actually where I stayed in Montreal on my first trip! The hotel is located between Downtown Montreal and the Old Port, making it the perfect base for exploring the city. The rooms are modern and the walk-in shower was the best way to relax after a busy day of sightseeing! 

The hotel restaurant, Monème, serves generous dishes inspired by French cuisine using local products. We had dinner here one evening and the braised Angus beef ribeye was incredible. From the cozy room and delicious breakfast to the central location, I can’t recommend this hotel enough! If you want to see what it was like, I posted a Reel on Instagram from our stay.  

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Budget: Lift Hotel 

There aren’t a lot of decent budget options in Old Montreal. There are a few hostels such as Auberge Alternative and Hygie Pod Hotel but they have very mixed reviews. After doing a lot of research, I wouldn’t recommend them as I personally wouldn’t want to stay there. I don’t mind staying in hostels that offer private rooms (I’m a bit old now to be in a shared dorm!) and have stayed in a lot of HI hostels. Unfortunately, there aren’t any in Old Montreal. 

If you’re looking for somewhere that won’t break the bank but is still clean and comfortable, Lift Hotel is your best option. It’s a modest but modern property with clean rooms, essential amenities like air-conditioning and flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. The location is great – you’re within walking distance to the Old Port so you can get around easily.  

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2. DOWNTOWN MONTREAL: THE BEST PLACE TO STAY FOR FESTIVALS & MUSEUMS 

As you’d expect, Downtown Montreal is a stark contrast to Old Montreal. If parts of Old Montreal felt vaguely European, the downtown district will quickly remind you that you’re very much in North America! This is where you’ll find modern skyscrapers, wide streets, and busy plazas. It’s the central business district so you’ll see lots of office buildings here along with several shopping centres.  

Montreal’s downtown core is actually made up of a few different neighbourhoods, such as the district of Ville-Marie, Chinatown, the Latin Quarter, as well as the Quartier des Spectacles. Montreal is known for its year-round festival calendar, and a lot of them take place in the Quartier des Spectacles. In winter, two of Montreal’s best festivals, Lumino and Montréal en Lumière, have amazing light installations and activities running throughout the area. 

Wondering if it’s worth visiting Montreal in winter? It absolutely is! There are so many fun things to do, from outdoor activities to light installations and food festivals. I’ve put together a guide on the best winter activities so you can see what’s on offer.  

Why stay there? 

Sure, Downtown Montreal isn’t as charming as Old Montreal or the Plateau, but it’s central and convenient for first-time visitors. It’s got excellent transit connections, and you can easily walk to Old Montreal, Mont-Royal, and the Plateau. As the central business district, Downtown Montreal also has the best selection of hotels, so there are plenty of options for every budget and style. Simply put, it’s a great base for exploring other neighbourhoods.  

That being said, there’s quite a lot to explore here as well. Downtown Montreal is home to many of the city’s main museums such as the Montreal Museum of Contemporary Arts and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. You’ve got the Bell Centre, the official home of the Montreal Canadiens hockey team, along with lots of shopping centres. Oh, and there’s the Underground City! Before you get too excited, it’s sadly not some secret city beneath the streets but it’s still pretty cool.  

Known as the RÉSO, it’s a vast network of interconnected tunnels and walkways that link together shopping centres, office buildings, metro stations and cultural venues across Montreal. This is such a lifesaver in winter when it’s freezing outside! 

As I mentioned earlier, Downtown’s Quartier des Spectacles hosts a lot of the city’s festivals. If you’re wondering where to stay in Montreal and planning to attend a festival, downtown is the obvious choice! 

Things to keep in mind 

I’ll be honest with you; Downtown Montreal isn’t the prettiest area. Like most financial districts, it’s a bit of a concrete jungle. There are some green spaces dotted around, but it doesn’t have the charm of Old Montreal or the Plateau.  

It also gets very busy in the mornings and evenings with people going to and from work, so if you’re using transit, you’ll need to plan accordingly. 

Similar to Old Montreal, the food options aren’t as interesting as other neighbourhoods. There are a lot of chains or very high-end restaurants, but you’ll struggle to find those local gems, mainly because they cater to businesspeople. 

Places to stay in downtown Montreal 

Luxury: Hôtel Le Germain Montréal 

There are lots of luxury hotels in Downtown Montreal which can make choosing where to stay a bit overwhelming! My top pick? Hôtel Le Germain Montréal. It’s luxurious but quirky with its modern, 1960s-inspired décor designed by architect Zébulon Perron. The design is a nod to Montreal’s art and cultural scene but still has the elegant boutique look and feel that you’d expect from a luxury hotel.  

Hôtel Le Germain Montréal is a lovely alternative to the larger chains in Downtown Montreal. I don’t normally splurge on luxury hotels when travelling, but when I do, I much prefer to stay at a more unique property. Le Germain offers spacious, comfortable rooms with quality amenities, a relaxed lounge/bar, and excellent service that makes you feel like a VIP throughout your stay. It’s perfect if you want a luxury experience with personality. 

Location wise, it’s very close to Sainte-Catherine Street and Quartier des Spectacles and has great transit links so you can explore the city easily. 

Check availability > 

Mid-Range: Courtyard by Marriott Montreal Downtown 

I went round and round in circles trying to decide where to stay in Montreal on my last trip. I had to go for a work conference and wanted something in the downtown area close to the venue. But there were so many mid-range hotels to choose from.  

In the end, I booked Courtyard by Marriott, mainly because I’ve stayed in so many over the years and have always had a really good experience. The rooms are always modern and well-equipped with quality bedding and comfortable beds. They’re nothing fancy, but you always know what you’re getting which I really like.  

It was a really nice hotel and I would definitely stay here again. It’s perfect for a short trip and balances location, comfort, and value for money. There’s even a fitness centre on 11^th floor with amazing views over the city! Its central location means you’re within walking distance of public transport, shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.  

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Budget: Hotel 10 

Located near Quartier des Spectacles, Hotel 10 is a boutique style hotel that’s friendly on your wallet! It has well-appointed rooms, free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness centre, and an on-site restaurant/ bar. It’s also got pet friendly rooms, so it’s a great choice if you’re wondering where to stay in Montreal with a pet.  

It’s a solid choice if you’re trying to explore Montreal on a budget but still want something stylish and comfortable. The hotel is within walking distance to the Quartier des Spectacles and many of Montreal’s cultural hotspots. This is my top pick if you want good value without sacrificing location or must-have amenities.  

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3. PLATEAU MONT-ROYAL: THE BEST PLACE TO STAY FOR FOODIES 

If food, artistic vibes, and a more local feel are high on your list, the Plateau Mont-Royal is a fantastic place to stay. Simply called the Plateau, this is one of Montreal’s most vibrant residential neighbourhoods, known for its colourful townhouses, leafy streets, independent cafés, and incredible restaurants.  

Make sure you try a Montreal style bagel (an institution here), a smoked meat sandwich, and poutine. These are three Montreal staples that you really can’t miss on your trip – and the Plateau is the place to try them! 

At the northern end, you’ll find Mile End, a bustling area filled with small boutiques, vintage shops, vibrant street art, and mouth-watering bakeries. It’s a very trendy and artsy area, so if you want to experience a more local side of Montreal, this is the place! 

As a photographer, I loved exploring the Plateau with my camera. Avenue Laval and Avenue Henri Julien have some of the most beautiful (and unique) facades in the city, and Square Saint-Louis is lined with striking 19th century homes.  

Why stay there? 

The Plateau was recently ranked as one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world, and rightly so. The beautiful architecture, colourful street art, and community vibes make it a lovely place to stay if you want a more local experience. I personally love the creative energy that surrounds you in the Plateau. 

It’s also the ultimate haven for food lovers! The Plateau is home to many of the city’s best places to eat and drink. If you like to taste your way around a new city, you really need to base yourself in the Plateau and give yourself time to explore.  

While the Plateau is a bit further away from Montreal’s main sights and attractions, it is well connected. You’ve got the metro (Orange line) and buses that run up and down St. Denis and St. Laurent, making it easy to get around.  

Things to keep in mind 

As you can see on the map, the Plateau is quite a big area. If you want to explore other parts of the city, you need to be mindful about where you stay and ensure you’re close to bus routes and metro stations. The further northeast you go, the longer the walk to the main bus and metro stops, which makes getting around more complicated. Not ideal if you only have a few days in Montreal and want to fit a lot in! 

Another big challenge with staying in the Plateau is the lack of accommodation. As I mentioned earlier, short-term rentals in residential areas have become strictly regulated, which has seriously limited options in the Plateau. 

I should also call out that the Plateau has a lot of nightlife so it can get quite loud and rowdy over weekends. If you’re out then it’s a great atmosphere but if you’re trying to get an early night then it can be very frustrating! 

Places to stay in Plateau Mont-Royal 

Luxury: Hôtel de l’ITHQ 

As a residential neighbourhood, the Plateau doesn’t have your typical luxury hotels, so if you’re picturing a five-star, full-service stay, this neighbourhood might not be the best fit! If you’re set on staying in the Plateau but want something a little more refined, Hôtel de l’ITHQ would be my recommendation.  

Hôtel de l’ITHQ is one of the more upscale places to stay in the area. It’s actually a teaching school run by the Quebec Institute of Tourism & Hotel Management, so naturally the focus is on comfort, quality, and thoughtful service.  

The rooms are stylish, clean and modern, and breakfast is said to be exceptional! Again, I haven’t stayed here but it was one of my top choices when I was researching where to stay in Montreal. A colleague of mine stayed here last year on a work trip and was really impressed with the students’ professionalism.  

Location wise, the hotel is very close to the lovely Square Saint-Louis and you can actually get to Sherbrooke metro station via the basement – very convenient!  

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Mid-Range: Auberge de la Fontaine 

If you’re looking for a cozy, welcoming place to stay in the Plateau, Auberge de la Fontaine is a great mid-range option. The hotel has been operating for more than 35 years and is known for its warm hospitality. I haven’t stayed here but my friends in Montreal recommended it so I’m planning to stay here on my next trip! 

Set right across from Parc La Fontaine, a beautiful green space, the hotel has 21 uniquely designed rooms with everything you need for a relaxing stay. While it’s not right next to a metro, it’s only a 15-minute walk to Mont-Royal metro which is on the Orange line. This will take you down to Old Montreal and downtown. Alternatively, there are several bus stops near the hotel that go to Old Montreal and other areas.  

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Budget: Auberge du Plateau 

As I said earlier, I don’t mind staying in hostels but I’m well past the stage of wanting to share a dorm with random people! I’m pretty picky about where I’ll stay but Auberge du Plateau is one of the few hostels in Montreal that I would happily stay in.  

It offers a good mix of accommodation options, including mixed dorms, female-only dorms, and private rooms, some of which have private bathrooms as well. A friend of mine stayed here a couple of years ago and said the vibe is relaxed rather than party focused. They also have a rooftop terrace which is a really nice bonus, especially in summer!  

In terms of location, the hostel/ guesthouse is on the southeastern end of the Plateau near Square Saint-Louis, not far from Quartier des Spectacles. It’s well-positioned between two metro stations; Sherbrooke (Orange line) and Saint-Laurent (Green line) so getting around is nice and easy. 

Check availability > 

Final thoughts on where to stay in Montreal on your first time

As with any city, each neighbourhood has its pros and cons. It really comes down to personal preference, but I hope this guide helps you decide where to stay in Montreal. 

If you stayed somewhere not listed above, let me know in the comments below as it’s always great to get new recommendations! 

Here are some more guides to help you plan your trip to Montreal: 

• The Perfect 3-Day Montreal Winter Itinerary 
• A photographer’s guide to the best photo spots in Montreal 
• The best things to do in Montreal in winter 

If you’re also thinking about visiting Quebec City on the same trip (which I strongly recommend you do!), I’ve written the following guides: 

• The very best things to do in Quebec City in winter  
• A Guide to Quebec City’s Most Festive Winter Experiences 
• Where to stay in Quebec City in winter 
• What to pack for your winter trip to Quebec City 
• The ultimate 3-day Quebec City winter itinerary 

Love from Steph 

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