Hi klam_chowder, I wish I could advise more as a Montrealer since I've always appreciated your suggestions/thoughts over the years. Now, while I'm not one of those protestors picketing up and down the main arteries of the city dressed up in ways representing environmental destruction, I always groan when Grand Prix weekend comes around. The city gets this unpleasant sound like it's been invaded by a swarm of killer bees for miles (due to the cars practicing)and while I'm sure many who visit for the occasion are lovely, a particularly obnoxious breed of cigar-smoke-blowing alpha male also seems to accompany the occurrence of that event each year.

This said, I know prices tend to skyrocket that weekend, but maybe a charming but simple B&B in the Plateau district would not be overly expensive, as it might not appeal as much to the usual Grand Prix crowd that tend to go more for downtown/Old Montreal boutique or chain hotels? There are a few here, although I don't know their prices and quality: Anne Ma Soeur Anne, Boulanger Bassin are some I see mentioned.

Best wishes, Daniel

Thx a mint for your thoughts, Daniel! Had a good laugh at the alpha male comment, DH is the antithesis of it...LOL! I'm not into cars so sounds like (wokka wokka) I'll have some humorous people watching at least.

I had not heard of these B&Bs and they both are affordable. Surprisingly, AMSA has lots of vacancy without insane price hikes like I've seen at most other establishments - 2 or 3-fold! Their $130/nt for a studio including kitchenette & morning croissants sounds tasty. Convenient for us as I refrain from cooking while on vacation, but will be packing a cooler for lunch & snacks to avoid the likely poor food quality-long queues-exhorhibant priced offerings at the track.

BB sounds nice too but lacks an online calendar. I sent out a booking request to rent an apt earlier today that was walkable to B/UQAM, which I thought might cut down on the crowds as it's a direct Metro to the track. If they're already booked, I'll look into these.

Bought my race tix today too when I realized that many varieties are sold out already. Quickest I have ever put a trip together as usually I'm a plan/research-aholic: 24 hrs from first mention to having the major components locked up!

Enjoy-la!

There is another way to get to the track which avoids the Metro crowds, but it is a longer walk.

http://www.navettesmaritimes.com/index_en.html

The further from the city core, the more affordable. Airport area hotels, or hotels near the Olympic Stadium have good public transit connections and usually free parking.

Mark