DPJ

I will be spending 2 days in Montreal alone. My husband will join me on the 3rd day. I am considering staying at the Hotel St. Paul in Olde Montreal. Their web site is very cool. Has anyone stayed there? Is it in a good location in terms of boutiques and cafes? Or would I be better off downown. Help Please!!

Brian Kilgore

1/ I've read very positive stories about the hotel, and believe you'll find it a treat.<BR><BR>2/ It's not very far from downtown anyway, so a few dollars spent on cabs, and you'll be fine.<BR><BR>3/ Old Montreal is a tourist area, with souvenir shops, so, fashion-wise,you'll find more T-shirts with pictures than you'll fine fine clothes. There's quite a bit of home decor retailing, and a number of commercial art galleries.<BR><BR>4/ You can eat very, very well in Old Montreal, and you can buy inexepnsive snacks, too. Lots of clubs and bars, for what that's worth.<BR><BR>5/ If you stay downtown, chances are pretty good you'll go to Old Montreal, and then wonder why you did not stay there. <BR><BR>When you visit makes some difference. On weekdays in the winter, it's not all that lively in Old Montreal during the day, while it's lots of fun in the spring, summer and fall all the time.<BR><BR>If it was me, I'd stay there.<BR><BR>BAK

DPJ

Hmmmm...I've read through several of the postings and see that alot of people say that Old Montreal is pretty quiet in the winter.<BR><BR>So, now I'm thinking of staying downtown at Le Germain. I want to be able to walk outside and be in the center of everything. And souvenir shops are not what I am looking for.<BR><BR>Maybe I'll save Old Montreal for a day when my husband is with me. And for my 2 days alone, I can wonder around the city.<BR><BR>Are there any good web sites to check discounts. Travelocity and Expedia are higher than the rate I was quoted.

Kate

You will love the Le Germain and it is such a good idea to stay downtown when you are alone, rather than in Vieux Port.<BR>You can walk out the door of Le Germain and be at a cinema, museum or many restaurants and the underground is two blocks away for shopping and staying warm! <BR>The staff at Le Germain will take great care of you, especially knowing you are alone. The guys that work there are very gentlemanly<BR>Have a great stay-Kate

zootsi

Another area to stay in Montreal that is usually not known to first time visitors is the St. Denis/plateau area. This is possibly the most 'Paris' like neighborhood, with many stores,cafes, shops, and restaurants of every description. The closest large hotel is the Crowne Plaza on Sherbrooke East. No matter which of the three areas you choose you will have a great time, and the Metro can quickly take you around the city. Just realize the Metro is a bit of a walk from the old city.

ed

If you do stay in Old Montreal try eating at Chez Better for something different. They specialize in sausages from around the world, and also have beers from around the world. Served with suaerkraut and the best fries in town...wonderful

DPJ

Thanks everyone, for your input. I just booked my room at Le Germain. I will be in town for 5 days, so any reccos would greatly appreciated.<BR><BR>We like cozy, funky places...as opposed to a big chain-like place. A wine bar or cool cafe would be great. I love shopping at boutiques, rather than the Gap.<BR><BR>P.S. This &quot;Travel Talk&quot; thing is great!!

kate

Hi D,<BR>Somewhere on here is my trip report from Novemeber. We spent a few days at the Le Germain and had some really good shopping days and some great meals. You can find it in the text search.<BR>My list though would be:<BR>Le Petit Extra -<BR>Bistro Detente<BR>Toque<BR>Zen<BR>Cafe Ferriere<BR>Auberge Bonaparte<BR>Osteria Romana<BR>the cinema on Catherine Street<BR>All the underground shopping, just go in and out of the buildings, it is great!<BR>Musee Beaux Arts<BR>shopping in Westmount<BR>shopping along rue St Denis **don't forget to go into Lush!<BR>there will never be enough time for you to do everything, start planning the next trip<BR>

Susan

I travel a lot solo and dining alone is sometimes stressful - restaurant has to have right atmoshphere. On my recentr trip to Montreal, we went to Cafe Ferreira and b/c we did not have a rezzie, got seated at the bar. There were many single people at the bar! In addition to being one of the restaurants often recommended due to food, I think it would be a good place to go if you are on your own. Located on Peel. Enjoy!

DPJ

Thanks for all of the great suggestions. Keep them coming. I am starting a list of great restaurants and shopping.<BR><BR>Anyone know of any quiet little cozy spots near LeGermain?

kate

The first night that we arrived late at the Le Germain (thanks to my forgetting our passports) we were tired and hungry and it was snowing. We walked around the block to the street &quot;behind&quot; the hotel, to Osteria Romana. Warm cozy Italian. Very reasonable prices, good Chianti<BR>If you will be alone then, there were some women in pairs eating there, looked like it would be comfortable to eat alone.<BR>We didn't try it, but the restaurant in the Germain is supposed to be good also..for room service.