Sandi

Hello, all. I posted under a different heading recently about needing suggestions for places to stay in Montreal in April when I come to see the Cardinals play the Expos. Thought I'd try a different heading to get some thoughts on a few places I'm interested in. <BR><BR>I'm looking for a place that is very convenient to the subway system and very economical. Just a basic room that is clean and in good repair will be fine. Hoping for about $50 U.S. a night, . Location that is safe for walking in the evening would be important, too. <BR><BR>I called a few hotel chains to see what was available through them in downtown Montreal and got the following quotes on these locations. Any comments, good or bad, about these places would be most appreciated. <BR><BR>Travelodge Downtown on Boul Rene Levesque West for about $55 U.S.<BR><BR>Days Inn Downtown at 215 Rene Levesque (was told it is right next to a grey line subway station... how far is right next to?) Price quote was $74 a night. This was higher than I was hoping but if location is really good I would consider it. <BR><BR>Econolodge Downtown at 2060 Rue St. Dominic. Was told nearest metro was 1Km away. This may be too inconvenient... or is the walk to get there in a nice area? <BR><BR>Can anyone recommend a small family-run bed-n-breakfast that might meet my needs and my price? <BR><BR>Thanks for any help you can give me! And I realize the Expos aren't a big draw in Montreal, (no offense!) but I'm a huge Cardinals fan and thought it would be interesting to see them play in a small crowd. <BR><BR>Sandi Maier,<BR>Jefferson City, Missouri<BR><BR><BR>

Bonnie

Looked on Expedia.ca to get a handle on the hotels you mentioned. They are all 2 stars and not terribly exciting. I know you just want clean and reliable. But your question about b&bs intrigued me so I did a search on google and came up with bbmontreal.qc.ca and bbmontreal.com. They looked interesting. Try those websites.

Susan

Sandi, I don't personally know any B&B's in Montreal, but while researching a trip to Nova Scotia (we're hoping to go this summer), I came across a website that might be useful - www.bbcanada.ca - they seem to have hundreds of B&B's listed and many listings for Montreal. <BR><BR>Recently I've had to go to Montreal a lot on business. My company is very cost conscious - guidelines specify no more than $115 / night. We deal with a corporate travel agency and get really good deals. Do you have some corporate connections that might help? I'm with a big company, so that probably makes a difference. <BR><BR>As for safety, Montreal seems like Toronto to me. I don't think there are a lot of areas that would be considered unsafe. <BR><BR>I like your idea of seeing the Cardinals play. I know someone who does a lot of business travel in the US. Whenever she visits a city with a baseball team, she makes a point of going to see a game.

DougD

Sandi, the hotels you mentioned are all in an ok, but kind of business area. You could do worse, but it wouldn't be my first choice of areas. Finding a room for $50 USD a night will be tough, even in Canada. Again, the area I always stay, and highly recommend, is the Metro Sherbrooke neighborhood, with lots of shops, restaurants, cafes, etc and very French. try this website for b&bs:<BR>http://www.bbmontreal.qc.ca/, and ask to stay in the above area. There are many very inexpensive, charming b&bs, but they fill up fast. I always prefer staying in one while visiting Montreal.<BR>Also try one of the small hotels on Sherbrooke East such as the Residence du Voyaguer or the Argoat. They usually have rooms for under $70 US, and are in a very nice area. There is also a string of inexpensive hotels across the steet from the bus station. OK area, very central, but again not my favorite. Try and get one of the free guide books listing hotels abd b&bs that the city publishes, I'm sure they are on the web. A very helpful gudebook for first time visitors.

Sandi

Bonnie, Susan and Doug,<BR><BR>Thanks for your thoughtful replies. I will look into the websites you suggested!<BR><BR>Sandi

A.M.

Sandi,<BR>Sometimes the NOVATEL has specials; it's a great hotel for it's price. In October we got a rate of $80ca.<BR>A.M.