wintimra

My husband and I are traveling to montreal for our 10 year anniversary August 25th-August 30th 2005. I want to stay somewhere fabulous and romantic. I would also like to know some "must see/do". Any input would be great!! Thank you.

BAK

I'd suggest a boutique hotel (Gault, Le Germain, etc.) rather than a big chain hotel such as the Queen Elizabeth or the Sheraton.

Try Old Montreal, rather than downtown, because it's more romantic for an evening walk after dinner, before returning to the hotel.

Cabs are an easy way to get around and not all that expensive, so don't worry about how far way a restaurant may be from the hotel.

And being up on Mount Royal for sunset is a must-do.

Pick your restaurants carefully. Montreal has a huge number of excellent restaurants in all food categories, so it is worth while to think carefully. Perhaps trading first choices with each other -- he wants a steak house, she wants a seafood restaurant -- over two nights would be a good idea.

BAK
BAK

ckfior

I agree with BAK that you should stay at a boutique hotel in Old Montreal. Check out the Auberge du Vieux-Port, we stayed there last summer and it was great. They have a lovely rooftop bar, and the restaurant on the lower level, Les Ramparts, is consistently rated one of the best in Montreal for a romantic dinner. I also always recommend Queue de Cheval for steaks. We love just walking around Montreal, stopping in shops and outdoor cafes. It is a great city and you will have a wonderful time!

ckfior

I forgot to add that we have enjoyed seeing Notre Dame, Mont Royal, walking along the riverfront, the Casino, Lachine Canal, the Latin Quarter, Olympic Park (especially the Biodome)...
If you have any specific questions about the Auberge du Vieux-Port or anything else, let me know!

mitchdesj

That time of year is perfect in Old Montreal;
I had drinks at the Nelligan hotel recently at the corner of St. Paul and St. Sulpice and could not believe how chic it is, have not seen the rooms though.

Walking up to the center west part of Montreal takes only 20 to 30 minutes from the old port, or 5 minute cab ride.

I usually recommend central hotels but have recently noticed how the boutique hotels in old montreal offer a lot so I intend to rediscover old montreal in the spring; as a montrealer, I realize I'm missing out .

The december issue of Bon Appetit had a complete round up of boutique hotels in old montreal, it was an eye opener for me....

timorim

I also second the Boutique Hotels in Old Montreal. Try the Nelligan and go for the loft suite rooms: or CK sleek and stay at Le Germaine in the Centre of Montreal. There is a new W in Montreal now as well. I would go to Cafe Ferreira on Peel Street for one of your meals. I just went twice for the sea bass with the port reduction...wow! Try the jazz lunch or brunch outdoors at Jardin Nelson in the Old City. Take a bottle of good wine to the L'Academie BYOB Restaurant on St. Denis and have the rack of lamb. We liked the Auberge Bonaparte prix fix dinner in the Old City too. Go to the Museum of Art on Sherbrooke and have tea at the Ritz at the duck pond outside. You will love Montreal...Congratulations!

Tanya

There are some nice boutique hotels along St. Denis as well. Anne Ma Souer Ma Souer was quite lovely and close to lots of restaurants and shopping. 15 minutes to Old Montreal on foot and you could walk to the base of Mount Royal no problem.

We took a cruise of the St. Lawrence on a dinner boat which was lovely. Great to see the landscape from the water. If you are adventureous, try the high speed tour!

Old Montreal - just take your time and enjoy the sites and great restaurants. There is lots of music and buskers happening.