espnmike

Hi,

I am surprising my girlfriend with a trip to Montreal for our 5th anniversary. We are staying at the Hotel Place d-Armes the first weekend in February. I want to propose to her over that weekend. Any suggestions for spots, restaurants etc? Where should I "pop the question?"

Also, is Montreal the right place? Should I think about a train ride to Qubec City?

sobolik

In the Starbucks in the old town. Then you can always kindle the memory in any Starbucks

wow

Quebec City is the most romantic place on earth!Well, at least one of them! So, hop on that train & go for it, Mike!

Daniel_Williams

Montreal I would say is as good a place to propose as Quebec City (both have their charms). Depends how fancy one believes is appropriate for proposing; something more upscale you might want to go with Toque, Chez la Mere Michel, one of these places. I've personally always thought a smaller, more personalized restaurant like le P'tit Plateau or la Raclette in the Plateau Mont-Royal district would be perfect.

Enjoy wherever you decide to go!

mitchdesj

Since you are staying at Place d'Armes hotel, you could propose during a horse carriage ride, weather permitting; plan this with the driver ahead of time.

the Nelligan hotel has a seating alcove in their lobby/bar area; we've had a drink there; you could order champagne and propose in that area, it's cozy.
The Verses restaurant in that hotel, has banquettes in the back, those would be nice also for a proposal dinner.

bm

If it's not too freezing cold, the "overlook" (not sure of the real name) on Mont Royal offers awesome views of the City. Might be a nice place to pop the question.

espnmike

Thanks for the replies.

I don;t actually want to do it in a restaurant, though I am going to do a nice dinner first. La Raclette is actually what I was considering, we love fondue and BYO Wine seems perfect.

I was looking for more of a romantic spot - like a special bridge or something like that. Maybe this "overlook" at Mont Royal is right?

Otherwise, it's gonna be back in the hotel room - maybe I'll get the concierge to put flowers and champaigne on the bed or something...

wow

The horse carrigae ride sounds perfect! Definitely romantic!

ventdest

The Mount Royal lookout is the first thing that came to mind when I saw your question.

I also find the Bonsecours rink is a romantic spot in the evening - rent skates, skate hand in hand, enjoy the music and the city's nightscape...
www.montrealcam.org/en-bonsecours.html
www.quaysoftheoldport.com/patinoire-horaires.asp

Have a great time in Montreal!

wow

Ventdest: Where is that rink?

ventdest

Hi Wow - it's in Old Montreal, more specifically in the Old Port, on Jacques-Cartier dock, facing Marché Bonsecours (just on the other side of rue de la Commune from Marché Bonsecours). There is a paid parking lot at Entree de l'horloge and another one at Quai de l'horloge, closeby.

JQReports

I love the idea of a bridge, as the "Marry me or jump" method worked well for me. Unfortunately there are no bridges that I can think of that fit your romantic description.

The Lookout at the Chalet on Mount Royal would be good in the evening with the lights of the city at your feet, but it could be god-awful cold the first week of February.

I don't like the idea of proposing in a restaurant--you may suddenly have an unwelcome audience as those around you stare.

I do like the idea of a caleche ride through Old Montreal at night, snuggling under a pile of blankets. Make sure the caleche driver has enough to keep you warm.

Good luck.

JQ

espnmike

You have all been really helpful. I appreciate all the dieas and suggestions. Can;t wait to get up to Montreal next weekend.

One last question (and it;s more of a practical thing). Is there anywhere near Hotel Place d'Armes that I can park my car for the weekend that won;t cost me $20/day? The hotel offers parking but it's pricey and I don;t want to use it while I'm there. Any suggestions?

JQReports

I think the closest indoor parking is at the Palais des Congres (Convention Centre) on St-Antoine. They have two parking lots--one is open 24hrs and is $16 per day, while other is a big discount at $15 per day.

There is an open air parking just east of your hotel, but I'm not sure you want to leave it outside overnight, and you'll have to return to display your PAID stub on the dashboard, or you risk getting towed.

You could find free parking on the street in Chinatown or to the east of there. Seems like a hassle, and if there is any significant snowfall you will have to dig it out.

There's what info I have--my opinion is to suck it up and park at the hotel. You'll be too busy practising saying "My fiancée" and smiling with joy to worry about the few extra bucks.

JQ

wow

So, Mike, what did you decide to do? It's next weekend, right?

espnmike

Well, here's the plan.

Going to drive up on Friday, stay at the Hotel Place d'Armes.

Friday night dinner at La Raclette.

Saturday sightseeing and ice skating probably indoors at Le 1000).

Saturday early-evening, they have wine and cheese in the lobby of the hotel. While we're there, concierge will put flowers etc. in the room. We'll go back right before we leave for dinner and I'll do it there with the flowers as a surprise.

Then off to La Colombe for dinner!

I'm excited! Thanks for all of your help!

Lois_L

With such a romantic plan, she's crazy if she doesn't accept your proposal. It sounds like the offer of a lifetime.

ventdest

Thanks for the feedback espnmike, and have a great time in Montreal!

wow

What a sweet guy you are Mike! Lucky lady! Have a wonderful weekend!

Erick_L

<i>It sounds like the offer of a lifetime.</i>

Isn't that the whole point?