Will be going to Montreal for the first weekend in October and I need advice. <BR>1)Suggestions for things to do, places to eat, etc... <BR>2)French- what percentage of the residents speak it? I survived on my "travel talk" French in Paris, I guess I can get by in Montreal. <BR>3) Spring Hill Suites Marriott-Does anyone know anything about this hotel? It can't be too bad if it's a Marriott. <BR>4)I'm taking the Amtrak from NYC to Montreal-I know 10 hours-but I'm taking a break from flying. How are the Amtrak trains? <BR> <BR>Thanks in advance for all of your suggestions!

2)Depends on what you consider Montreal and what you consider French-speaking...greater Montreal is about 70% as French as a first language, Montreal island about 55% French as a first language. HOWEVER on Montreal island and greater Montreal, 70% of English-speakers and about the same number of other speakers do know and use French in business and other aspects day-to-day living. Numbers are complicated and often used for various political ends. I suspect you'll be fine. <BR> <BR>4) The train ride is gorgeous, you'll seem some spectacular scenery by Lake Champlain and the Hudson River. Seats are quite comfortable. Plan to relax, bring a book, take pictures of the scenery, make occasional trips to the café car and it'll keep you from going stir-crazy...if you treat the train trip as a PART of your vacation, you may actually even enjoy it...if you treat it as a means to get somewhere, you won't. Just to warn, the border and getting from the border into Montreal takes awhile (1 hour at the border, 1 hour 20 minutes to Montreal from border). <BR> <BR>Do a search on Montreal for question 1 and I can't help you for question 3.

Spring Hill Suites are a new set of hotels by Marriot. I've stayed in one in Maryland-very economical and practical. It has a fridge, microwave, living room areas separated from the beds. It's more homey than a regular hotel room. I'm sure that the one in Montreal will be the same.

I did not even know there was a Spring Hill hotel in Montreal! so I went and check Marriott's website and noticed it was located in Old Montreal which is a nice area to visit but it can be quiet in the evening. I would recommend that you stay in the dowtown area closer to the train station, St-Catherine Street and the heart of the city. I always go at the Sheraton Center hotel; they should have weekend rates and usually packages. If you can, book a club level room which includes cont'l breakfast and evening hors d'oeuvres. The Club is located on the 37th floor and is absolutly beautiful. Hotel has a nice indoor pool and friendly staff. It is also a short walk from Ste-Catherine street; plenty of stores, cinemas, restaurants etc.. <BR>Don't worry.. you will not have a problem with the language issue...most Montrealers speak english. <BR>What to do? Beside visiting the various landmarks (a city tour could be the best way to do so because some points of interests are located outside the heart of the City).. shop.. shop!! take advantage of the US dollar and hit the stores! Try Depart. stores such as Simon, Ogilvie, Holt Renfrew and the Bay and the smaller boutiques all over Ste-Catherine Street! <BR>Where to eat.. way too much choice! You want a superbe steak.. try la Queue de Cheval (expensive), a cozy french dinner; go at Le Caveau, a trendy meal.. go on St-Lawrence Street at Mediteraneo or any others located near Sherbrooke street. Of course you want to try the Montreal Smoke meat,, go at boring but famous Ben's or try Dunn's across The Bay Department Store. <BR>Any specifics? I'll try to answer if you email me! Have fun.. Montreal is my hometown! <BR>Elise <BR>Ottawa, Canada

Karen, don't worry about your french, yes, everybody in Montreal will greet you: bonjour, but if you say "hello" they will switch to English immediately. The only place with no English was a store where I bought a beautiful wool sweater for my husband. <BR> <BR>Don't miss St. Helena island, metro will tak you there, it's beautiful!

Bonjour from Montreal. If you looking for a romantic place there is a lovely Inn located in Old Montreal,facing the Old Port, the Auberge du Vieux-Port. A 27 rooms Inn with a complete Concierge service helping you to organize your stay, suggesting and making restaurants reservation for you and more. Visit their Web site at wwww.aubergeduvieuxport.com or call at 1-888-660-7678 for more information. See comments on Fodors description. If you decide to stay at the Marriott, go visiting the Auberge ,it's just a few steps ! Discover the historic city where you will find, by foot, museums, arts galleries, restaurants, boutiques and an architectural buildings dated of the last three century. Do a carriage horses tours. Have a great time in Montreal !

You are in luck. My city of the week is Montreal. <BR> <BR>View the following website <BR> <BR>http://vetstravel.net/montreal.html <BR> <BR>If you need specific information on where to stay and pointes of interest contact me at <BR>[email protected]

Thanks for all of your suggestions! <BR> <BR>Can anyone sugggest a couple of good Jazz Clubs? Also, I recently saw the movie "The Score," where were the Jazz Club scenes shot? <BR> <BR>Also, is there a dress code for the Casino? <BR> <BR>Thanks again!

Can anyone recommend a grood bus or trolley tour of Montreal?