Montreal
 

My wife and I plan to take our son to visit McGill University during the first week of April. Would appreciate any suggestions on a special hotel to stay in, preferably nearer the university. Also, interested in restaurant recommendations.

Thank you for replies.

The most convenient hotel would be the Omni, right across the street from the main campus. Ask for a room with a Sherbrooke St view and you can see most of the university in a lovely jumble of buildings going partway up the mountain. There are hundreds of great restaurants within an easy walk; but be sure to walk east from the campus at rue Universite along Prince Arthur to get to know the traditional "McGill ghetto", now gentrified, which means rents in a lot of the area are now out of the student budget. This area is loaded with charm and restaurants even students could afford. Immediately to the south of McGill campus are the office towers of downtown, and when I was a student there we always ate at the very good food courts beneath these buildings; might be worth a lunch stop to reassure your son that tasty food is within easy reach. Food, in fact, is one of the greatest benefits of being a student in Montreal. A vibrant cultural scene is the other joy of Montreal; except for young men, who would probably appreciate the unusual numbers of pretty girls in that city. Regarding hotels, there are many choices, and if not the Omni, the Delta on Pres. Kennedy is just about as close. See which fits your budget better. I find the best rates for these hotels through Expedia. Academically, I have only the most positive memories of McGill.

I agree with Lois, the Omni practically looks down on McGill campus. It is a perfect location. We used to stay there every year, we were usually upgraded to a Jr Suite for no extra cost.
This is my favorite site for planning trips to Montreal..you will find what is happening the time you are there, all about restaurants, and hotels. Also read old posts here about Montreal hotels and restaurants, there is a great deal of great information!
I love Montreal in the late summer when all the students and their parents are there..it is so bittersweet, the kids are so happy, the parents don't know how to feel:)
It is a great town and I always think that all those students seem to be enjoying themselves very much.
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/B2C...ookie%5Ftest=1

**The reason I mentioned the upgrade was that you could ask for one too. If they are not fully booked, they usually do it right away. If you go with the Omni, when booking, ask for a High Floor on Sherbrooke. That way you get to see the campus and Mt Royal..

There is also the Sofitel which is excellent and for a more budget type of hotel but well-located is Best Western Ville Marie(www.hotelvillemarie.com)

Bonsoir, Patty!