pgill26

Hi Guys,

So my mom and two of my aunts have been complaining that they havn't been anywhere traveling. I'm thinking of taking them to Montreal Quebec. They are in their 50's and one of them is not in the best of health conditions. I have not been to montreal myself either. Any suggestions on hotels? Here are my questions,

1. Any suggestions on good hotels, We are willing to spend $150/night on accomodations, preferrably downtown somewhere close to the site seeing places.

2. Any suggestions on site seeing places?

3. Any suggestions on resturants?

Any kind of information would be nice. Thanks for your help!

mat54

When are you going? Good Hotels - there are lots, all the big "chain" hotels plus several very nice boutique hotels in the "Old Montreal" historic district. The $150 budget might be a challenge for the boutique hotels in the summer tourist season. And Old Montreal (and the adjacent Old Port area) is one of the main attractions that ladies in their 50's would likely enjoy very much. Other hotel suggestions still in or on the edge of Old Montreal (which is also adjacent to the main downtown area so you can walk from one to the other) include the Embassy Suites by Hilton and the Springhill Suites by Marriott. These 2 room suites would make it easier for a few people to share a room. There is also a Residence Inn downtown which has both 1 and 2 bedroom apartment-like suites.

So many restaurants!! Montreal is famous for dining and this is one of the reasons to visit. What kind of food do you like?

The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts is very good if you like this kind of thing. There is a lovely Botanical Garden (although not walking distance from downtown, easy cab ride).

zootsi

Montreal is different than many other major cities in that there are not really any must see major sites like an Eiffel Tower, Empire State, etc. That being said, Montreal is one of the most enjoyable cities anywhere due to it's ambiance, cultural mix, dining, safety and numerous festivals. If I were to choose some major sites, they might include Notre Dame Basilica, the Botanical Gardens (very extensive), and Old Montreal in general. There are three areas of the city that most appeal to visitors -
Old Montreal with it's cobblestone streets, horse drawn carriages, historic old buildings, street entertainment, and throngs of tourists.
Downtown with it's skyscrapers, department stores, underground malls, and large hotels.
The Plateau with it's strong French culture, small funky shops, byob restaurants, and outdoor cafes.
All of these areas are great and have countless dining options.
The hotels in Old Montreal tend to be elegant and pricey. Downtown is lined with many large chain hotels (Delta, Sheraton, Holiday Inn, etc)- many in your price range. The Plateau has one large hotel, the Grand Plaza, and dozens of very nice b&b's.
When you are visiting is a big factor, as the warm months feature all kinds of outdoor festivals and a very lively street scene. The colder months can have brutal weather, but you can still have a great time. Search back on this forum for tons of info.

pgill26

Hey mat54, Thanks for all the suggestions, I'm thinking of going in July. Foodwise, my mother is a vegetarian, so keeping that in mind, we're open to different options. I'm thinking of trying some cafe's for lunch and some nice resturants for dinner.

Zootsi, I was exploring options and the main three things that you have mentioned (Basilica, Old Montreal and the Botonical Gardens) is what I came across too. we have about 2 and a half days to spend there. I don't want to tire the ladies out either. So I'm thinking doing The Gardens and Basilica one day and maybe old montreal and downtown one day. I would also like to take them to a spa so they can have a bit of a relaxing and fun time getting their nails done.

Thank you so much guys for all the info! I appreciate it very much!

zootsi

Some ideas - The Basilica is IN Old Montreal, so it would make sense to do them on the same day. You might want to also explore the Plateau area (my favorite) for a few hours. This is the neighborhood above Sherbrooke and east of St. Laurent. Lots of French bistros like Cafe Cherrier. Also byob ethnic restaurants on and near Duluth St. with outdoor seating. Lots of veggie options at these places. For a very comfortable and fun veggie meal, try Le Commensal. It's an upscale cafeteria with lots of interesting foods and desserts. There's one downtown on St. Catherine, and one near the Plateau on St. Denis.

Vttraveler

this thread has some ideas of things to do beyond Notre Dame and Old Montreal and the Botanical gardens
http://www.fodors.com/community/cana...ary-please.cfm