We plan to visit Montreal for a few days in January. It will be our first visit and I have no fixed ideas about where to stay but my inclination is to stay in Old Montreal. It being winter we might spend a bit more time around the "neighborhood" than otherwise, and it would be good to be near shops and restaurants. It would also be nice to have a fair-sized room. It is hard to draw any conclusions along these lines from the websites. I gather prices are reasonable, so that is not a primary issue. Suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Herb Bickel.

Old Montreal (the site of the original Ville Marie settlement) is a neighborhood in transition; as recently as 4 or 5 years ago, it was mostly a tourist destination, with only a few thousand residents living in the area. While thronging with tourists in the summer, in wintertime, it could be very quiet, particularly at night, compared to other neighborhoods.<BR><BR>However, a fair number of tech and other companies have moved into this area in the past several years and with them have come some new very nice restaurants to add variety with the old, sandwicheries and stores. Last time I was there, I was amazed at how alive it was in late November and how it felt very "Montreal" rather than "tourist".<BR><BR>While Old Montreal still does not have the array of nightlife/shopping/ restaurant options of some other neighborhoods in the city (it's still not as densely lived in as other areas), it'll offer you a fair number and access to other areas by Metro. <BR><BR>Have fun in one of my favorite cities in the world. DAN

Hi, Herb-I was in Montreal in October and I would recommend either the Auberge Vieux Port or the Auberge Bonapart.The Vieux Port has large rooms, some overlooking the street and waterfront,they have beamed ceilings and wooden floors,big beds,very nice..I was not in the Bonaparts rooms, just the lobby and Restaurant that I really recommend..the lobby had a fireplace and was quite cozy.It is a lovely part of town, summers are very touristy,buses full stopping at the Cathedral Notre Dame, but in the fall and winter it is great.There are lots of things to do in Montreal,and cafes and good restaurants everywhere,to fit every budget.Look at their sites online, see how you like the rooms~I have plenty of recommendations if you need ideas~Have a wonderful time!C

Herb, although old Montreal is quite charming, I wouldn't reccommend it as a place to stay in the winter. The streets can be somewhat dead in the winter, especially at night, and the Metro is not that close by. Remember Montreal is very cold, and a walk to the metro can be bone chilling. I would reccommend either the downtown area, near the huge underground city, and all the large stores; or the Sherbrooke metro stop area, near all the cafes and shops on St. Denis and St. Laurent. Being near a metro stop in the winter is of prime comcern!

Hi<BR><BR>It depends really where exactly in Old Montreal you'll be; Place Jacques Cartier is about 8-10 minute walk to the tunnel going to Metro Champ de Mars. If you're right in the square around Cathedrale Notre Dame, it's about 5-6 minutes to walk to Metro Place d'Armes. If you're more toward the port, it'll be longer. <BR><BR>I would probably make a similar choice to Doug (I'd pick somewhere near Metro Mont-Royal, me), but depending on your tolerance of the cold, you might be fine in Old Montreal as well. <BR><BR>DAN

Well, if you decide not to stay right in Old Montreal, I would recommend the hotels on or near Sherbrook. I have stayed in the Omni and most recently at the Le Germain, a block off Sherbrook, www.hotelgermain.com-This way you are close to all the shopping,the Museum of Fine Arts,the theatres,and restaurants.Also I recommend two restaurants,Toque on St Denis and Cafe Ferrarre on Peel.Have a great time~C

It is true that Old Montreal is "cold" in winter. But it still remains an attractive area.. A way to combine Old Montreal and quick access to the subway is to stay at Place d'Armes Hotel which is right by the Metro Place d'Armes.. This boutique hotel is stunning. Just walk into the lobby and you will see for yourselves!

Hi Herb<BR>My husband & I just returned from a 3 day trip to Montreal. It was very cold and snowy but we stayed at the Marriott Chateau Champlain and never had to venture outside. The hotel (as well as the Queen Eliz. & the Hilton) are all connected to the underground where you can walk all day long exploring the shops and restaurants. It is not in Old Montreal but you could take a taxi to spend a few hours there. In winter I think the underground is ideal - especially the 5 story Eaton Center, the largest shopping mall in Montreal. Prices are indeed reasonable all around. Have a great time wherever you decide to stay.