I've booked the Hotel Gault in Old Montreal because I like all things old but now I'm having second thoughts about its proximity to places like Plateau and downtown. I'm from NYC and used to walking and taking the metro but I'm afraid if we go out at night it might be too out of the way in Old Montreal and too quiet. Any thoughts? Should I change my hotel location for something like the "W"? My boyfriend and I are not party people, both 40 but we do like a little life not crazy clubbing or anything like that.

Any thoughts would greatly help... Thanks.

The Hotel Gault is about a 15-20 minute walk from Ste-Catherine St., Montreal's main shopping drag. If you want, you can take the metro a few stops as well. Old Montreal is definitely quiet at night, there is no crazy nightlife in that particular area, save for a bar or two. You won't be far from livelier nightlife anyway, even afterhours walk or take a cab. I wouldn't worry about it. The Hotel Gault is gorgeous, as well.

You'll be able to cab it back to old montreal for a few bucks at anytime; I would not change it. You'll appreciate the quiet nights and mornings; evenings are quite lively in old montreal, people flock to the restaurants.
Certain areas on the plateau never quiet down.
Are you coming soon ?

Yes, I will be arriving in the next few days. Thank you for your response. We are from a big city and wanted that old feel of Old Montreal, but having read many reviews AFTER booking the hotel, I realized that maybe it would be too quiet. I'll keep the hotel then and make sure to take comfy shoes to take the walk to downtown. Unfortunately, I can't change the reservation since its been paid for. Next time I think we'll do downtown. It just sounds as if Montreal may not be the most ideal place to stay if you want to be close to everything. I'll be sure to do more research.. it was short trip to celebrate my boyfriends 40th birthday.

You may be from NY but Montreal is no town.... 3.6 million people call the island and surrounding suburbs home... while you may get the "feel" you are looking for in the old part, remember that it does get quite busy and touristy during the day. You can't have it all... you want the charm of Old Montreal, you have it. It's just not that close to anything you seem to want to do.

I really don't think you'll regret it; old montreal is not deserted or quiet at this time of year. Except for certain streets but that's the same in any sector of town.
Ask your hotel for fun spots to have a drink;
I heard that les 2 Pierrots has live music.
Drop into the W; it's the first one they opened in Canada, the bars are very nice.

I think a lot might depend on how long you are staying. For a few nights, Old Montreal is a good choice, especially for a first visit. The old city is very charming and scenic, but fairly small and somewhat touristy. The downtown is 'New York like', but with a French feel. The Plateau area, in my opinion, is the true heart and soul of Montreal. However, the downtown is a 15 minute walk from Old Montreal, and the Plateau area is a 20 minute walk, or 5 minute subway ride(Sherbrooke or Mt. Royal stop) from the downtown, so you should have no problem experiencing all the best of this great city.