I will be in Montreal later this month. This will mark my first time in Canada. I'm traveling alone and want to be in an area that offers a lot to do, where I can meet people. Any hotel recommendations will be greatly appreciated. I do not want to stay in a B&B and do not want to spend more than $125 US dollars a night. Thanks so much!

Denise <BR>I have often used the Novotel on Rue de la Montagne in Montreal. It is a pleasant hotel with nice rooms and is close to an area with lots of places to eat, drink, and shop. It is just one block off of Rue Crescent which is loaded with eating and drinking places. If it matters this also tends to be the "English" part of Montreal, but not to worry there is plenty of French as well. The hotel is not too expensive. It is close in to all the major sights. The Novotel also has an excellent breakfast service in the lobby Cafe Nicole. I like this hotel a lot and it is always my first pick when going to Montreal. It should be well under $125 US - last time I was there it was well under $100 US. <BR> <BR>If you like Irish pubs check out Hurley's Irish Pub on Rue Crescent (just behind the hotel) for a fun place with live Irish music every night.

Denise, there are lots of posts on Montreal on this site, if you look back. Again, i would recommend one of the small hotels on Sherbrooke east, such as the Argoat, or the Crowne Plaza for a large hotel. This area is close to all the action on St. Denis and St. Laurent, but is a quiet upscale neighborhood. Crescent street, which is on the other side of town, is also interesting, but not as extensive.

Hello Denise,<BR> I have just returned from staying at the Novotal, it is an excellent clean, comfortable hotel for the price. I have previously stayed at the Queen E. the Loews, the Ritz, the Parc and L'hotel de la Montagne in Montreal, so I do not make this recommendation lightly. Check out a restaurant called ALDO'S around the corner from the Novotel, a wonderful Italian restaurant, that has been around forever.<BR>A.M.

Hi Denise - <BR>I'm not sure if this is even in your mind at all, but every time I go to Montreal, I stay in the youth hostel there. Not sure if that is your cup of tea, but metro access is right there. And a quick walk down the street puts you on St. Catherine's Street. The hostel is clean and safe and as a fellow solo female traveler, I felt very safe. Montreal is a great city and if you're looking to meet people, hang out at one of the bars/cafes around McGill University. The students are by far some of the friendliest people I've met.

I lived in Montreal for many, many years. When I return these are my favorite restaurants:<BR>The Bar B Barn on Guy for the best Ribs in the world.<BR>Moe's on the West Island for Smoked Meat. You can also try Schwartz's on the Main.<BR>Gibby's in Old Montreal (an old horses' stable) for steak (also in Ft Lauderdale) or Moishe's on the Main.<BR>Search the site as we've gone through this in the past.<BR>An then of course the French restaurants.<BR>

Oh Meyer, you are making me so hungry. The Bar B Barbn!!! I love that place.<BR><BR>Also on Rue Crescent is a wonderful Pizza place, wood fired pizzas and they are out of this world, thin crust, yummie. God, the name escapes me now but it is right next door to the Hard Rock Cafe (which by the way has some pretty darn good burgers and chips). <BR><BR>My hands down favorite place though is Chez Better, a wonderful sausage and fries place. They offer sausgages from all over the world, serve with sauerkraut and the best fries. They also offer beers from all over the world, so you can pair your sausages with an appropriate beer. The last time I was there the only Chez Better in Montreal proper was in Old Montreal, but there are some in the suburbs like Laval. Chez Better is fantastic

YUM CHEZ BETTER OH MY GOD IS IT EVER GOOD IT IS BEST OF BEST

We recently went to Montreal and stayed at the Hotel de la Montagne. HUGE room and great location. We liked Le Piment Rouge for Chinese and Cheval Blanc for steak and meats. We also hung out at Newtown -- great scene!

I recommend the Sheraton (Le Centre Sheraton?). Easy acess to St. Catherine<BR>and there's lots of action in the hotel if you want it.