5 Old Montreal Hotels With So Much Charm, You'll Swear You're in Europe

Why it made the list

With its rustic stone walls and exposed beams, this inn was the first of its kind in the Old Port when it opened as the Auberge les Passants du Sans Soucy back in 1989. The new owners are honoring its tradition of authentic excellence: the network of parallel ceiling beams is particularly charming, as are the huge windows that open up onto the street below.

Bipolar in the best possible way, Épik marries the ru Read More

Why it made the list

Ooh boy, this place is like discovering a secret garden, except it’s a hotel. The hotels’ interior terrace—with abundant roses and charming views of stone walls—is a rare feat in Montreal. It’s quiet and spacious, which are two sought-after commodities in the Old Port. Also raising the charm factor is the hotel’s special collection of short stories written specifically about the hotel by acclaimed authors--they have their own stories! Most stories reference the history-steeped architecture.

The Belle Epoque meets Architectural Digest. Right off the c Read More

Why it made the list

Perched on a corner in the heart of Old Montreal, steps from the Notre-Dame Basilica, this place is an architectural gem from another era. The facades reflect the grandeur of their original purpose—banking and mercantile centres frequented by the nation’s railway builders and shipping magnates. Isn’t that fun? Totally. High ceilings and the airy lobby are lovely aspects, as well.

Three lavish neoclassical buildings were merged to create Ol Read More

Why it made the list

They had me at the post-and-beam ceilings. Plus, you can sit in the deep casement windows and watch boats dock in the port, which is pretty great. Guests feel like European heiresses on a grand tour of the New World. The rustic architectural details brings an authenticity to the décor that new properties can only envy. It’s an intimate counterpoint to the expansive, open-concept layouts of contemporary hotels.

This showcase for 19th-century architecture has it all&mdash Read More

Why it made the list

Once the Mercantile Bank of Canada, this hotel’s architecture is impressive--and still quite bank-like, as well (in a not boring way, please keep reading). From the marble columns on the façade to the 20-foot ceilings, there’s an air of old European charm in every aspect of the property. The old stone walls from the City of Montreal’s early fortifications are preserved in the spa, nestled in the original bank vault from the 1870s. You like banks? No? That’s fine--you’ll probably still like this place a lot.

Civility reigns at this undisputed queen of the Grande Dame Read More