Fodor's Expert Review Hôtel Nelligan
106 rue St-Paul Ouest, Montréal, Québec H2Y 1Z3, Canada See on Map Fodor's Choice
There's a cultivated air of refinement echoing through this landmark, named after Québec's most passionate poet, Émile Nelligan. The hotel marries Old World charm with a sleek, updated sensibility.
It’s worth it to get the year-round package that includes breakfast and valet parking for one car--that is if you plan on coming here a lot. If not, that'd be weird, but it's still a great deal.
room
With thick stone and brick walls, the rooms have heritage appeal and views of the river or historic neighbors. Others overlook the four-story, brick-walled atrium. All beds are king-size, with fluffy white duvets, while the rooms have workstations and free Wi-Fi.
Spring for the Petite Suite, their signature room. For about $50-$74 more, you get an electric fireplace, jetted tubs and an even bigger bathroom than in the normal rooms, if that’s possible.
bathroom
Big enough to park your car, the bathrooms are tremendous in size and comfort. There are terry cloth bathrobes and mosaic-tiled tubs.
lobby
Look up! You’re standing in a four-story atrium with fountains, vegetation and a darling Romeo and Juliet balcony.
YOU SHOULD KNOW The lobby is so upscale that parents start to squirm, scanning the area for objects their children might break. Bring the nanny.
dining
It’s the trifecta of good food: Verses Restaurant for fine dining; Méchant Boeuf for a raw bar and bistro classics and the Terrace Nelligan for exciting rooftop views of the Old Port.
While enjoying some sun on the Terrace Nelligan, order the famed Sangria Claire, with peach liquer and white cranberry juice.
LOCATION
Getting Around
Need to be dropped off at a nearby location? Ask for a ride in the hotel’s courtesy car! It’s free, within a three-mile radius. The hotel calls it “the shuttle”, but it’s a full-on luxury car. Book ahead, if possible--or wait. Otherwise, just walk. The Nelligan is centrally located in the middle of the Old Port, where walking is the most sensible option. There are two metro stops in the area.
Restaurants
For Quebecois game and east-coast oysters, go to L’Orignal (10-minute walk), the first place in the city to reclaim barn boards. Or, walk along to Le Bremner (7-minute walk), for fresh plates of seafood and glimpses of the celebrity chef owner.
WHY WE LIKE IT
Sinking into the soaker tubs at the Nelligan, you have to ask, “What’s not to like?” From the stone walls and huge windows to the luxury-sized bathrooms (rare in the Old Port), this hotel is charming and comfortable. While it may not be an ideal ambiance for kids, it’s perfect for parents who want to get away. We love the on-site restaurant options (three!) and the little boutiques nearby. Also, the lobby has a dress shop and lingerie store attached to it, which is pretty cool. The packages are always a good idea, and include breakfast and valet parking.
QUICK FACTS
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