Best bets for romantic stays in Montreal and a bit beyond

Newly renovated in 2019, Merrill House offers a complete personalized stay package with one-of-a-kind gastronomic, artistic and local experiences, including a very informative and fun wine tasting with house sommelier, Astrid Young to get the lowdown on the best of many local wineries. The inn-turned-luxury-boutique hotel offers 14 individually themed and artistically unique guest rooms, blending contemporary features with its Victorian heritage. The staff go above and beyond to offer true boutique experiences. Complimentary amenities include a gourmet breakfast done your way including fresh-baked breads and croissants and several choices of delicious hot entrees such as their lemon ricotta pancakes, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a barrel sauna, yoga and meditation sessions and your choice of scents for the pillow scenting service and luxury toiletries which are available for sale at reasonable prices. Special features include a conservatory bar to enjoy crafted cocktails with ingredients grown onsite, rolling exhibitions featuring local and international artists and a collection of historical artifacts. French cuisine by Chef Michael Sullivan and a curated wine selection of 300 labels from a Wine Spectator-awarded cellar add to the visit.

This stylish, well-run boutique hotel features loft-like rooms with plenty of natural light and great city views equipped with minimalist yet pleasing and playful decor--a groovy swinging lucite chair and a round bathroom papered in news of the day items from Montreal's glory decades in the signature king rooms of lush bedding and ergonomic work areas. Continental plus breakfasts come with fresh croissants and excellent cafe au lait. It's a sophisticated yet friendly place offering a welcome drink on check-in which can be enjoyed at the sleek bar or outdoor patio for excellent people watching, just steps from the shopping, galleries and museums of Rue Sherbrooke and Ste Catherine and the nightlife on Crescent Street. The superb onsite restaurant, Le Boulevardier (perfect for date night) focus on nouveau cuisine French food with superb seafood choices skillfully prepared then paired with excellent wines by the fun, friendly and very knowledgeable sommelier.

This fun boutique hotel in Old Montreal offers themed rooms detailing Montreal's glory days of the 1960s and'70s. No detail is overlooked from the room key that doubles as a souvenir plastic luggage tag complete with a photo from the era tucked inside a cover resembling a cassette tape with the name of a popular album/tune from the groovy days to record players and plenty of vinyl. Opt for the romantic "Bed-In" experience and enjoy delicious French meals delivered to your door. An in-room magazine/book featuring a spread on each of the 33 rooms is available for purchase and corresponding art and history films detailing all aspects of Montreal life from the period are accessed via the large flat-screen TV. The walls are adorned with more photos featuring events from Montreal's heyday starting with Expo '67 (room 304) and other notable art, history and famous visitors of the times.

Hotel Humaniti Montréal, Quebec's first Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel opened in June 2021. It's a beautiful, contemporary hotel in a great urban location in Old Montreal within walking distance of Place des Arts and Chinatown. The 193-room property provides stunning views of both the urban landscape and the St. Lawrence River. The city's first "Smart Vertical Community", Humaniti is an architectural landmark with a focus on sustainability that offers top drawer accommodations where every room and suite is a light-filled sanctuary encompassing floor-to-ceiling windows ranging in size from the 334 to the 1,200 square foot 'HERO' suite. A restorative spa & wellness center and several distinct dining spaces along with the impressive rooftop space (one of the largest in the city) creates a desirable destination in itself. Seasonal alfresco dining, cocktails under the stars, poolside lounging, or swimming a few laps make Humaniti an ideal summer destination too.

Located at the foot of Mont Orford and five minutes from the pretty town of Magog, the Auberge 4 Saisons offers a welcoming and romantic stay. Its warm ambience charms as does its decor and friendly, personalized service. The only lodge directly at the foot of the mountain, the Auberge 4 Saisons is also an easy gateway to a host of other sports and cultural activities and relaxation pursuits in the Eastern Townships. To round out the picture, you will also find on site a romantic bistro featuring nouveau cuisine and excellent views the ski hill, a relaxing spa and a grocery store that deals in fine goods for preparing food in your private suite.Fireplaces are available on the second and third floor common areas too. Due to its popularity,this property is set for a major expansion in 2016-17.

It's hard to believe there are 105 rooms and suites in the warm and friendly Hotel Nelligan sitting in the middle of Old Montreal. Exposed brick and beams, beautiful large windows - some with river views or overlooking the cobble-stone streets and electric or gas fireplaces and free internet are commonplace in the rooms. Top quality linens, antique furniture in dark stained wood and comfortable beds complete the perfect picture.The on-site Terrasse restaurant provides great lunch deals with decent wines and four excellent views over the neighbourhood and surrounding areas. Since the hotel honors the well-know Quebecois poet, Emile Nelligan; excerpts from his poems can be found all over the hotel that resides in a refurbished building on the edge of the river dating from 1850.

Step off Old Montreal's cobblestoned Saint-Francoise-Xavier Street straight into this little boutique hotel.The best rooms in this 30 - room establishment are in the back as these overlook the Sulpicien Gardens and Notre Dame Basilica. Large baths (big enough for two) are a popular feature here while the rooftop terrace provides excellent views over Old Montreal. The tiny hotel bar is a friendly place to share a drink with the loyal restaurant patrons who come for the excellent free full breakfasts and free internet. Originally a three-room restaurant, Auberge Bonaparte is still a primary dining destination in Old Montreal. In winter visit the largest room complete with fireplace.

What's not to like about free internet and nightly gifts of chocolate and bottled water all provided by a wonderful and caring staff? Staying at Le Place d'Armes is akin to staying at an upscale European apartment with a comfortable, relaxed feel. Located near the Notre-Dame Basilica, the three, 19th century Victorian buildings - former commercial ventures that comprise the hotel provide lofty rooms with high ceilings, stone or brick walls, granite and marble baths, fireplaces and hardwood floors. Popular on-site amenities include a Hammam steam bath as part of the spa, a rooftop terrace bar popular with the locals offering great views of Old Montreal and the excellent food at the brasserie 701. While mostly quiet, request a room off the main street if you are a light sleeper.

This is one of the city's most popular Bed and Breakfasts and for good reason. Tucked away in an early 1920s house, its renowned for its gorgeous decor and homey atmosphere. The main sitting areas are furnished with leather couches, gorgeous artworks and homey touches.The colorful rooms are filled with plants, cushions and more artworks. Deluxe suites have fireplaces and whirlpool baths. The rooms have decadently comfortable beds complete with luxury linens. There are complimentary cocktails, coffee, tea, hot chocolate and biscuits available at any time. It's also within walking distance of all the downtown attractions, including all the best shopping areas and romantic restaurants.

The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel Montreal is conveniently located above the main Via Rail train station or Gare Central for those who enjoy the romance of train travel.The hotel is also connected to the Underground City paths that pass through several shopping complexes. The downtown west location is a 20-minute stroll to Old Montreal or a quick bike ride on one of the new, complimentary BMX bicycles reserved for guest use. The indoor swimming pool (a favorite of Canada's most famous Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau is a welcome relief after a day exploring nearby sites such as Chinatown, Place des Arts and The Museum of Contemporary Art. This bustling hotel lobby is particularly busy in summer months but the staff are quick to respond to personal requests and the rooms are quiet and comfortable.