Best Area to Stay in Montreal: A Neighborhood Guide for First-Time Visitors

Are you heading to Quebec and wondering the best area to stay in Montreal? I’ve been to this French Canadian city and I am happy to help you discover the best area for your trip!

Whether you want to wander the charming streets of Old Montreal or compare the bagel shops in Mile End, Montreal is a wonderful city with so much to see and do! So let’s find the best area to stay in Montreal for your trip!

Quick Overview – Best Areas at a Glance

The best area to stay in Montreal is either Old Montreal or Downtown. You will find the most hotels in these areas and for good reason! Old Montreal is historic and super charming, while downtown is buzzing and centrally located for exploring both Old Montreal and the rest of the city.

The other neighborhoods are worth considering as well, but if you’re heading to Montreal for the first time, I recommend those two options. If you’d prefer more local vibes or want more budget friendly options, consider Plateau-Mont-Royal (including Mile End), Quartier Latin, and Griffintown.

Neighborhood	Highlights	Best For	Top Hotel Picks
Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)	Notre-Dame Basilica, cobblestone streets, Old Port, historic charm	First-timers, couples, photographers	Hotel Nelligan (Luxury) • Hotel Place d’Armes (Mid-range) • Alt Hostel (Budget)
Downtown Montreal	Bell Centre, shopping, museums, Underground City	Business travelers, short stays, first-time visitors	Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth (Luxury) • DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal (Mid-range) • Auberge Saintlo Montreal Hostel (Budget)
Plateau-Mont-Royal	Parc La Fontaine, colorful murals, boutiques, cafés	Long-term stays, creatives, local-life seekers	Hôtel de l’ITHQ (Mid-range) • Auberge du Plateau (Budget) • Unique Stays – 4114 St-Denis (Aparthotel)
Mile End	Bagel shops, vintage stores, indie art and music scene	Foodies, trend-seekers, return visitors	Sonder Le Guerin Apartments (Aparthotel) • Pensione Popolo (Budget/Quirky)
Quartier Latin / Le Plateau Sud	Rue Saint-Denis nightlife, UQAM campus, theaters, cafés	Students, solo travelers, budget explorers	Hyatt Place Montreal – Downtown (Mid-range) • Hotel Le Relais Lyonnais (Boutique Mid-range) • M Montreal Hostel (Budget)
Griffintown	Lachine Canal, craft breweries, restaurants, galleries	Couples, young professionals, design lovers	Hôtel Alt Montréal (Mid-range–Luxury) • Griffintown Hotel (Aparthotel) • Maison Grinder Boutique Hotel (Boutique Mid-range)

Best Area to Stay in Montreal

Montreal is a great, Canadian city! It has charm, high rises, good food, cute neighborhoods and a park, making it a well rounded city experience. In Quebec, you get the added French speaking culture that really transports you, making you feel like you’re no longer in North America!

I visited in December to experience the European style Christmas markets and we loved the Christmas markets in Quebec City! So if you’re wondering if Quebec City is worth it, I definitely think so! And it’s so simple to travel from Montreal to Quebec City, making it an easy add-on!

While Montreal didn’t deliver on the Christmas markets the way Quebec City did, it did win me over in other ways! We stayed downtown near the one Christmas market that year and the central location was perfect for our trip. While I would stay downtown again for the central location, I loved Old Montreal so it would be a top contender on a return trip.

Let’s review each neighborhood so you can choose the best area to stay in Montreal that is a good fit for your trip!

Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal)

My friend and I didn’t stay in Old Montreal, but I would recommend it! When we visited, it was so charming and teeming with Christmas spirit! While we stayed near the Christmas market, I think Old Montreal offered more Christmas magic than the market!

Even if you visit in other seasons, Old Montreal is oozing charm. It offers a reprieve from the bustling city, while still being in the city!

The downside of staying in Old Montreal is you will be further from other sites in the city. I wouldn’t consider this a deal breaker, but if you prefer a central location, this won’t be it.

Vibe: Historic, romantic, and scenic
Highlights: Notre-Dame Basilica, Old Port, cobblestone streets, horse-drawn carriages
Best For: First-timers, couples, and weekend trips

Where to Stay in Old Montreal

LUXURY: Hotel Nelligan is a 4 Star hotel and one of Old Montreal’s most beloved hotels. Its exposed brick, rooftop terrace and warm ambiance make it a favorite for romantic getaways and weekend escapes.

UPSCALE: Hotel Place d’Armes is elegant and historic only steps from the Notre-Dame Basilica. With luxurious rooms, a spa, and a rooftop terrace overlooking the city, it’s ideal for couples or anyone wanting a romantic Old Montreal stay.

MID-RANGE: David Hotel is sleek and spacious, offering apartment-style suites with full kitchens. It’s perfect for longer stays or travelers who want extra space. It’s a stylish mix of Old Montreal’s historic charm and modern comfort.

BUDGET: Alt Hostel is a modern, budget-friendly option right in the heart of Old Montreal. This hostel combines clean, minimalist design with a social, welcoming vibe. It’s perfect for solo travelers or anyone who wants to stay in Old Montreal without splurging.

Downtown Montreal

My friend and I stayed in downtown Montreal, right by the Christmas market that year. The location is more central and there were plenty of restaurants and shopping nearby!

While I think Old Montreal offers a lot more charm, downtown Montreal offers a more central location and plenty to entertain close by. It’s more of a convenient choice, but can make a great base for a shorter stay. It worked well for my 4 days in Montreal and Quebec City trip.

I stayed at DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal, which was right next to the Christmas Market that year. The location was conveniently central allowing exploration of Montreal to be easy whether on foot or taking an Uber.

Vibe: Central, energetic, and convenient
Highlights: Underground City, shopping, Bell Centre, museums
Best For: Business travelers, shoppers, and short stays

Where to Stay in Downtown Montreal

LUXURY: The Ritz-Carlton, Montréal is an iconic luxury hotel brand offering refined accommodations, a rooftop saltwater pool, and the renowned Maison Boulud restaurant. Guests can also enjoy afternoon tea in the elegant Palm Court.

UPSCALE: Le Mount Stephen is a 5 Star, boutique hotel that features 90 luxurious rooms and suites, a wellness center, and the British-inspired Bar George. Located in the upscale Golden Square Mile district.

UPSCALE/MID-RANGE: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is a historic hotel situated above Montreal’s Central Station, offering modern rooms, a full-service spa, and a variety of dining options. Known for its central location and iconic status, it’s a blend of comfort and convenience.

MID-RANGE: DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal is located in the vibrant Quartier des Spectacles. This hotel offers spacious rooms, an indoor pool, and a fitness center. I chose to stay here for the location close to the Christmas market while also being a central location for exploring Montreal! There is a shopping mall and plenty of restaurants around the hotel, making it convenient for days you want to eat close to the hotel.

BUDGET: Auberge Saintlo Montréal Hostel is a vibrant and social hostel offering both shared and private rooms. Guests enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi, continental breakfast, bike rentals, and organized activities such as pub crawls and walking tours.

Interactive Accommodations Map

Plateau-Mont-Royal

Plateau-Mont-Royal is perfect for travelers who want to experience everyday Montreal life, but still close enough to downtown and Old Montreal.

Even if you don’t stay here, this will be on your Montreal itinerary. Stroll along Avenue du Mont-Royal, enjoy a picnic in Parc La Fontaine, or stop at the famous Schwartz’s Deli along Boulevard Saint-Laurent.

Mont Royal Park is next to this neighborhood, so my friend and I headed there the same day we explored this area of Montreal. Overall, this is a great area to base yourself for exploring Montreal, though you are a bit further from Old Montreal.

If you want more local, artsy vibes consider staying in Plateau-Mont-Royal. Also Mile End is technically part of Plateau-Mont-Royal, but we’ll highlight that area separately.

Vibe: Bohemian, colorful, and local
Highlights: Street art, boutique shops, Parc La Fontaine, cozy cafés
Best For: Long-term stays, creative travelers, and those wanting local life

Where to Stay in Plateau-Mont-Royal

UPSCALE: Hôtel de l’ITHQ is located in the vibrant Plateau-Mont-Royal district and offers modern, eco-friendly rooms designed with locally sourced materials. Operated by the Institut de tourisme et d’hôtellerie du Québec, guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast buffet and high speed Wi-Fi.

MID-RANGE APARTHOTEL: Unique Stays – 4114 St-Denis offers a selection of modern, fully equipped apartments in the heart of the Plateau, featuring kitchens, air conditioning, and Smart TVs with Netflix. Ideal for longer stays or travelers seeking a home-like experience, these units are within walking distance to public transportation and local attractions.

BUDGET: Auberge du Plateau is nestled in a historic building and provides a cozy, social atmosphere. It’s ideal for travelers seeking an authentic Montreal experience. Amenities like a rooftop terrace, free continental breakfast, and proximity to major attractions, make it a great choice for both solo adventurers and groups.

Mile End

Technically part of the Plateau-Mont-Royal neighborhood, Mile End has carved out its own identity. Even if you don’t stay here, you will likely visit to try one or both of the legendary bagel shops (St-Viateur and Fairmount), or to visit the vintage stores, indie bookstores, and some of the best coffee in the city!

Relaxed, artsy, good food, and still a good location for exploring the city. The stays here tend to be apartment style options.

Vibe: Hipster, artistic, and full of good food
Highlights: Bagel shops (St-Viateur & Fairmount), vintage stores, indie coffee shops
Best For: Foodies, creatives, and return visitors

Where to Stay in Mile End

MID-RANGE: Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy Le Guerin Apartments offers modern, fully equipped apartments in a beautifully restored industrial building. It’s very close to Mile End and has good reviews!

MID-RANGE: Pensione Popolo is a cozy guesthouse above the popular Casa del Popolo café, offering uniquely decorated rooms with shared or private bathrooms. Guests enjoy its bohemian ambiance, friendly staff, and prime location near local shops, and restaurants.

Quartier Latin

Quartier Latin, located on the southern edge of the Plateau-Mont-Royal, is one of Montreal’s most energetic and youthful areas. Centered around Rue Saint-Denis, it’s packed with lively bars, budget-friendly restaurants, theaters, and cafés. It’s a popular area for students due to its proximity to University of Quebec in Montreal.

It’s ideal for solo travelers, students, or anyone who enjoys nightlife and wants to stay close to downtown without paying inflated prices.

Vibe: Youthful, lively, and budget-friendly
Highlights: UQAM campus, bars, theaters, Rue Saint-Denis nightlife
Best For: Students, solo travelers, budget explorers

Where to Stay in Quartier Latin

MID-RANGE: Hotel Le Relais Lyonnais is a charming boutique hotel situated in the heart of the Latin Quarter on Rue Saint-Denis. Housed in a 19th-century building, it combines historic architecture with modern comforts.

MID-RANGE: Hyatt Place Montreal – Downtown is a contemporary hotel located near the Quartier Latin. Guests can take advantage of amenities such as a fitness center, indoor pool, and on-site dining options.

BUDGET: M Montréal Hostel is a modern, eco-friendly hostel located just an 11-minute walk from Quartier Latin and a 5-minute walk from Berri-UQAM Metro station. It offers a variety of accommodations, including private rooms and dormitories.

Griffintown

Griffintown is one of Montreal’s most rapidly developing neighborhoods, located just southwest of downtown and near the Lachine Canal. Historically an industrial area, it’s now a vibrant mix of modern condos, converted lofts, and trendy restaurants, cafés, and breweries.

Its proximity to downtown, Old Montreal, and the Montreal Science Centre makes it a convenient choice for visitors who want easy access to major attractions without staying in the busiest tourist hubs.

Hotel options are limited here, but it’s a worthwhile area to consider if you want to be in a quieter area.

Vibe: Modern, urban, and trendy
Highlights: Lachine Canal waterfront, boutique shops, craft breweries, and contemporary art galleries
Best For: Couples, young professionals, and anyone wanting a quieter base near downtown

Where to Stay in Griffintown

BOUTIQUE: Maison Grinder is a refined boutique hotel located in the heart of Griffintown. With just 15 thoughtfully designed rooms, it offers an intimate and tailored experience.

MID-RANGE: Griffintown Hotel is an upscale aparthotel situated near the Bell Centre. It features fully furnished and equipped apartments, making it ideal for both short and extended stays.

MID-RANGE: Hôtel Alt Montréal is a contemporary hotel located at the corner of Peel and Wellington in Griffintown. It offers modern rooms with amenities such as free ultra-fast Wi-Fi, and workstations.

More Things to Consider When Choosing Where to Stay

Budget Variability – Hotel prices can vary considerably based on the time of year or if there are events. Don’t assume Old Montreal or downtown is out of your budget, especially if you are visiting during a quieter season.

Walkability vs. Proximity to Attractions – Each neighborhood or area is walkable, but it can be a long journey from one to another! My friend and I walked from downtown to Old Montreal and even though they are next to each other, it took a while! Just keep that in mind when planning your itinerary.

Transportation – My friend and I utilized Uber and it worked well for us! The metro is also a great option and would save money, especially if you’re traveling alone.

Parking & Car Friendliness – With Uber being affordable and plentiful, I don’t think a car is necessary. If you do plan to drive, consider looking for accommodations that offer free parking as that can be difficult in the city! Or be sure to check for the cost of parking as that can really add up!

Nightlife Noise Levels – Even though I stayed downtown, I didn’t have to deal loud noises at night. If you choose to stay in places like Griffintown, the Village, and Quartier des Spectacles, be aware they can get loud late into the night.

Safety & Comfort – Like any big city, it’s good to be wise and consider your surroundings. However, my friend and I felt safe. We didn’t take public transportation so I can’t advise on that aspect, but overall I’d consider Montreal a safe place to visit.

FAQ

Best Area to Stay in Montreal

I hope you found the best area to stay in Montreal that works best for your trip! This French Canadian city is full of good food, views, and charm!

I loved Old Montreal, Mile End, and Mont Royal Park during my time in Montreal! Wherever you decide to stay, I hope you have an amazing time.