The Best Boutique Hotels in Montreal

This hotel – housed inside a historic building in the heart of Old Montreal – has bags of character, from the centuries-old brick walls to the sunny terrace cafe that spills out onto the cobblestones. Rooms and suites have a touch of the luxe, including jetted tubs, Le Labo bath products and bluetooth speakers. For extra pizzazz, book a penthouse – they come with huge terraces overlooking the Old Port, and electric fireplaces.

Housed inside four 19th-century neoclassical buildings opposite the Notre-Dame Basilica, this hotel offers chic accommodation in a central location. Rooms and suites are tastefully styled with hardwood floors, original brick walls and bathrooms with walk-in rain showers. Sushi lovers will enjoy Kyo Bar, which also has Montreal’s largest sake list. Alternatively, pamper yourself in the Rainspa with its traditional Middle Eastern steam bath, ten treatment rooms and mani-pedi salon.

The William Gray is perfectly positioned to explore Notre-Dame Basilica and the Old Port. Inside, you’ll find charming rooms, a high-end spa and dining options aplenty. The four accommodation options range from cosy alcove rooms to private residences, complete with a gas fireplace, state-of-the-art entertainment system and fully equipped kitchenette. The Maggie Oakes restaurant serves everything from house-cured charcuterie to crispy shrimps with avocado cream.

The facade of this ten-room hotel dates back to 1858 – but the interior is chic and modern. Think feature walls painted in shades of sage and teal, plush sofas and smart bathrooms and kitchenettes. Its location is stellar, too – you’ll be well placed to explore the cobblestones, shops and restaurants of the Old Port, which is just a short walk away.

Inside this opulent 19th-century mansion lie 90 sleek rooms and suites, a spa, fitness centre and British-inspired restaurant. Ensuite bathrooms feature chromotherapy showers – said to have therapeutic benefits – and heated floors. The Bar George restaurant is hung with chandeliers and serves everything from beef wellington to smoked haddock hash. For pampering, the spa offers treatments such as couples’ massages and anti-ageing facials.

Art lovers will enjoy the original works hanging in the rooms of this boutique hotel, located in the city’s eclectic Latin Quarter. The owner has a gallery nearby that showcases local talent, and the entire hotel is graced with paintings, sculptures and photography by both established and up-and-coming Montreal artists. Rooms range from budget boltholes to suites with chandeliers and bathtubs.

With a prime position around the corner from the Notre-Dame Basilica, the St Sulpice was once two 17th-century houses belonging to two fur merchants who were also brothers-in-law. Now it has been transformed into a luxury hotel with 108 suites and a fine-dining restaurant, though many of the building’s original features remain. For a regal stay, book a signature suite – they have cosy living-rooms and a magnificent rooftop terrace with fantastic views of Old Montreal.

Located in the historic district of Old Montreal, St Paul Hotel presents a unique contrast to the old city with its modern and minimalist interior. Like many of the converted buildings in the area, the hotel benefits from high ceilings and large picture windows. Rooms are decorated with traditional materials, like polished hardwoods and exposed stone. The hotel has received numerous awards, and its beautifully mastered decor has resulted in it being called Canada’s first design hotel.

Hotel 10 is situated on the corner of Sherbrooke and St Laurent, close to the popular entertainment district and Old Montreal. The intriguing building has two distinct sections, the historical ‘Edifice Godin’ and the modern concrete addition, which offers both classic and modern designed rooms. This unique hotel is also pet friendly, plus it has a club on the basement level, BLVD 44.

Hotel Le St-James is former bank building dating back to 1870 that has been converted into a boutique hotel. Its interior design features faux-Greek columns and antique chandeliers, in line with the original character of the building. The hotel’s restaurant, James, is fronted by Michelin-starred chef Éric Gonzalez. Dine on contemporary cuisine within a classical setting that has seen the likes of Madonna and the Rolling Stones come through its doors.

Auberge du Vieux Port is another upscale, historic spot in Old Montreal, housing 45 rooms and Taverne Gaspar, a gastro-pub located in the cellar. Enjoy exclusive views from the rooftop terrace or one of the 15 rooms that face the waterfront. Amenities include deep soaker tubs, double hot tubs, and jetted showers, plus there is a 24-hour beverage bar in the lobby. There are also loft suites, which are located a short walk from the hotel and are great for longer stays, fitted with kitchenettes and offering more privacy away from the hotel.

LHotel, a popular choice by many for its location, is surrounded by numerous museums, art galleries, cafes and shops. The original building, once used as the head office of the Montreal City and District Savings Bank, was designed by Michel Laurent and built in 1870. There’s an impressive collection of private pop and contemporary art at this hotel (one of the largest collections in North America, in fact). Whether you’re in the halls, lobby, or staying in one of the guest rooms, you’ll have the chance to see works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Indiana, Chagall and Botero.

Elegant accommodation, great dining options and a central location make this hotel stand out from the crowd. Choose from different sized lofts, suites, terraces and self-catering apartments – all feature contemporary style and a cool coffee-and-cream colour scheme. The restaurant serves breakfast, brunch and lunch – menu highlights include pancakes with fruit, thyme and honey compote, three-cheese omelettes and bagels with cream cheese.

The 28 rooms of this charming hotel have retained original features, such as brick walls, arched windows and iron railings. But the traditional character is paired with modern luxuries, from goose-down duvets to one-of-a-kind Quebec furniture. Rooms come in four sizes ranging from small (sleeping one person) to extra large (sleeping up to four). Located on Saint Paul Street, you’ll be surrounded by restaurants, shops and galleries, and the hotel has bikes you can borrow to explore on two wheels.

Stylish rooms with quirky touches? Tick. A restaurant serving fresh, local fare? Tick. A 24-hour gym? Tick. This hotel, 20 minutes from Quartier des Spectacles, is a great boutique retreat in the heart of the city’s action. Fun features include round beds and hanging chairs, while the brasserie-style Boulevardier Restaurant has a menu that includes oysters, smoked guinea fowl and pork belly.