Montreal is one of my favorite places for a romantic weekend escape. Somehow when I am ensconced in the narrow cobblestone streets of old Montreal, I'm able to forget that I am still on the North American continent. I feel like I have been whisked away to a European city with tantalizing, unknown secret shops hiding around every corner. While I recognize that the horse drawn carriages that dot the streets may be a bit cliche, when you're a tourist, it's not always a bad thing to embrace a little kitsch.
There is, of course, nothing kitschy at all about my first hotel selection. Hotel Le Germain is a chic boutique hotel on Rue Mansfield in between Sainte-Catherine Ouest and Rue Sherbooke. With fresh floral displays in the lobby and complimentary hot chocolate and coffee, I found the entrance to be very welcoming. The urbane selection of magazines laid out on the lobby coffee table immediately signaled that this hotel is trying to be a hip oasis. And, after my stay there, I can assure you that it achieves this goal.
We were able to snag a superior room with a queen size bed for $209 Canadian. This rate included a buffet breakfast that featured cold cereals, breads, eggs, fruit, stuffed french toast, and the obligatory croissants. The breakfast buffet was certainly adequate, but not anywhere near the four star standards of the hotel's restaurant, Laurie Raphael. But hey, it was free (or at least included in the room rate), so we chowed down.
The room itself was wonderful. With a crisp white duvet and fashionable pale blue pillows, the bed was very inviting and comfortable. The room was not very large, but it was well appointed and had a series of sleek, modern closets that provided room for luggage and useful hidden amenities, including an umbrella. There were plush white robes and an ipod dock.
The bathrooms are also worth mentioning. Stocked with Aveda bath products, the bathrooms have a contemporary feel with classy dark wood and earth tone tiles. The most interesting feature is the glass-walled shower that permits occupants to see through into the main living space or lets an occupant see into the shower. While there is a privacy shutter that can be pulled, this shower can definitely provide some romantic entertainment all by itself.
Overall, we were perfectly content while we stayed at this hotel. The staff was friendly, but unobtrusive, and the valet parking ran very smoothly. The hotel is conveniently located right next to Sainte-Catherine, so there are numerous shopping opportunities within walking distance. It is not, and is not trying to be, a child-friendly hotel. But for a romantic getaway, this hotel certainly lived up to my exacting standards.
The other hotel that I would recommend for a romantic weekend is Le Place d'Armes. This is another small, boutique hotel. Located in a beautiful building that was designed by Hopkins and Wily in 1870, the hotel has succeeded at melding its gracious old exterior with its modern, elegant interior. The large rooms have exposed brick walls and exude a loft style vibe. We have stayed several times in a deluxe king room. With its alluring faux fur throw, fireplace, and modern furniture, the whole room creates a seductive setting for a relaxing weekend. The large bathrooms have trendy blue tiles and feature a large glass-walled shower with a comforting, large rain showerhead. The bath products are from the spa that is located in the hotel and have an unusual, aromatherapeutic smell.
When I stay at this hotel, I insist upon finding a reasonable rate that includes the buffet breakfast. The breakfast, which is located in the stylish Suite 701 bar, includes fresh fruit, yogurt, granola, eggs, assorted pastries and croissants, cereals, cheeses, and fresh-squeezed juices. You can also find packages that include a nightly wine reception in Suite 701. While the free wine is barely drinkable, there is a large selection of fresh cheeses and the bar provides a sophisticated backdrop for the beginning of a night out on the town.
The hotel's rooftop deck, which overlooks the city, is yet another reason why Le Place D'Armes is one of my preferred Montreal hotels.
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