Hotel thoughts = Montreal to Miami cruise - October 2015

Hi, folks!

We've decided to add the pre-cruise land tour (City of Design & Nation's Capital) to our upcoming cruise. The hotel that Regent is booking us in for this extension is the InterContinental Montreal. Does anyone have experience staying at this hotel or any knowledge of it?

I would appreciate your thoughts.

Actually, I was hoping we would be staying at the Le Westin Montreal, however, Regent is only using that hotel for the pre-cruise night or for people who wish to extend their stay in Montreal.

Thanks!

Patti

Hi Patti,

We did this cruise last year, and just loved it. Definitely our best cruise ever.

Due to our work commitments we were not able to take a pre cruise tour.

We flew in from London the day before and stayed in the Sofitel nite before.

It was perfect and location good to let us have a good walk about morning of cruise.

Have a wonderful cruise, look forward to any reports you post.

Regards Jean.

We took that cruise in 2011, did not use the Regent pre cruise package, but we did book the IC on our own. Had a nice room, thought the hotel was in a good location, concierge was very helpful with dinner reservations, its close to the port and we just took a cab on embarkation day around 11:30. We walked to one restaurant, but took a cab another time. They had a good senior rate as I recall. No issues at all with IC.

We stayed at the IC about three years ago for a family wedding and were very pleased with this hotel. Great location close to Old Montreal, but easy walking or cabbing to other parts of the city. Had a great meal one night, the food in that city is so good.

Jean, Joanne and Wendy - -

Thank you very much for taking the time to respond.

We are very much looking forward to this cruise.

We always look forward to a good pre-cruise experience - - and this hotel and your comments certainly sound like we are in store for a good time even before we set foot on-board!

Much obliged - -

Patti

We stayed at the Westin, thinking it would be in the heart of Old Montreal. We were actually disappointed in the location. It was a bit of a walk to the old town. After seeing the location of the IC, I think it will be your better choice. We were also very underwhelmed with the service at the Westin. We came very close to missing our transfer to the airport because the front desk staff did not alert us about the arrival of our driver. We were sitting in the lobby waiting...and noticed a well dressed man standing in the lobby waiting. This went on for over 15 minutes. Fortunately, the man came over to us and asked our names. He expressed his displeasure - in French - to the front desk staff. We followed up our stay at the Westin with a long letter to Regent suggesting better screening of their pre and post tour packages. Enjoy your stay at the IC.

Hi Patti,

My husband and I stayed at Auberge du Vieux-Port which is right in old town on the water front. It is more of a boutique property with a fantastic restaurant attached and the breakfast was included. Very friendly staff and easy walk to all the great sights. You can catch the Hop-on/ Hop-off bus just down the street and it's a great way to see the city which is quite spread out. Don't miss the evening performance at the Notre-Dame Basilica. We spent 3 nights pre-cruise during October prior to a Crystal Montreal to NY sailing. Loved it! Have a wonderful time!

Robin

For Old Town breakfast or lunch, Olive et Gourmando is worth the wait.

For dinner, Bouillon Bilk is best for creative, moderately priced cuisine. Au Pied du Cochon for foie gras and more foie gras. For elegant haute cuisine, Europaea and Toque. Don't miss the Marche Jean-Talon , which is a must visit for foodies. And of course, no one should miss going inside the Notre Dame Basilica in Old Montreal.

Can't remember the name of the restaurant where we had dinner near the hotel one night, and who knows, it's probably gone--these places come and go fast, the high end but innovative places in Montreal. It pays to do your own research and pick some out. The concierge in the hotel found us a reservation. We had a wonderful experience.

Another time we went to a delicatessen for a smoked meat sandwich--I think it was Schwartz's, although again, doing research will get you reviews of various places like this, if you like that sort of thing--just bring an appetite!

Montreal is a foodie's paradise.

I always stay at Le Germain Hotel

Dinner recommendations

Chez L'epicier in the old port or try L'Express

Both great

Just curious...when did Montreal become the "Nations Capital"?

As for hotels, I would vote for the Ritz Carlton or the Vogue.

Just curious...when did Montreal become the "Nations Capital"?

Good catch! Obviously it isn't--not sure how they could make that kind of egregious error. Perhaps they have an extended post-cruise trip to Ottawa? I very much doubt that.

We stayed in Montreal post cruise some years ago and stayed at the Ritz Carlton. With a great exchange rate for US - it was $129 a night. and the hotel and location were fabulous. Probably double but really unbelievable rate. It was less than the usual mid range hotels and came with High Tea or full breakfast daily

Can't remember the name of the restaurant where we had dinner near the hotel one night, and who knows, it's probably gone--these places come and go fast, the high end but innovative places in Montreal. It pays to do your own research and pick some out. The concierge in the hotel found us a reservation. We had a wonderful experience.

 

Another time we went to a delicatessen for a smoked meat sandwich--I think it was Schwartz's, although again, doing research will get you reviews of various places like this, if you like that sort of thing--just bring an appetite!

 

Montreal is a foodie's paradise.

We ate at Schwartz's and had smoked meat - it was delicious. Also went someplace and had "Montreal Meat Pie" When we visit cities outside of the U.S., we tend to go for local food rather than dining in high end restaurants. Montreal is one of the best cities for food that we have visited.

Just curious...when did Montreal become the "Nations Capital"?

 

As for hotels, I would vote for the Ritz Carlton or the Vogue.

Ditto that. Both great for location, style and service.

Thank you to everyone for your comments and terrific suggestions!

Sunprince and Wendy - -

Just for info, Regent lists the pre-cruise package as "City of Design & Nation's Capital" because on our 2nd day the tour takes us to Ottawa for the morning / afternoon (see description below from Regent's website):

"DAY 2

After breakfast at your hotel, you will set out for the 2 hour and 15 minute drive to Ottawa, Canada’s vibrant and beautiful capital city as chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858.

Over the past century, this former lumber town has gracefully blossomed into a cosmopolitan city filled with neo-gothic government buildings, gardens and parks.

During your guided drive around Ottawa you will travel along Sussex Drive and view the Prime Minister and General Governor’s residences. Downtown you will see Parliament Hill and take a drive along the Rideau Canal – the brilliant waterway that cuts through Ottawa’s downtown. This famous waterway turns into the world’s longest skating rink in the winter.

At noon you will be let off in the ByWard Market where you will have some free time to grab a bite on your own and do some further exploring before being picked up for the return journey to Montreal."

Patti

Definitely check out Hotel Le St. James. Superb boutique hotel and the best in Montreal imo.

Thank you to everyone for your comments and terrific suggestions!

 

Sunprince and Wendy - -

 

Just for info, Regent lists the pre-cruise package as "City of Design & Nation's Capital" because on our 2nd day the tour takes us to Ottawa for the morning / afternoon (see description below from Regent's website):

 

"DAY 2

 

After breakfast at your hotel, you will set out for the 2 hour and 15 minute drive to Ottawa, Canada’s vibrant and beautiful capital city as chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858.

 

Over the past century, this former lumber town has gracefully blossomed into a cosmopolitan city filled with neo-gothic government buildings, gardens and parks.

 

During your guided drive around Ottawa you will travel along Sussex Drive and view the Prime Minister and General Governor’s residences. Downtown you will see Parliament Hill and take a drive along the Rideau Canal – the brilliant waterway that cuts through Ottawa’s downtown. This famous waterway turns into the world’s longest skating rink in the winter.

 

 

At noon you will be let off in the ByWard Market where you will have some free time to grab a bite on your own and do some further exploring before being picked up for the return journey to Montreal."

 

Patti

Thanks Patti, that makes sense then. A bit odd to drive to Ottawa for the day but it should be a nice outing. Enjoy!