The best cheap hotels in Montreal

Previously a nineteenth century warehouse, Auberge du Vieux Port still has the original brick and stone walls, old oak floors, beam ceilings and casement windows. The seasonal rooftop bistro earns a top spot as one of the best terraces in the city that’s offering striking views of the Saint-Lawrence River and the bustling Old Port below. A top spot for experiencing some of that refurbished New France charm.

Situated between the Plateau and the Village neighbourhoods, this hotel prides itself on its unique accommodations. The colorful rooms here, ranging from luxuriant wood-panelled boudoirs to cozy bed and breakfast nooks, are all lined with original artwork—the owner’s collection of art has extended to creating a nearby gallery, La Récréation. One of the homier kinds of hotels in town, they’re particularly proud of their eco-friendly adaptations like organic coffee and ecological-friendly cleaning products.

Built in 1886 by architect Victor Roy, this bright, airy hotel feels more like an art gallery than an inexpensive hotel, boasting large, light-filled windows with views of the Old Port below, brick walls and a charming, brasserie-style terrace. For all intents and purposes of being an Old Port hotel, the rates are on the higher end for cheap hotels, but the price-to-quality ratio for this accommodation’s undeniably in your favor.

If you want to stay in the heart of the Old Port of Montreal, finding a budget-friendly location is going to be quite the challenge, but this one makes it easy. Located right on the main strip of Saint Paul Ouest Street, this Instagrammable boutique hotel is as stylish as they come. Think antique stone walls, a covered terrace for cozy al fresco dining, and the entire Old Port at your doorstep. Don’t forget that Chinatown’s cheaper fare is only a stone’s throw away as well.

Fancy yourself a fan of sleeping in? Late risers will love this: This is one of those rare establishments that doesn’t give guests a specified check-out time. Feel like grabbing a third coffee in bed? You do you. There are two locations located in the South Shore’s Dix30 shopping district: One with striking views of Montreal, while the other’s a bit closer to the shopping action. It’s a great option for shoppers who don’t feel like crossing the bridge into Montreal proper, but still close enough to travel inwards if you’re feeling so inclined.

Boutique Lofts Milton-Parc are a great option for anyone in town looking to attend events like the Montreal Symphony Orchestra or Les Grand Ballets Canadiens de Montreal. Praised for their loft-like designs, the suites here are airy and modern, with large and light-flooded windows, brick walls and sleek accent furniture.

Located conveniently between the Old Port and Montreal’s Chinatown, the Holiday Inn Centreville’s décor and architecture has some fun Chinese-influenced flair, including a pagoda prominently stick out from its top and a resident restaurant equipped with a koi pond for some zen moments. It’s everything you’d expect in terms of its amenities: Comfortable rooms, an indoor pool and there’s a continental breakfast included.

Great for younger travelers or university hopefuls from out of town, this hotel’s conveniently located just a few blocks from the Concordia University campus. That puts it within walking distance of Chinatown West for choice Chinese, Japanese and Korean eats on one side and downtown bar streets plus access to the Bell Centre for shows and events on the other. The accommodations are nothing particularly fancy, but it’s known for being clean and comfortable.

The Quality Inn largely lives up to its own name with attractive, neatly-turned-out rooms available for great prices. The other reason to stay here is the location: it’s just a few minutes from the Old Port and the Quartier Latin, and there’s a metro stop mere steps away. There’s an onsite fitness centre, room service and a hearty breakfast of waffles, eggs and other treats served daily.

Comfortably away from the hustle of the downtown core, Parc Avenue Lofts are located in the trendy Mile End neighborhood. It’s located immediately around the corner from local institutions like St-Viateur Bagel and Cafe Olimpico. The prime location of this hotel also lends itself well to hopping on a Bixi bike or metro and taking a ride to just about any other landmark in town. Folks who don’t want to travel too far should head to the Jean-Talon Market or Jarry Park.

Conveniently located with stunning views of Downtown Montreal and the surrounding area, Hilton Garden Inn offers everything from an indoor pool and sauna to cooked-to-order breakfasts in the expansive dining room. They also offer complimentary private fitness packages, so guests can practice yoga or Pilates from the comfort of their suite.

Out of all the hotels on the list, Best Western may be the accommodations with the best deals for multi-night stays. For every two nights guests spend at the hotel, the popular chain offers a third night for free, making it a lot more affordable to extend that weekend trip another night. That’s especially convenient to sleep off any hangover ensuing from partying it up on the nearby barhopping streets of Bishop or Crescent.

The proximity to the airport makes this one an unsung hero in terms of hospitality and accommodations. This newly opened location offers convenient stays for anyone who may have a long layover or a missed flight with its flexible check-ins and check-outs. Considering that not everyone who books there is in the best of moods, the reception desk always has warm cookies available.

Located on the top floor of the YWCA in Montreal’s downtown core, Auberge YWCA is a solid option for anyone looking to travel more mindfully (see: budget traveling). The auberge itself is a standard, no-frills suite, but profits from this place are reinvested into the company’s mission: To develop services for girls and women across Montreal. Never hurts to find a thrifty place to stay that’s of quality while helping out a good cause.

Being situated on the corner of Saint-Laurent Boulevard and Sherbrooke Street makes this hotel the ideal location for anyone looking for easy access to the finer things in life. Top-notch museums and the city’s main shopping district are just a short bus ride away, but it’s also right next door to some of the most popular nightlife spots in the city. It’s a boutique-style hotel that offers striking views from its modern rooms, plus all the amenities you’d expect, from an in-house bar to a fitness center.

A historical structure with architectural design elements from Ernest Cormier, this hotel offers a full varietal range of rooms, from traditional hotel suites to more long-term lofts and studio apartments. Having been restored over the years, the building has maintained its exterior splendor while modernizing the interior. Amenities include a striking rooftop lounge with a heated pool and sun deck, babysitting services and a complimentary electric vehicle charging station.

Formerly known as Hotel Pennsylvania, Hotel St-Denis has been hosting guests since 1929. Much of the 1920s-era hotel has remained the same throughout the years, including the vaulted basement bar and lounge which boasts original stone walls, pool tables and comfortable lounging chairs for taking it easy after a long day of exploration. The building’s been renovated enough that it might not be the best for building nerds looking for historical fixtures, but it’s still a solid accommodation.

Centrally located, Hotel Le Cantlie is a great option for travelers with kids or big groups planning to share a single suite, as the rooms are equipped with kitchenettes and closed bedrooms. Amenities also include a rooftop pool on the 28th floor, a fitness centre, and some of the best sweeping views of Montreal.

A hidden gem in the downtown core, La Tour Belvedere offers suites that include a ready-to-use kitchenette, a patio and a separate bedroom and living room. Great for traveling with kids, this apartment-style suite is both cozy and practical with a centralized location that’s close to any kind of action you’ll be looking for.