I was fortunate enough to visit Montreal in both the winter and summertime. Seeing this culturally diverse city in both extremes was amazing. Full of energy, Montreal has a thriving nightlife, unique dining experiences and more adventurous things to do – I just adore it. This ‘One Day Stay’ visit was extra fun since I traveled with girlfriends. Who couldn’t have a great weekend with your pals in such a cool city that is Montreal?!
DROP YOUR BAG
Le St-Martin Hotel Particulier is a contemporary 123 room hotel in Downtown Montreal and is a perfect mix of modern & comfort. Some things to expect from St-Martin are complimentary wifi (dream come true), Keurig coffee maker in your room and afternoon complimentary treats delivered to your door! The friendly multilingual staff will assist you in discovering some of the best restaurants, bars & nightlife Montreal has to offer. Also, onsite is a 24 hour fitness center and heated lap pool (available year round). Bistro L’Aromate serves up a delicious breakfast but also offers a mix of Mediterranean, Californian & Asian cuisines for lunch & dinner. I particularly enjoyed cocktails out on the terrace AND the cool lighting effects that change colors.
DO
It’s not my first inclination to do something active on my quick getaways but I’m not sure why not. I always enjoy a little adventure and exercise disguised as fun! This visit I partook in bike tour with Ca Roule Montreal through some of Montreal’s lesser known neighborhoods. It was fantastic to be able to bike primarily along the city’s bike path to discover different parts of Montreal. We had an amazing tour guide, Ruby, who shared much of Montreal’s history – old and new. Our halfway point was stopping at the Atwater Market, which I adored. It’s always a feast for the eyes and the stomach to go to the local markets in destinations.
DRINK
Given that this was my summertime visit to Montreal, I just had to take part in what is a big deal in their culture – the patio/terrace season. My favorite happy hour spot was Terrasses Nelligan. Not only was the sangria FAB but the scene was jumping and its rooftop location in Old Montreal made it perfect to view the beautiful scenery all around.
DINE
Located in the trendy Mile-End neighborhood, Nouveau Palais is an old-timey feeling diner that serves delicious fare to the hipster crowd. They also feature a classic cocktail list that isn’t too shabby either. I opted for my often go-to Negroni cocktail and had their famous burger. I wasn’t disappointed by either.
I was invited by Montreal Tourism to come enjoy #MTLmoments in the summer. MERCI for arranging the wonderful itinerary, hip stay at St-Martin Hotel, yummy dinner at Nouveau Palais and the super fun bike tour with Ca Roule Montreal. Once again, Montreal proves to be very ‘Lola Approved’!
Montreal sounds great! Particularly judging by the size of those drinks. 🙂
Britany recently posted…Speed Skating in Lake Placid and the Realization that City Life is Kinda Lazy
i love doing, drinking and dining
Hogga recently posted…Why Everyone Should Go Eat a Pecker
I spent one day in Montreal back in 2012 and I loved it! 🙂
Karisa recently posted…A Fabulous Daytrip to Hua Hin Beach
that was a great trip! drinks all around and nothing like a trip with the girls.
You had me at Keurig coffee maker in the room 😉
Annette | Bucket List Journey recently posted…Bucket List of 17 Cheesy Travel Pictures You Must Take
Ha, same here!
That sounds like a day well spent, my friend!
Raul (@ilivetotravel) recently posted…City Life – Street Scenes of Stockholm
Doing and dining in the less-visited neighborhoods is my cup of tea! Drinking anywhere is fine by me, too.
Francesca recently posted…I went to New York City and saw nothing
I want to go back to Montreal 🙁 it has been way too long!
@mrsoaroundworld recently posted…The Luxury Travel Blog Network – January 2014 Edition
I remember following this trip as it was happening. My wife and I have had Montreal on our list for some time but just haven’t made it yet. I like your suggestions. I definitely want to visit when we can enjoy terrace season, not igloo season!
Lance | Trips By Lance recently posted…In Pictures: Escape the Cold In Miami Beach
I would love to visit Montreal one of these days in the winter for some skiing and of course some fun. Looks like there is a lot of that to be had in this beautiful city.
Traveling Ted recently posted…Hunting the Rafflesia flower in Gunung Gading
Girl, you managed to squeeze in a lot for a days trip. I enjoy bike tours — great way to get a lay of the land when you’re strap for time. 🙂
Kieu Nguyen recently posted…Snapshots from Franz Josef Glacier
aww i really love montreal. wish we could have been there with you ladies! xx
the lazy travelers recently posted…no travel required: #traveltuesday
Ah, Montreal… it’s been years… but I always loved you. Not surprised you are Lola approved. especially heard biking the city is the way to truly experience it, in the summertime of course.
stay adventurous, Craig
Craig Zabransky recently posted…Are There Beaches in Singapore? A Visit to Siloso Beach in Sentosa
I really like the idea of checking out the less known neighborhoods and a city by bike. Looks like Montreal is a place I’d enjoy.
Leah recently posted…Five Packing Essentials for Snow Skiing
Looks like you had a great time, I’ve never been but would love to go one day!
Becky Padmore recently posted…10 great places to eat in Bangkok – a hipster’s guide
Fantastic mini guide to an intriguing city. I have a few friends that went there for university, and they loved the city. It seems you did too…it’s a common theme among people I know that go there!