Hotels

Accommodations in Montréal range from grand boulevard skyscrapers to converted row houses to stylish inns and boutique luxury hotels -- the latter of which are appearing in ever-increasing numbers, especially in Vieux-Montréal.

B&Bs boast cozier settings than many hotels, often (but not always) at lower prices than comparable hotels. They also give visitors the opportunity to get to know a Montréaler or two, since their owners are among the most outgoing and knowledgeable guides one might want. Information is available from the Bed & Breakfast Downtown Network, 3458 av. Laval (at rue Sherbrooke), Montréal, PQ H2X 3C8 (tel. 800/267-5180 or 514/289-9749; www.bbmontreal.qc.ca).

The rules at B&Bs can vary significantly, so ask pertinent questions upfront, such as whether children are welcome or if bathrooms are shared (rooms with private bathrooms are generally more expensive than those with shared facilities).

Except in B&Bs, visitors can almost always find discounts and package deals. That's especially the case on weekends, when business clients have already left.

Star System -- The tourist authorities in Québec province have a six-level rating system (zero to five stars) for all establishments offering six or more rooms to travelers. An ocher-and-brown shield bearing the assigned rating is posted near the entrance to most hotels and inns. The Québec system is based on quantitative measures such as the range of services and amenities. No star is assigned to properties that meet only the basic minimum standards, while five stars are reserved for establishments deemed exceptional. Most of our recommendations have gotten at least three stars from the state system.

The stars you see in the reviews in this guide are based on Frommer's own rating system, which assigns between zero and three stars. The Frommer's ratings are more subjective than the state's, taking into account such considerations as price-to-value ratios, quality of service, ambience, location, helpfulness of staff, and the presence of such facilities as spas and exercise rooms.

Rates -- The rates quoted in the listings in this guide are "rack rates" -- the standard rates charged for double-occupancy rooms. These rates are used to divide the hotels into four price categories, ranging from "Very Expensive" to "Inexpensive," for easy reference. Remember that rack rates are only guidelines, and that you can often find better deals.

Hotel rates are highest during the region's busiest times, from May to October, reaching a peak in July and August. Rates also inflate during the frequent summer festivals, annual holidays (Canadian and American), Grand Prix days in Montréal in June, and winter carnivals in January and February. For those periods, reserve well in advance, especially if you're looking for special rates or packages.

Categories -- The hotels listed are near most attractions in downtown and Vieux-Montréal. The listings are categorized first by neighborhood, then by price.

All rooms have private bathrooms unless otherwise noted. Many of the more luxurious hotels have stopped providing in-room coffeemakers, so ask in advance if this feature is important to you. Most hotels provide Wi-Fi in either part of or all of their facilities, although this continues to be a work in progress for many properties; if you need it, ask whether your hotel provides it before reserving a room.

Most Montréal hotels are entirely nonsmoking. Those that aren't have a limited number of smoking rooms available; check with the hotel before booking.

Taxes -- Most goods and services in Canada are taxed 5% by the federal government (the GST, or Goods and Services Tax). On top of that, the province of Québec adds an additional 7.5% tax (the TVQ). A 3% accommodations tax (which goes toward promoting tourism) is in effect in Montréal. Prices listed in this guide do not include taxes.

Keep Up Your Workout Schedule

Don't want to slack off on your fitness routine just because you're on vacation? If you're staying at a hotel that doesn't have a fitness center or whose exercise room is modest, keep upscale Club Sportiff MAA in mind. Located downtown at rue Peel between rue Sherbrooke and boulevard De Maisonneuve, this 743-sq.-m (8,000-sq.-ft), state-of-the-art gym provides cardio and strength-training equipment, a lap pool, and a full schedule of back-to-back classes in everything from spinning to Pilates to ashtanga yoga. A few hotels, like Loews Hôtel Vogue, provide free passes to their overnight guests. For everyone else, day passes are available for C$20 (£10) for adults and C$10 (£5) for children 17 and younger. Information is at tel. 514/845-2233 and www.clubsportifmaa.com.