Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist covering hotels, cruises,…
Hotel Nelligan is a mainstay in Montreal’s Old Town. In fact, together with its sibling Hotel Place d’Armes, it offers tourists great proximity to the river, great shopping and dining, Chinatown and the central business district. Fresh on the heels of opening its renovated rooftop terrace for the summer, it is also beginning a full-scale renovation project that will overhaul every aspect of the hotel. Even before that’s finished, this lovely property delivers comfort while also featuring some of the neighborhood’s most celebrated eateries. In celebration of Canada Day, here are the five reasons why a visit to Hotel Nelligan in Montreal should be on your travel list.
The dining
PIN IT
It only opens for dinner, but its menu is more eclectic than your average steakhouse. For starters, there’s poutine (this is Montreal, of course), a red beer onion soup and fried pork dumplings. The butcher’s cuts reign supreme including everything from spicy Italian sausages and burgers to every imaginable cut of steak.
PIN IT
The rooftop
PIN IT
Reservations are a must on weekends, but the lucky visitors to score a spot at the bar can enjoy colorful cocktails and an impressive wine list while enjoying the DJ’s talents. This a see-and-be-seen spot in Old Town as visitors tuck into burgers, salads and other tasty dishes.
The rooms
PIN IT
At the top of the pack are the one and two-bedroom penthouse units that come with their own kitchenette facilities as well as an outdoor terrace with beautiful views. All accommodations have thoughtful touches like Le Labo Santal-scent toiletries in bathrooms, Bluetooth speakers with USB power ports, Nespresso machines, and bottled water (replenished during turndown service).
The extras
PIN IT
On the fifth floor, a 24-hour fitness room has modern equipment, yoga mats, medicine balls, towels and complimentary bottled water. If you need help planning your day exploring the city, the hotel has a Clef d’Or concierge on staff.
The neighborhood
Lined with stone and brick, the property is within four historic buildings, which have undergone fires and been rebuilt nearly two centuries ago. They have served as a warehouse for various goods as well as the Canada Paper Company. Eventually purchased by a family owned company (renowned in the city for their top-notch dining venues), the hotel is now under the aegis of the talented daughter of the Greek entrepreneur who grew the business into one of the city’s premier hospitality brands. Known as the Corner Collection, it is known for its hotels, restaurants and bars around town.
PIN IT
Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist covering hotels, cruises, airlines, and loyalty programs from around the globe.