Hôtel Bonaparte

Auberge Bonaparte occupies a five-story, 19th-century building in a wonderful Old Montreal location around the corner from Notre-Dame Basilica, amid the neighborhood's charming, European-inspired stone buildings. Red awnings decorate the hotel's ground-level windows, and a simple wooden door leads guests into the lobby, which feels something like the entry way to a posh home or apartment building. The gray marble floors are warmed by a charmingly worn Persian rug, and the heavy drapes are parted to allow natural light into the small space. Regal-looking chairs upholstered in cognac leather and velvety gray flank the white front desk, which, like the walls, has beautiful inlaid detailing. Potted plants and bronze-framed paintings on the walls complete the understated, sophisticated room. A similar ambience prevails in Bonaparte restaurant, where arched doorways, bronze chandeliers, and an exposed brick wall invite guests to linger. All manner of tourists stay here, seeking to soak up the Old World vibe, which is easy to do on the rooftop terrace -- a humble wooden deck with black-iron patio furniture and views of the basilica. 

Auberge Bonaparte offers a great location for tourists keen on experiencing Old Montreal charm. Restaurants, shops, and art galleries line the surrounding streets, and the riverfront and Old Port are within a five-minute walk. The Notre-Dame Basilica is visible from the hotel and is within a three-minute walk of its front door, along with the Place d’Armes Square. Within five minutes' walk are the Montreal Museum of Archeology and History, Montreal Science Centre (which has an IMAX theater), and Centre d'histoire de Montréal, a history museum inside an early 20th-century firehouse. The historic Bonsecours Market is about a 10-minute walk from the Bonaparte. Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport is a 26-minute drive away, depending on traffic, or about 40 minutes by public transportation.

Guest rooms at the Auberge Bonaparte are not overly luxurious, but they do have elegant touches such as exposed brick accent walls, polished wood floors, and wooden hangers in the closets, along with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs with cable, ironing facilities, and hairdryers -- but no coffeemakers. Deluxe Rooms have mini-fridges. Decor is unfussy and homey: Clean-lined wood furniture, wall-mounted iron sconces, and framed paintings and mirrors predominate. Standard Rooms face the street, and some receive street noise. Bathrooms are clean and have bronzed mirrors and somewhat dated gray tile, along with shower/tub combos. Rooms with private terraces, whirlpool baths, and modern glassed-in showers are available. The Prestige Suite has a private terrace overlooking Notre-Dame, a double whirlpool bath and separate shower, a sitting room with a sofa-bed, and a minibar with free items. Rooms at the back of the hotel are quieter. 

Rates include free breakfast at the on-site Bonaparte restaurant, and guests rave about the a la carte selections, including omelets. The restaurant also serves regionally focused French cuisine for lunch and dinner, and has a full bar. There's a conference room for up to 70 people, and events can also be held on the small rooftop terrace. Conveniently located parking is available for a daily fee. Guests can use a nearby gym for free. The hotel concierge can book various activities -- from horse-drawn carriage rides to massage therapy to childcare -- and make restaurant and theater reservations. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.