Montreal’s sweet savings for travellers

Vacay.ca has teamed with Choice Hotels Canada to create a series of articles highlighting the best bargain hotel travel experiences in the country. Today, we get underneath the sweet, chocolate skin of Montreal.

Story by Rod Charles
Vacay.ca Deputy Editor

It never fails. I always seem to get called to visit Montreal for business right after I have chosen to go on a meal plan with my pal Korey, who also happens to be a fitness buff and my personal trainer.

Believe me when I tell you discipline and Montreal are two words that don’t belong in the same sentence. Being made to walk the streets of Montreal while trying to stick to a diet is as difficult as it gets. Montreal is famous for many things – festivals, history, architecture, nightlife, sports and comedy – but in my mind it’s the culinary scene that makes this city a true North American gem. And speaking of gems, when it comes to sweet treats it’s difficult to compete with Montreal’s bakeries and chocolatiers. I would appreciate it if you would keep that bit of news away from Korey.

One very good hotel to begin your sweet journey is Comfort Suites Downtown, (1214 Crescent St., 1-514-878-2711) located in the heart of Montreal within walking distance of the Bell Centre.

During your stay at this pet-friendly hotel, visitors can enjoy many outstanding amenities including a free hot breakfast and an exercise room. Each room has a two person sofa bed and free wireless high speed Internet access, making Comfort Suites Downtown a wonderful spot to get business completed or simply relax with all those delicious treats you’re bound to purchase during your stay.

Plateau Mont-Royal: A beautiful community known for wrought-iron staircases and old-style masonry, Plateau Mont-Royal is where you’ll find a mix of artists, students and young families from all over the world. You’ll also find awesome places to enjoy sweet treats, including Pâtisserie Rhubarbe (5091 Rue de Lanaudière) – where you must try the macorons –La Maison Cakao (5090 Rue Fabre) and Les Chocolats de Chloé (546 Avenue Duluth East).

Latin Quarter: Juliette and Chocolate can be found in several locations. Chocolate served in every way you can imagine – pastries, fondue, brownies, ice cream, pancakes and crepes.

Old Montreal: A trip to Montreal isn’t complete without a visit to the historic old city. Do not worry though – you will find just as many places to address your sweet-tooth-itis here as you will anywhere else in the city.

Begin your quest at Maison Christian Faure, where the man in charge, Christian Faure – winner of the supreme title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France Glacier – will happily destroy any dietary goals you carried with you into the city. Cantinho de Lisboa (356 St-Paul – 514-843-3003) is another place to love, where Chef Helena Loureiro will delight you with her sweet personality and even sweeter culinary skills. Bar A Beurre (350 Rue Notre-Dame E – 514-875-0707) is a wonderful spot to fill up on cookies and cakes.

Southwest District: Oh, where to start? Patrice Patissier (2360 Rue Notre-Dame O – 514-439-5434) offers several tasty menu items, including scones and brownies. Chocolates Priveledge (1225 De Condé Street – 514-935-8887) has several items that will leave your mouth watering for more.

Looking for more awesome choices in the Southwest District? Head for the market and check out Chocolats Geneviève Grandbois (several locations, including the market) and try several different treats – online shopping also available. Rustic Pie Kitchen (4615 Rue Notre-Dame O – 514-439-5970) is the new kid on the block, celebrating two tasty years in Montreal with several pie, scone, chocolate and fruit platters.

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Comfort Suites Downtown
Website: http://www.choicehotels.ca/en/comfort-suites-downtown-montreal-hotel-cn139
Address: 1214 Crescent St
Phone: 1-514-878-2711
Click here to sign up for Choice Privileges Loyalty program for free nights! 

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