Thousands of Ottawans visit Montreal weekly for business and pleasure. Montreal has it all, live theatre, music, a vibrant arts scene, and exceptional restaurants in a French joie de vivre culture. On a recent business trip to Montreal, I was lucky enough to have been booked into the Petite auberge Les Bons Matins B&B. While it bills itself as a B&B, it reminded me of a boutique hotel I had visited while staying in Paris. Located in a in a series of adjoining and magnificently restored century-old townhomes in downtown Montreal, Les Bons Matins B&B is just a short hop from the Bell Centre, two blocks down from bustling Sainte-Catherine Street, Montreal’s premiere shopping mecca; and only steps away from lively Crescent Street, one of the city’s hottest spots, where trendy restaurants, cafes and nightclubs abound. You could hardly ask for a better location. Once here, you probably won’t need to use your car at all! Everything is within walking distance: shopping, restaurants and museums… The Lucien L’Allier Metro station is only 30 metres away! This station is a gateway to the Bell Centre, Windsor Station and Place Bonaventure.
A beautifully decorated room complete with fireplace sets a tranquil mood.
The Petit auberge Les Bons Matins B&B is furnished with the finest, carefully refinished antiques. Climb gated iron stairways to your room. The decor is young and vibrant. Hardwood floors, hand-woven Persian rugs and original artworks make for a colorful and welcoming atmosphere. Each room comes equipped with a private bathroom (with shower, bath or two-person whirlpool bath), phone, wireless Internet service (they also have computers with high-speed connection available in the living room near the front desk), color TV with cable, VCR, alarm clock, vanity mirror and hair dryer. My room had a super comfortable queen-sized bed with tasteful and colorful linens, which complimented the wonderful cross-section of antique and modern furniture. The bathroom was a designer’s dream, tiled tastefully with a big Jacuzzi tub. When you enter from Argyle Street, you walk into a welcoming and comfortable sitting room decorated with beautiful works of art from local artists and adorned with fresh cut flowers, fruit baskets and tables that offer an array of pamphlets on what to do while in Montreal. Guests have access to the kitchen for a snack at any time and can also help themselves to coffee, tea, herbal tea, hot chocolate, iced tea and cookies at any time… and it’s all on the house!
Breakfast is served from 7 am until 10 am in a classy and comfy dining room. On the menu are fresh-squeezed orange juice; fresh-ground, freshly brewed French-style coffee; home-baked bread; croissants and pastries; fruit salad made fresh daily; mouthwatering homemade waffles and French toast; an assortment of natural cereals; yogurt; a selection of the finest cheeses and cold cuts; Canadian smoked salmon; homemade jams; and a variety of mouthwatering dishes, such as eggs Benedict, quiche and omelets any way you like, served with bacon or ham are all part of the menu.
Rates are seasonal and there are discounted rates from time to time (from $99 to $199). Petite auberge Les Bons Matins B&B also offers a meeting room that can accommodate up to 10 people. It is available from 8 am until 5 pm and includes two coffee breaks. (With the simultaneous reservation of four rooms (comfort or deluxe) or three suites, the conference room is free for one day.) The spacious room features ergonomic armchairs, air-conditioning, wireless Internet access, white board and sheets and Business Stay. I highly recommend this location for a productive retreat, especially for small to mid-sized businesses and government agencies.
Comfort, class and pizzazz make this one of the very best picks (and best-kept secrets) for overnight stays in Montreal. Book in advance because they do sell out.
Petite auberge Les Bans Matins B&B
1401, avenue Argyle
