Montreal is one of those cities that always feels like the perfect weekend escape. From its historic architecture and celebrated dining scene to its fashionable boutiques and unmistakable European charm, the city offers countless ways to fill a memorable few days. For our latest Montreal getaway, we checked into The Metcalfe Hotel Montreal by Gray Collection for a weekend of relaxation, shopping and exploring.

The Hotel 

Our home for the weekend was a spacious Corner King Room featuring large windows and panoramic views of the Montreal skyline. The abundance of natural light made the room feel bright and welcoming, while its generous layout gave us plenty of space to relax between outings.

One of the highlights was the beautiful soaker tub, the perfect place to unwind after a day spent walking around the city. With its contemporary design, comfortable king-sized bed and impressive views, the room offered a peaceful retreat in the heart of downtown Montreal.

One of the most memorable features of The Metcalfe is its heated pool. Tucked away from the surrounding bustle, the pool area feels like a private urban oasis in the middle of the city.

After a day of shopping and sightseeing, it was wonderful to slow down and enjoy a swim. The tranquil setting made it feel removed from the busy streets outside, even though we were still conveniently located in downtown Montreal.

Whether you begin your morning with a swim or return for a relaxing break in the afternoon, the pool adds a resort-like element to a city stay.

Shopping on Sainte-Catherine Street

The Metcalfe’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the city. Sainte-Catherine Street, one of Montreal’s best-known shopping destinations, is located just a short walk from the hotel.

We spent part of our weekend browsing the shops and enjoying the energy of downtown. With fashion boutiques, department stores and plenty of places to stop for a coffee or a bite to eat, it is easy to spend an entire afternoon exploring the area.

After shopping, we could simply walk back to the hotel, drop off our bags and take some time to relax before heading out again.

Exploring Old Montreal

No visit to Montreal feels complete without spending time in Old Montreal. Located just a short drive from the hotel, the historic district is filled with cobblestone streets, elegant architecture and some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.

We enjoyed strolling through the neighbourhood, taking in its distinctive character and discovering the beautiful streets at a leisurely pace. Every corner seems to offer another photogenic façade, charming café or glimpse into the city’s history.

We also visited Château Ramezay, a historic building in the heart of Old Montreal. The château and its surroundings offered another opportunity to experience Montreal’s rich heritage and provided an interesting contrast to the modern energy of downtown.

The Food

For dinner, we visited Benjamin, the hotel’s on-site Parisian-inspired steakhouse. The elegant dining room creates a stylish setting for an evening out without having to leave the hotel.

We enjoyed a wonderful steak dinner and the warm, sophisticated atmosphere of the restaurant. Benjamin also has a lovely patio, which is an inviting place to enjoy Montreal’s summer weather while dining in the heart of downtown.

The restaurant’s convenient location inside The Metcalfe made the evening feel especially effortless. After dinner, we could simply return to our room and admire the city lights from our windows.

We returned to Benjamin the following morning for breakfast. Beginning the day on the patio was a relaxing way to ease into another day of exploring Montreal.

There is something especially enjoyable about a leisurely hotel breakfast when there is nowhere you need to rush. With the hotel’s central location, we could take our time over breakfast and still be just minutes away from many of the city’s shops and attractions.

The Perfect Montreal Weekend Escape

Our stay at The Metcalfe Hotel Montreal brought together everything we look for in a luxe city getaway: a spacious room with beautiful views, relaxing amenities, excellent dining and a location that makes exploring easy.

We could shop along Sainte-Catherine Street, wander through the historic streets of Old Montreal, visit Château Ramezay and then return to the hotel for a swim and a memorable dinner at Benjamin all within one weekend.

For travellers looking for a stylish downtown base with the comforts of an urban retreat, The Metcalfe Hotel Montreal offers an ideal setting for discovering the city.

Thank you to The Metcalfe Hotel Montreal and Gray Collection for hosting our stay.