Auberge du Vieux-Port in Old Montreal
Old Montreal is a lovely neighbourhood that tourists return to year after year. While not the largest or busiest city, Old Montreal offers something rather special and unique. With its 18th-century buildings and cobblestones, it reminds us a little of Paris. Auberge du Vieux-Port has its own unique narrative and amazing location, ideal for first-time visitors, as it is close to the main restaurants, coffee shops, museums, and other attractions.
Auberge du Vieux-Port, a quaint hotel on Rue de la Commune has been open for almost 25 years. But it was not always a beautiful, tiny hotel, entertaining guests. It was in fact two historical frameworks from the nineteenth century, the Hector Lamontagne Heritage Building and the Victor-Hudon Building. The Antonopoulos Group, a Montreal family business in hospitality, refurbished it into a 27-room hotel in 1996. Later, in 2012, the group purchased its second historic component, the Victor Hudon building.
The Auberge is now a Gray Collection property featuring 45 classic rooms with a sunny ambience and, for most, an historic view of St. Paul Street or the St. Lawrence River. The place feels warm and inviting, like a true home away from home. Nevertheless, Auberge du Vieux-Port maintained the perfect balance between preservation and innovation while preserving their legacy and historical monuments.
The rooms and architecture
The rooms of L'Auberge du Vieux Port have an intimate feel to them. They are contemporary and elegant, while at the same time conserving and honouring the building's history. They are accented by exposed wooden beams and posts, and the floors are all magnificent old pine wood. In many ways, the architecture is anchored in Montreal, with its unique waterfront setting and the historical influence of 200-year-old brick and stone warehouse walls, wrought-iron trim, and casement windows. And nothing beats a hotel with a spectacular view. You can enjoy simply looking out of the window.
L'escale’s favourite place to check in is the Signature King River Room, a minimal 310 sq ft full of charm. The room has lovely stone walls, old wood floors, and antique furnishings, including the focal point, a wrought-iron king bed. The hotel also offers one of the most comfortable bedding sets by Marie L'Oie, ensuring that each guest has a peaceful and restorative night's sleep. The riverfront definitely enriches the overall experience and allows you to reflect on one of Montreal's top locations.
The interiors are a mishmash of old designs, ranging from Victorian lamps to imitation armour, and the upstairs corridors are a little dreary, but the establishment is well-kept and professionally maintained. The lobby, which is a popular spot for cocktail hour, features a big stone fireplace, curving velvet sofas, and antiques such as lacquered chess tables, books, etc.
What we personally enjoy about Auberge du Vieux-Port is that they are constantly striving to improve and offer their guests the most comfortable stay possible without any worries. The number of amenities allows you to have everything you need in your very own room. From the Nespresso coffee maker to the exquisite Le Labo bath products, the iron, hair dryer, mini bar, and even the umbrella. It shows how the hotel always prioritises the guest's experience above all.
Breakfast
All of this in a one-of-a-kind setting with a Canadian flair to remind us of where it all began. While we particularly appreciate their restaurants, Taverne Gaspar and Pincette, having room service is a nice treat. Their morning menu is modest but has a good range, including vegetarian or gravlax salmon Benedict, French toast, the iconic Montreal bagel choice, and more. And after breakfast, you can schedule an in-room spa treatment to make the most of your stay, which is quite therapeutic.
