I had the opportunity to spend a few months in Montreal and really experience all the city has to offer. I was able to try out the W Montreal Hotel as a SPG Platinum member and the InterContinental Montreal as a Intercontinental Platinum Ambassador. In the mornings, we’d go on runs along the St Lawrence river in Old Montreal. By night, we’d experience culinary art in one of many restaurants around the city.

Montreal Trip Report:

1) Trip Background and Overview

2) InterContinental Montreal Hotel Review

3) W Montreal Hotel Review

Background

My stay in Montreal was a recurring business trip. I would generally travel to Montreal on Mondays and return home on Thursdays. I would take the Delta regional jet from Atlanta, and as a Diamond member, generally get upgraded about 80% of the time. I had a good opportunity to experience the city, different hotels, and restaurants over a period of a few months.

InterContinental Montreal Hotel

We did not have a negotiated rate at this hotel. But I was able to connect with the GM at the hotel and obtain a negotiated rate for my duration that was lower than the market rate. As a Platinum Ambassador, I was treated well here. My hotel review will be completed in a few days.

W Montreal Hotel

We did have a negotiated rate at this hotel, and it was fantastic. The rate was well below the market rate and the best part is it came with a $20 drink certificate for each night of our stay. As a SPG Platinum member, I was treated very well here. It was difficult to choose between the two hotels, so I stayed at the one that would get me the most benefit for my trip to French Polynesia. My hotel review will also be completed in a few days.

Restaurants & Logistics

The culinary art is alive in Montreal. This is by far one of the biggest reasons to visit Montreal. My top four favorite restaurants in Montreal are 1) Barroco in Old Montreal, 2) Joe Beef in West Montreal, 3) Le Garde Manger in Old Montreal, and 4) L’Express on St-Denis. There were also some very interesting experiences as well. Such as having a glutinous experience with the pigs head appetizer at Au Pied de Cochon, or the cigars, from the island south of key west, at La Queue de Cheval. You can also get a French wine at a decent price in this city.

If you need a driver while you are in Montreal, drop me an email and I’ll send you the information for the great driver we used. He owns his own business, drives an escalade, is virtually the same price from the airport as a taxi, was an wrestling olympic medalist from Lebanon back in the 80s, and he is a very nice guy.

Bottom Line

Montreal is a great city to spend a long weekend. I had a great time and the hotels there really take care of their elite members.

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