Hôtel de la Montagne

A shimmer of the chandelier teases the eye and two golden alligators seem to beckon you forward in the lobby of this hotel. You needn't go far for a night out: there's a jazzy piano bar on-site and a tunnel leading to the popular nightclub, Thursday's.

Since nightlife is the main draw for most guests, this is not the place for quiet conservative types or those seeking a quiet, conservative sleep. Sizable rooms can get loud, even up on the 9th floor, but are sufficiently clean and comfortably large. The decor is a far cry from the elegance of the lobby and attached breakfast room, but look on the bright side: all that glitz and glitter would've given you a headache anyway. Subtly coloured chairs and oak furniture adorn standard rooms, with some added luxuries like marble bathrooms and private balconies. Whirlpool baths and living rooms in the suites also raise the calibre. The 20th-floor rooftop pool with bar has good views over downtown, but it gets crowded here when the facilities are open to the public. This concrete high rise is attached to Ogilvy, the upscale department store between Blvd de Maisonneuve and Ste Catherine.