Considering a family vacation to Montreal? Seriously, you will love it. I recently visited to this beautiful, bilingual city with my kids (ages 6 and 9), and I’ve gotta report that it was one of the best, most relaxed, and surprisingly simple family vacations we’ve ever had. The secret? Finding the right place to stay. Montreal has loads of hotels, but not all are good for kids. So, in this article, I’m going to reveal the best family-friendly hotels Montreal has to offer, based on what I’ve learned and some research around the web.
Regardless of you having little kids or cranky teenagers, and you’re going to summer festivals or relaxing in winter mountains, there’s one fantastic hotel waiting for you. So, don’t wait!
1. Le Square Phillips Hotel & Suites – Great for Families
This was our base of operation the entire trip, seriously, and I cannot recommend it enough. Le Square Phillips Hotel & Suites has all the bells and whistles that you could possibly want: large rooms, kitchenettes, an indoor pool, laundry facilities—name it!
We completely crashed in this one-bedroom suite, and having a separate living room that was not included in the bedroom was just fabulous. After an entire day of touring around Old Montreal and visiting the Biodome, my husband and I could relax with a glass of wine in the livin’ area while the kids watched a movie in the bedroom. It truly felt more like an apartment than a hotel, which was exactly what I needed to maintain our routines (and sanity).
Cool! Breakfast is really delicious and it’s free. We’re talking waffles, fruit, eggs—things that even the most finicky eaters will really enjoy.
Perfect for: Ideal for the family that wants to relax, has the elbow room, and cook up meals whenever the mood takes them.
2. Montreal Bonaventure Hotel – A Relaxing Oasis with A Rooftop Pool
If you’re going out this summer, you’ve gotta visit Hotel Bonaventure. I’m not joking, they’ve got this incredible heated roof pool that is open all year, and the kids really loved it. We kept ending up relaxing there each day, splashing around the pool and enjoying the city views. It was the perfect way to relax between all the touring around and eating experiences.
It has that trendy vibe going, but it’s really family-friendly as well. You can absolutely request rollaways and cribs if you require them, and the hotel staff was great at delivering extra pool toys and towels to us.
You are really close to downtown Montreal, so you can hop onto the metro, shop, and go to loads of restaurants. At one time, we walked to the Bell Centre to attend a hockey game—his favorite part, no question!
Perfect for: Families with kids who enjoy doing water activities, parents who appreciate an elegant atmosphere, and individuals embarking on summer vacay.
3. Residence Inn Montreal Downtown – All About Comfort And Convenience
Residence Inns are typically a safe bet for families, and this one is no exception. It sits smack in the middle of downtown, and this all-suite hotel has fully equipped kitchens, hot breakfast included, and access to laundry facilities—ideal for extended stays or family members who’d like to cook up some meals at home.
We didn’t actually stay there on our visit, but we toured one of the suites and spoke with another family in the lobby who’d visited there three times with kids. So how is it? “It just makes it easier to travel with kids.” And I completely see that. The rooms are quite spacious relative to city hotels, too, and it’s wonderful to whip up some mac and cheese after a wild day at the museum.
Perfect for: Ideal for families who like to cook their own meals and for friends staying over for more than a few days.
4. Hotel Nelligan – the trendy boutique hotel in Old Montreal
If you want to stay downtown Montreal but would like something fun for the kids, you should definitely look into Hotel Nelligan. It is not the largest hotel since it is a boutique, but it is adorable and does contain some fabulous kids’ stuff.
We didn’t crash this time, however, but we visited their patio on the roof for lunch (well worth it). Their waiters were really accommodating to the kids, and I saw lots of families streaming in with strollers and car seats.
The rooms are rather intimate, so they’re best suited to families with older children who don’t object to snuggling up—or to anyone reluctant to get up at 2am to make bottles. But really, the location is fantastic, and there’s something charming about sleeping right in the midst of cobblestone streets, street artists, and crep restaurants.
Perfect for: Families with older children, couples seeking that romantic ambiance but still family-oriented, and anyone who appreciates the historic atmosphere.
5. Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth – A Little Bit of Luxury for Everyone
Considering pampering yourself? Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth is a really hip place. It has this really cool retro feel, ultra classy, but completely family-friendly as well. And the greatest part? You can access Montreal’s underground city directly from there, which is a lifesaver when it’s cold or raining outside.
We overnighted here (you know, the little anniversary splurge while the grandparents took the kids!) and I scouted out all the kid amenities like I always do. They’ve got baby beds, babysitting, and even family packages! And, of course, the hotel has connecting rooms, which is really convenient if you’ve got older kids or teens along.
These restaurants feature kids’ menus, and the concierge can assist you with planning all manner of family activities. It is an elegant experience that never has that snooty atmosphere, which is quite difficult to find.
Perfect for: Families that like to pamper themselves a bit while keeping cozy, winter tourists, and anyone who desires to be near the best shopping and city sites.
6. Novotel Montreal Centre – Great location at the center of it all!
I always say that not every hotel has to be ultra luxurious to be amazing, and Novotel Montreal Centre completely confirms that. It’s budget-friendly, in an excellent location, and extremely kid-friendly.
Rooms are modern and clean, and while they’re not huge, they’re perfectly fine for a small family. Kids under 16 stay free when sharing a room with parents, which is a huge money-saver. There’s also an on-site restaurant with a kids’ menu, plus a fitness center if you’re into keeping your routine going while traveling (props if you are—I definitely wasn’t!).
We didn’t crash there, but I’ve kept it in reserve for the next time that we go, particularly if we plan to stay the weekend.
Perfect for: Budget-friendly families, short breakaways, and those who prioritize where you are, not frills.
7. Embassy Suites by Hilton Montreal – Plenty of room and cozy atmosphere, very near Old Montreal
Hi, ever heard of Embassy Suites? It’s really near the Notre-Dame Basilica and those adorable cobblestone streets in Old Montreal. If you’re going with family and require more room, it’s a good choice. There’s a kitchenette and separate living area in every suite, and they give you complimentary made-to-order breakfast each morning (and don’t worry, that includes waffles and omelets—my kids absolutely loved it).
I’ve not been myself, but my brother’s wife booked it up for her two kids over the last spring break, and she couldn’t speak highly enough of it. She absolutely adored the reception at night with appetizers and cocktails—so relaxing to unwind after all that running around all day. It’s one of those places where you know you’re getting your money’s worth, particularly if you’re a family that requires more than the bed and the toilet.
Perfect for: Ideal for families that require a bit more space and a hip atmosphere, to boot, with the added benefit of enjoying Old Montreal without paying boutique hotel rates.
8. InterContinental Montreal – Trendy and cool for families!
If you’re looking for an awesome combination of classy atmosphere and family-friendly entertainment, you should give the InterContinental Montreal a look. It has an immediate access to the underground city and is right adjacent to the Montreal Science Centre, so it’s the ideal choice for family travelers regardless of the weather.
You know what stood out to me on the walkthrough? It’s the attention to detail and service that the hotel provides. They have connecting rooms, cribs, and even childproofing kits upon request. And the indoor saltwater pool is just such a great amenity for kids to get some energy out. You know, after a long day at the museum or running around the Old Port.
The decor is really trendy but don’t worry—the place isn’t one where you’d panic if the kid splashed juice onto the carpet (because let’s be real, we’ve all been there).
Perfect for: Families with young kids or teenagers who want to be close to the action, with some added touches that make the experience that much more special.
9. Hotel Gault has this hip, minimalist style that’s so great for families
So, Hotel Gault is really minimalist and all about the design, but don’t worry, it’s really well done, and yes, families do stay there actually. This boutique hotel is tucked away down this laid-back area of Old Montreal, and really does feel like your own personal escape.
If you’ve got teenagers or older children, this is a good choice. The rooms are incredibly large and feel like hip lofts, not your standard hotel rooms. Imagine large windows, funky decor, and heated floors (I’m completely addicted to those on cold mornings). Some rooms feature mini kitchenettes, too!
We didn’t crash this time, but we’re completely considering it for that kid-free weekend sometime in the future. That being said, I wouldn’t give a thought to bringing my kids along if I was going light and seeking a more adult family vacation without sacrifice of comfort.
Perfect for: Families with older teenagers, parents who appreciate good design, or anyone who’s into that hip boutique hotel aesthetic.
Tips for choosing a family-friendly hotel in Montreal
Hello, fellow parent! I wanted to share some tips that completely made our Montreal trip so much easier.
- Book early, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons like summer or during events like the Jazz Festival or Grand Prix weekend.
- Take a look at hotels with kitchenettes or full kitchens—these are very convenient if your group has early-rising or finicky eaters.
- Consider the location. It’s really handy to be near a metro station, particularly if you’re bringing kids along.
- Ensure you contact the hotel directly to find out information like availability of cribs, parking, or adjacent rooms. Websites are not always fully revealing.
Final Thoughts: Montreal is Magic for Families
Montreal has all you could possibly want, such as sledding off Mount Royal during the winter, relaxing at the Old Port during the summer, or simply taking in all that incredible maple syrup. Having the proper place to crash can completely shift your entire attitude.
For real, whether you’re lounging at Le Square Phillips or fantasizing about that Bonaventure rooftop pool, Montreal knows how to make the whole family feel at home, you know?
Okay, get the snack foods, plug in the iPads, and don’t forget to practice those “merci”s and “bonjours”. Montreal awaits us, and trust us, it’ll be awesome!