This 133-room boutique, spread across three neighboring historic buildings in Old Montreal, blends Old World elegance with contemporary design. The large lobby is stylish yet cozy, featuring modern leather seating, exposed-brick walls, trendy oil paintings, a fireplace, and a pool table. The rooms follow suit (though they're a touch less luxurious than the hotel's common spaces), with Nespresso coffeemakers, light dimmers, hardwood floors (suites have wall-to-wall carpeting), and upscale bathrooms; suites have extras like exposed brick and big soaking tubs. There are a few flaws, though -- some visible nicks and scratches on the hardwood floors, some rooms with tight quarters. But perks like free Wi-Fi, two high-end restaurants, a rooftop bar with city views, a renowned spa and hammam, a free downtown shuttle, and an excellent Clef d'Or concierge overcome those small cons for most guests. Travelers could also consider the Hotel Gault, which occupies another 19th-century building in Old Montreal, but has a trendy, industrial-chic interior design, including spacious, high-tech rooms.

The upper-middle-range Marriott Chateau Champlain has a few things to recommend it: First, it's solidly good Downtown location, right by Place du Canada and connected to the city's underground. Second, the view from its guest rooms, a truly staggering panorama of the city. And finally the sheer amount of meeting space on offer. On the downside, the hotel is massively outdated, with throwback '80s decor that feels stuffy and faded. For travelers that can overlook its appearance, the property does offer an indoor pool, full gym, and on-site dining, in addition to 611 rooms equipped with coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. However, it suffers when compared to the Marriott's newest venture: the AC Hotel, which upgrades just about everything with chic decor, a pool and gym on a higher floor, and better amenities, plus the trusted Marriott name.

The Omni Mont-Royal Hotel is an upscale, cosmopolitan high-rise hotel with a downtown location near McGill University and Mount Royal Park, with lots of restaurants, shops, and attractions close by. It offers 299 elegant and spacious rooms and suites with amenities that include flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, minibars, and lovely marble bathrooms. Property highlights include a restaurant and bar, seasonal outdoor pool, and a well-equipped fitness center. There are 14 meeting rooms on-site catering to various events, plus a full-service spa for those seeking a dose of pampering. However, parking and Wi-Fi incur steep fees, as does breakfast, and street noise can be an issue in some rooms. Travelers might also want to consider the nearby Hotel Le Germain Montreal, which offers free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast.

The Hilton Montreal Bonaventure is an upscale, 395-room property with extensive conference facilities and a convenient downtown Montreal location across from Central Station and within walking distance of Old Montreal. A good choice for business travelers as well as families, the penthouse hotel has a unique rooftop garden, a heated outdoor pool, and a classy restaurant. Rooms are equipped with large desks, air-conditioning, and coffeemakers as well as views of the garden, pool, or city skyline. However, the neutral-contemporary decor lacks character and travelers who want more stylish digs may be better off at the slightly pricier Loews Hotel Vogue.

The Auberge Bonaparte is a sophisticated yet homey boutique hotel around the corner from the Notre-Dame Basilica in the heart of Old Montreal. This upper-middle-range, 31-room property occupies a charming 19th-century building and offers elegant guest rooms with wooden floors and exposed brick walls; some rooms have private terraces and whirlpool baths. On-site features include a French restaurant, which serves a highly praised free breakfast, and a rooftop terrace with views of the basilica. The Auberge du Vieux-Port is another Old Montreal boutique property to consider -- its rooms come with in-room iPod docks and minibars, and its rates are slightly lower.

The Hotel Gault isn't just one of Montreal's best upscale boutique hotels, it is one of its best hotels, period. It's housed in a 19th-century building with Haussmannian architectural influences in Old Montreal, and interiors are trendy and streamlined, with industrial-chic influences. Rooms are high-tech (with big flat-screen TVs and loaner iPads among other amenities), and work by local Canadian artists is showcased throughout the property. With only 30 rooms, the hotel is able to provide truly personalized service. The features aren't as impressive as those found at larger properties -- the gym is tiny, the restaurant is closed for dinner, and there is no spa -- but for most guests the hotel's upsides more than compensate. If those features are important, consider the W Montreal.

The lavish Ritz-Carlton, Montreal is still spotless and sparkling from its chandelier-strung ceilings to its marble floors, despite dating back to 1912. Some of that history is still on display, particularly in the Palm Court, which holds a traditional afternoon tea and the ballrooms that host events and weddings. Its 96 rooms more than match the atmosphere of the public spaces, with top-shelf amenities that include Nespresso machines, pillow menus, and—perhaps the star feature—Japanese Toto toilets with seat-warming and bidet functions. Other luxe details include turndown service with chocolates, and heated bathroom floors. But standard rooms generally lack separate tubs, although the multi-jet showers are divine. Another letdown could be the views, which aren't as sweeping as neighboring high-rise hotels. However, the hotel's rooftop pool does offer a killer vantage point, and the fine-dining restaurant and pampering spa add to the property's allure. Comparison shoppers could also consider the Sofitel.

Epik is a three-and-a-half-pearl boutique hotel on cobblestoned St. Paul Street. In the heart of Old Montreal, it's surrounded by museums, upscale shops, and restaurants. The four-story, 1835-built property has been renovated to preserve charming historic accents like rough-hewn limestone walls, exposed brick, and wooden beams. Its 10 spacious rooms combine these antique touches with modern comforts like contemporary furniture, flat-screen TVs, and sleek bathrooms featuring rainfall showers and mood lighting. The Penthouse Suite, with its two private rooftop terraces and gorgeous sky-lit living space, is truly awe-inspiring. The free breakfast and buzzing Italian restaurant also help draw guests the Epik. While this property is more affordable than Le Petit Hotel, a property across the street offering similar decor and views, the latter adds free access to a nearby gym.

Hotel Terrasse Royale is a bland, older property in Cotes-des-Neiges, about 10 minutes outside of downtown Montreal. Many of the large rooms have kitchenettes, but they feel drab and worn, and the small bathrooms feel sterile. At least the hotel is only a few blocks from the metro station, and offers free Wi-Fi.

The 198-room Hotel Ruby Foo's lies about 10 minutes outside of Montreal's downtown area, next to a major highway. The hotel started as a restaurant hot spot in the 1950s, evolved into a hotel in 1962, and became the commercial complex it is now in 1988. Interiors emphasize modern, Asian-inspired decor with rich, dark colors, giving the rooms a sophisticated (if not luxurious) feel. A full lineup of features -- two restaurants, a bar, a large 24-hour gym, a heated outdoor pool, eight meeting rooms, and an old-fashioned barber shop -- is a highlight that gives diversions for guests removed from the city center. But guest who prefer to be downtown could consider the Hilton Garden Inn Montreal Centre-ville, which is in the same price category and also has a pool, steam room, sauna, and top-floor fitness center.