When travelling, whether for work or for pleasure, we often find ourselves choosing between equally desirable accommodations, but one located downtown with the other on the outskirts. With downtowns often being portrayed as congested, seedy, and dirty, many decide to stay in a less central area and travel into the city during the day.
Their mistake.
What people don’t know is that they will have two completely different trips depending on where they stay. Let’s face it, hotels and hospitality is not just about having a comfy bed- it’s about waking up to adventure and being mindful of the place you are experiencing.
There are so many positive aspects that come with downtown accommodations, and these are the arguments that will convince you why:
- Closer to Everything
While a less central hotel might be closer to an airport or the zoo, most attractions, be that conference centers, galleries, or shopping districts are located in close proximity to downtown. You will save so much time and decrease the hassle factor significantly if you can easily walk to your destinations or have them just be a short cab ride or a few transit stops away. This is equally as important for those who are travelling for business and only have a few hours of spare time to explore, and those with children who need a home base close enough for an afternoon nap without ruining the flow of the day.
- Better Food
Most of the prized restaurants in the city are located in the central part of town. Though there are surely anomalies here and there, a downtown hotel will give you easy access to a multitude of fine dining (or even street food) options. Even the hotel restaurants in downtown locations can be exceptional, something uncommon on those “off the highway” locations.
- Easy In-Easy Out
Since many visitors tend to stay downtown, there are plenty of services which cater to getting them into and out of the city. This includes train stations, airport shuttles, and standardized taxi fares. If you are staying in some obscure part of town, you might find yourself being dropped off in downtown anyway, and then finding your own way to your hotel. You might even end up paying more for this transportation that you would for the premium on staying downtown!
- City Flavour
Chime into the beat of the city while staying downtown. You likely have a very urban landscape out of your window, and can experience the uniqueness of the city by just stepping out the door. A less centralized hotel will not provide these perks, instead you will feel like the hotel could be “anywhere” as there is nothing separating it from thousands of other hotels like it. Hotels should be a reflection of the city they are in, channelling the style, décor, and service to give it flavour and a feeling of its own.
- Amenities
While highway or airport hotels could have decent prices, they often lack the amenities that a longer-term guest would be looking for, like a spa, pool, or even a direct connection to premium shopping. If you want to make the most of your stay, we recommend one of the greatest hotels in Montreal, downtown and chock-full of perks like in-hotel fine dining, a pool, gym, and conference rooms.
Travelling is all about experiencing the character and attractions of the place you are visiting. This starts with choosing a downtown hotel over an outskirts option, putting you closer to the heart of the city, getting to know its beat, and making it your own.