Le Meridien Versailles, Montreal

Like the idea of a hotel where the front desk staff seem genuinely pleased to see you? Yes, it does happen - and it didn't seem forced at all! The hotel is affiliated with a boutique hotel across the street - and I wish I'd taken the time to go see their facilities. I hear it's a landmark: two mansions with a connecting building. The location's a little far from the old port, the Latin Quarter/UQAM, and the Village, but if the weather's nice, it's such a walkable - and gorgeous - city, you won't think twice about it. There's a Metro stop just two blocks around the corner, so for $2.50 you can get to just about anywhere downtown. There are plenty of restaurants nearby, too - including some fun pubs and bars - so don't panic when you see the prices on the menu of the hotel's restaurant. It's probably worth the prices, but don't think you're a captive audience. (For breakfast, there's a Tim Horton's and plenty of coffee shops nearby!) If you can get as good a deal here as I got, TAKE IT, and be sure to tell the staff �merci� as you leave.