Montreal bed and breakfasts offer wide array for weekend get-aways

As people plan their trips to Montreal for a hot weekend of naughtiness, they should keep lodging alternatives in mind. Stereotypes do tend to be accurate for gay tourists: we love fancy, high-end hotels. But there are several stunning, very inviting bed and breakfasts in the city run by incredibly attentive hosts, offering perfect — and oftentimes far less expensive — home bases while visiting the city. And unlike a large hotel chain, these smaller establishments are usually gay-owned, so you’re putting money back into the local queer community.

The Alexandre Logan was fully renovated in 2002 by its owner, Alain Pigeon. The refurbishing was so exquisite that it earned the B&B a certificate of merit from the National Geographic Society. “I wanted to return the building to its historic splendour,” Pigeon says. “I wanted it to be pretty much as it was when it was first built in 1870.” Not only is it a stunning building, it features all the amenities and sits in the heart of the Village.

La Conciergerie also feels historic, and with 19 rooms it feels more like a small European hotel than a B&B. In the spring and summer the proprietors maintain a lush garden. The breakfast room, encased in glass, provides a lovely view. There’s also a private roof deck, whirlpool and a gym. “It’s not mandatory to be gay to stay here,” co-owner and manager Luc says, “but that is mainly who we serve.”

Just up the street is NuZone, a bit different in mandate, in that this is a B&B that caters to men only. It’s also clothing optional, so you can pack light — always a bonus. There are only four guest rooms, but there’s a common room, an open kitchen, a sauna and an exercise room.

Also in the heart of the Village is Maison des Jardins, owned and run by Luc and Robert. As the name implies, these guys love their garden, and it is spectacular. There’s also an outdoor jacuzzi (even in winter months) and a trained and licensed on-site massage therapist, so you can book a treatment while booking your room. This establishment is men-only and smoke-free.

On a smaller scale is Ruta Bagage, but this intimate B&B has intense charm going for it. The lovely rooftop patio is a perfect place to relax between big-city ventures. With plenty of attention to detail in its decoration, Ruta Bagage is also adorned with fine works of art. The spacious rooms are bathed in natural light thanks to huge windows.

BBV Bed and Breakfast du Village is another highly recommended choice, with a great selection of rooms, all completely refurbished in 2011. Location is also primo: it’s a two-minute walk from Beaudry Metro, the epicentre of the Village.

L’Escogriffe B&B features basic rooms, shared bathrooms and a delightful and accommodating host. There’s also a balcony and a beautiful terrace for lounging. Men only. And note: this B&B has a charming dog and three cats, so it’s probably not a place for those with allergies.

La Loggia is located on Amherst, a strip of antique and retro high-end junk shops that is a mandatory stopover for anyone visiting the city. This B&B is run by art enthusiasts, so the entire house is filled with fascinating works. They also offer art workshops for those interested in honing their skills.

For more information on gay tourism in Montreal, visit tourisme-montreal.org.

For more insight into the city and helpful travel advice, see our gay Montreal city guide.

For map locations and website links to more than 180 places of interest in Montreal, visit our gay Montreal listings pages.

Alexandre Logan
alexandrelogan.com
BBV Bed and Breakfast du Village
bbv.qc.ca
L’Escogriffe B&B
lescogriffe.com
La Conciergerie
laconciergerie.ca
La Loggia
laloggia.ca
Maison des Jardins
maison-desjardins.ca
NuZone
nuzone.ca
Ruta Bagage
rutabagage.com