In Montréal - Day One

So I decided to spend a few days - including New Year's - in Montréal, Canada. It was kind of a last-minute decision, but I have been thinking about it for a while. I'm traveling solo again - I left my Dad at home this time because he's preparing for a Caribbean cruise with my Aunt Wendy and Uncle Ed.


Here's what my hotel's street looked like when I arrived. The temperature was a few degrees above freezing, so there was snow melting all over the place. Of course, this morning, the melted snow refroze and there was ice everywhere. Not a problem, because the denizens of the city quickly spread sand and ice-melt everywhere.


Here's that same street when I woke up Sunday morning. My hotel is located just beyond the parked car on the right - the Hotel Manoir St.-Dénis.
It took me about seven hours in total to make the journey of about 250 miles by car - included in that time is nearly an hour waiting to cross the border into Canada, and a single pit stop for lunch just north of Burlington, Vermont - in Colchester, I think. The Canadian border guard was the first customs official I've encountered since losing weight who questioned me about the fat Ken shown in my passport photo taken in 2009. He still took me at my word, though, that I have lost 100 pounds.
  
Here are exterior and interior pics of the hotel. A very basic place, rustic but clean. It is located in the Quartier Latin, near to the Old Town and very convenient to the subway. Most places are in fairly easy walking distance, though.
 
The hotel isn't the best place I've stayed in, but it's not the worst, either. I can't get over the wood panelling, but I'll learn to live with it for a mere $58 per night, taxes included -- and free continental breakfast!
Speaking of which, I went to the front desk in the morning to ask where the breakfast would be served. The clerk replied (in French), "in your room - I will prepare you a tray." I then watched him microwave a croissant, pour a cup of coffee, and pour a cup of orange juice before he assembled the items on my waiting tray. He did tell me that I could come back for more if I wanted.... 

I could not help but laugh at my breakfast - but I did wait until I returned to my room with it. But again, for $58 per night this basic hotel is clean and very well located. And, there's even a fridge in my room so I can supplement tomorrow's eye-opener!
Breakfast complete, I'm now off to begin my explorations of the city! Come back soon for an update!

Location:St Denis St,Montreal,Canada