Montreal short term rent (apartment, to rent, loft)

[TheTourist]

I'm wondering is it a good option to rent an apartment in Montreal for a few days compared to booking a regular hotel?

I have couple of friends coming to Montreal end of June and was thinking of hiring a cool loft or condo apartment in Old Port or downtown generally for a few days and I saw some options on craigslist ranging from $100-200 a night. How does it compare to a hotel option in Montreal? Hotel amenities/services not required, just a chill place to stay. Does anyone know any good agencies that rent by day? I see some options on cl, but don't want to be scammed.

[barneyg]

Originally Posted by TheTourist

I'm wondering is it a good option to rent an apartment in Montreal for a few days compared to booking a regular hotel?

I have couple of friends coming to Montreal end of June and was thinking of hiring a cool loft or condo apartment in Old Port or downtown generally for a few days and I saw some options on craigslist ranging from $100-200 a night. How does it compare to a hotel option in Montreal? Hotel amenities/services not required, just a chill place to stay. Does anyone know any good agencies that rent by day? I see some options on cl, but don't want to be scammed.

You can try Homeaway or Airbnb, I've done that many times in the past (Craigslist too), though not in Montreal. Scams are always a possibility but for some of those listings (actually all on Airbnb -- though you pay a commission), you have the option to pay through the website so your purchase is protected. Make sure you get the actual address of the property, verify the phone number through reverse lookup if possible, etc. Not sure there are any agencies that officially do this type of stuff.

If you're alone or a couple and are just looking for something cheaper than Hotwire, you likely won't get it. However, renting an apartment means you'll live like a local in an actual neighborhood. You can also have a few meals at the apartment from time to time (esp. breakfast). With kids, they can watch TV and your options aren't limited to (a) read on the bed or (b) hang out in the lobby. With 2 couples or an extended family, renting an apartment makes much better financial sense than 2-3 hotel rooms.

[weltschmerz]

End of June is smack in the middle of the Jazz Festival. Have you checked to see if any hotel rooms are even available? The city swells with about a million tourists from outside Quebec. I've had people stay with me in the past because there were no hotel rooms to be had, for love or money.

[TheTourist]

@barneyg -- thank you for info, I'll check airbnb and homeaway for sure.

@weltschmerz -- there are still lots of hotel rooms available, maybe it'll all dry up closer to the dates.