This is an ideal place for the budget traveler who likes to scrimp on the financial burden of traveling, but wants all the perks of staying in a great place. The Auberge is on a beautiful cobblestoned street in the heart of old Montreal-- a stroll away from the waterfront and only a 5 minute walk from the metro, which is also nice.

The hostal is dubbed "alternative" because there is no tv (but there is free internet and there are shelves and shelves of books), they donate proceeds to various charities and organizations (ie "Doctors without Borders"), use eco- friendly products, recycle, and even serve up as much free trade coffee as you can drink. The staff is friendly, and the place itself is quiet, clean, spacious, and inexpensive (a bed in a dorm in $15-20 Canadian, which includes breakfast). The only downside is a 1am curfew, and beware if you do not like stairstepping; there is no elevator, so you will have to lug your luggage up a flight or two of stairs. Also: BOOK AHEAD. They were completely full when I stayed there on the week-end of June 2.

Best for: groups, budget travelers, young people in general

Close to: the water front, Pointe a Calliere (museum), the metro