My wife and I are vehement supporters of the weekend getaway. Every few months we make it a point to leave the kids with a babysitter and head off to explore a new city and spend a few nights at a unique hotel. For our last jaunt, headed to Montreal so my wife could practice her French and I could absorb some culture. We stayed at Hotel Gault, which is located in the center of Old Montreal, and it ended up being one of the best stays I've had in a hotel in recent memory.

Montreal is a city of cultural combinations. English mixes with French, Europe with America, and the new with the old. This aspect of the city was clear as we turned onto one the beautiful cobblestone streets that crisscross Old Montreal on our way to Hotel Gault. We arrived as dusk, and it felt like we had ventured into a medieval city—exactly the kind of experience my wife and I search for on our getaways.

The exterior of Hotel Gault fits in with the classical architecture of the neighborhood, but stepping through the front door brought us into a world of hip and modern minimalism. The lobby includes colorful (and comfortable) chairs, intricate light fixtures, and a steel front-desk with a concierge dressed in a sharp, all-black suit. Right away, I knew I'd picked a place with the cool atmosphere we were looking for.

The staff and accommodations at Hotel Gault were superb. The desk-clerk knew us before we introduced ourselves, and had clearly prepared for our arrival. All of our special requirements were remembered and taken care of, and the concierge managed to get us a reservation at Europea on short notice. Hotel Gault prides itself on personalized service to their guests, which was perfect for us since no weekend getaway is complete without a bit of pampering (sometimes a lot).

The rooms at Hotel Gault are modern, loft-style suites with a few different specifications. We opted for the "Terra" style because they have brick walls, which I love, and a large porcelain tub big enough for two. After all, what's a weekend getaway without some romance? The heated bathroom floor was an unexpected but very welcome addition to the experience.

While my wife and I had initially intended on exploring as much of Montreal as we could, but we found the Old Montreal neighborhood to be so charming we hardly left. There is an abundance of cafes and restaurants (where my wife used her French with stunning acumen to order for us both) in Old Montreal and the Museum of Archeology and History is within walking distance of Hotel Gault.

The trip ended up being the perfect blend of relaxation, luxury, and fun. Staying at the Hotel Gault had a way of making everything we did feel a bit more special, which is the key to success for our weekend excursions. Our first stay at the Hotel Gault will certainly not be our last.