For non-stressful commuting, Brossard is a good choice for you. Hotel Brossard, which my friends liked, is the highest-ranked in that TripAdvisor link. Other friends didn't mind the cheaper Motel Champlain. When the bridge was closed, my friend and I moved from our two-bedroom apartment in downtown Montreal to Motel Rideau, where we negotiated only $65/night (including taxes, parking, Wifi, fridge), and it was perfectly fine to sleep, shower and use Wifi before making the 22-minute traffic-free drive to Playground.

I had no problems driving to and from Playground using my mounted GPS. Many of the people I have driven with keep looking down at their phone as a GPS, which is very dangerous and subject to a $280 fine in Ontario.

Hotel Brossard might be slightly outside of budget considering we'll be staying for 12 nights but it does look classy, thanks for the suggestion. @Nash, I think you've nailed the type of place/location I'm looking for. Motel Rideau, Motel Champlain, and even Motel Falcon seem to be suitable options considering the relatively low rates. Only gonna be there to sleep and relax a bit anyways. A 22 minute traffic-free drive to Playground sounds ideal, I appreciate the suggestions.

The place is always half empty.
People just dont know about it.
They are already offering a second night at half price.

I suggest calling them up and asking for a super deal, I bet they give you like 3 days free.

After all that, we're going to go the rent-an-apartment route. Found a suitable option at a price comparable to higher-end motels.

Anybody know if this Stardust Poker Mansion is still up and running? The website seems desolate.

The apartment idea is good - I know air bnb is very active in Montreal. What area did you rent in?

Stardust is closed.

I believe the area is called Montreal West. Supposedly 15-25 minute drive to playground.

Only about 15km from Playground according to google maps.

How about this VIP Poker Room up the road from Playground, is that anything noteworthy?

it's no longer opened lol

What is the rake at 1/2 these days?

10% capped at 8$ plus a bjj drop. As of next week the casino will raise their rake to the same level

Still free food?

Yes, as always at Playground. Specials are better than ever, but I'm biased.

Are the games fishy?

I think every poker player that visits a new (to them) city or casino thinks all the locals are fishy, so I don't know that anything written here is going to change that perception!

Main difference between here and other casinos is that you wont find a random blackjack player stumbling through and giving poker a try. Everyone who goes here has at least the basic concepts down, though they still aren't necessarily good.

Hey gang - so the PokerStars Canada Cup is set to kick off on Friday! We're expecting big fields and amazing events - hope to see you here!

$2M Guaranteed in the main event starting on Thursday 5/22. Three day 1's for a 3000+300 entry fee ($CAD)!

Even with the fine service and free food, I still think it's more +EV to play 1/2 at the casino because the field is just suuuper soft.

Does this room have other games besides poker?

Reason I ask is that a bunch of friends and I will be visiting Montreal for the first time (we're from Philadelphia, PA), and we've decided that during one of our nights we'll do some gambling. Of the six people in our group, only 2 of us are poker players, so the rest of the group will want to play craps, BJ, etc. Trying to decide if we should go here or Casino de Montreal.

No, Playground is dedicated 100% to poker, there are no casino games in which you play against the house.

Cool. Thanks for clarifying.

Had a good time at playground over the last couple weeks, likely coming back next year.

Does anyone have the tournament schedule for July or know when it will be posted?

It should be up on Thursday. Do you have a specific question - maybe I have the answer.

OK, don't see it up yet. Was just wondering what tournaments will be scheduled on July 11th, 12th and 13th? Thanks