Don’t worry, it won’t feel American at all!
I find Old Montreal (the old town) a little touristy and gimmicky, as a place to stay. I usually stay at the Omni on Sherbrooke, which is an old retrofitted Four Seasons, with massive rooms, and get a room facing to the mountain. I don’t like the breakfast at the Omni. The benefit of staying at the Omni (or Sofitel- more luxurious hotel with smaller rooms but a better breakfast) , is that it’s a short walk to the Musee de Beaux Arts, short taxi to the residential neighborhoods with the more interesting restaurants and not a touristy neighborhood. There’s a AAA rate / CAA rate that I usually book. The Omni Loyalty programme is with joining, if you’re not extremely loyal to another hotel. (I join loyalty programs whenever they’re offered)
It’s also a short walk to the mountain and parks.
In terms of where the interesting neighborhoods are, many of the restaurants that are mentioned on this site are located in areas such as Little Burgundy, the Plateau, Mile End, Outremont.
Montreal is very diverse, if you’re interested in seeking out foods you can’t find at home, beyond the smoked meat, bagels, bistro, Joe Beef, APDC. I can recommend Damas for Syrian food. There are some Haitian restaurants. I’ve gone out for Russian food in Montreal. Greek food and Portuguese food are strong in Montreal. Seafood in Montreal is better than it is in Toronto.
My meals in Montreal are typically focused on foods I can’t get in Toronto.
There are Airbnbs, proper Bed and Breakfasts ( gîtes), small inns and some small hotels in some of these neighbourhoods. I have stayed at a small Inn in the Plateau for an extended stay. It was more of a 2 star experience in terms of comfort.
I would still recommend staying in a hotel with more amenities, which will typically be in the business district, or in Old Montreal.
When you stay in Quebec City, I would recommend staying within the old part, and I’d it’s your first time, it might be nice to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, for the old fashioned Canadian Pacific Hotel experience.
I stayed at a 4 star just outside the old town in Quebec City last time, which had a lot less Americans, and more Francophones, and gave more bang for the buck, but it’s nice to stay in Quebec City’s Old Town for a short stay.
I always recommend people visit Ile d’Orléans, a small island a short drive from Quebec City, when they visit. Nice farms, places selling jams, cheeses, cider, ice cider (alcoholic)
