The Real Deal: Two nights' accommodations; breakfast daily; a jazz festival T-shirt, a shoulder bag, and a CD; a ticket to one concert in the Jazz d'ici La Presse or Rythmes Bell series; a $10 discount on the 30th anniversary jazz festival photo album; a 25 percent discount on admission to the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal; and $10 for gambling at the Casino de Montréal, from $144 per person—including taxes.
When: July 1–12, 2009.
The fine print: All taxes included. Based on double occupancy; no single bookings. Rates are based on Canadian currency and may fluctuate; at press time, Can$175 (the package price) was equal to $144. The scheduled performer for your concert ticket will depend on when you book. Read before you book any Real Deal.
Book by: No deadline; based on availability (but this will sell out fast).
Contact: Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, 888/515-0515, montrealjazzfest.com.
Why it's a deal: The inclusions in this package are worth $105.
Lodging: You'll stay at the Days Inn Montreal Downtown. It's within walking distance of the jazz festival and has a restaurant. Breakfast is included in the rate.
Highlights: The Montreal Jazz Festival is one of the largest in the world—2008's edition saw 725 performances, both indoor and outdoor, over 11 days. Although the final performance schedule is still pending, you can be sure the event will be full of top-notch, famous performers from around the world. This year, the 30th anniversary, the lineup includes the Maria Schneider Orchestra, the Glen Miller Band, Chris Botti, and Jackson Browne. See the full program here.
More: The package is available at two other hotels: Upgrade to the Le Dauphin Montreal Downtown for $21 per person or the Hyatt Regency Montreal for $110 more per person. Can't make the jazz fest? The Just for Laughs comedy festival is July 16–26, with performers such as Bill Cosby, Lewis Black, and John Cleese. Hotel packages start at about $164 per night, including tickets.
Before you go: U.S. citizens will need a valid passport for travel; a visa is not required. For more ideas on what to do in Montreal, visit the official tourism site.