The Best Hotels To Book In Ottawa

Canada’s capital city is not the most visited; however, it is packed with sights – from the towering Victorian architecture of Parliament Hill to the National Gallery. During winter, the Rideau canal freezes over, becoming the world’s largest outdoor ice skating rink at 7.8km (4.8mi) long. Foodies should head to ByWard market, packed with local produce – from artisan cheese to Canadian ice wine. From historic boutiques to homely B&Bs, here’s our list of the best hotels in Ottawa.

1. Swiss Hotel

Hotel

The charming, European-inspired Swiss Hotel is a peaceful haven in bustling downtown Ottawa. With 22 cosy rooms and an adults-only policy, the hotel is ideal for couples looking for quiet central accommodation. Rooms are simple with rainfall showers and in-room Nespresso machines for your morning brew. Upgrade to the Spa Suite if soaking in a giant bathtub sounds appealing. The hotel’s European theme continues with its Swiss-style breakfast buffet, enjoyed by the fireplace in winter or on the terrace come summer.

2. Lord Elgin Hotel

Hotel

With an unbeatable location and historic character, the Lord Elgin is often described as an iconic hotel in Ottawa. Steps away from Confederation Park, the current building was constructed back in the 1940s, using local Niagara limestone specially chosen by then Prime Minister Mackenzie King. Although it retains many of its original features, the hotel is now furnished in a luxurious modern fashion, with subtle hints towards its traditional art deco heritage.

3. Les Suites Hotel

Hotel

A popular place to stay in Ottawa that really does feel like a home away from home, Les Suites offers extremely spacious one- and two-bedroom suites for short breaks and extended stays. Inside, you’ll find full kitchens and laundry facilities, plus pets are welcome to join you. Head to the fifth floor and start your day with a few laps of the pool – or workout in the onsite fitness center. In-room spa treatments are among the perks here – including Swedish massages and manicure/pedicures.

5. King Edward Bed & Breakfast

Bed and Breakfast, Hotel

The front exterior of the heritage building that houses the King Edward Bed and Breakfast is filled with blossoming tulips.

Offering a cut above your typical bed and breakfast experience, the King Edward has all the amenities you would expect from a hotel, in a relaxed, homely setting. Set in an impressive Victorian home, two spacious rooms are all decorated in an elegant style in keeping with the property’s period character. Owner Richard is an attentive host and, as well as serving a delicious home-cooked breakfast, is happy to provide guests with plenty of personal recommendations for things to do in the local area.

6. Brookstreet Hotel

Hotel

Just outside Ottawa, in the city’s Kanata area, is the Brookstreet Hotel. Golfers flock here due to the 18-hole championship golf course and nine-hole short course. Those looking for Ottawa hotels with suites need look no further, rooms range from simple doubles to more spacious deluxe suites with a balcony. Those with allergies will be pleased to hear that Brookstreet go above-and-beyond to offer hypoallergenic rooms – with custom bedding alongside nut- and pet-free assurance. Take advantage of the two saltwater pools and live jazz nights at the lounge.

7. Cartier Place Suite Hotel

Suite Hotel, Hotel, Apartment

Bright red parasols cover tables on the patio outside the Cartier Place Suite Hotel, Ottawa.

If you want the ultimate in comfortable stays, opt for a suite at Cartier Place, one of Ottawa’s best luxury hotels. This gorgeous upmarket hotel offers the largest suite style rooms you’ll find in the city, available with either one- or two-bedrooms. Each one includes a kitchen as well as laundry facilities, perfect for extended stays, plus it is pet friendly. Highlights include an indoor pool, sauna and steam room alongside a fitness centre and outdoor playground for kids. The hotel itself enjoys a great central location in downtown Ottawa, making it perfect for exploring many of the nearby tourist attractions.

8. ByWard Blue Inn

Hotel

An umbrella covered hatstand sits on front of two leather armchairs and a large coffee table at the Byward Blue Inn, Ottawa.

For a more budget-friendly option right in the centre of the action, the ByWard Blue Inn is a great choice. Located at the heart of Ottawa’s bustling ByWard Market, this place is perfect for exploring the food market plus local boutiques, bars and restaurants that dominate the area. Rooms are comfortably decorated and feature helpful modern amenities like private kitchenettes, as well as specially commissioned artwork by the artist B.F. Wallace.

9. Le Germain Hotel Ottawa

Chain Hotel

A green velvet chair and footstool sit next to the window of a large suite in the contemporary styled Le Germain Hotel, Ottawa.

The lofty cement ceilings and wood accents in the 115 rooms here exhibit a sleek industrial vibe. Each one is equipped with luxurious touches, like goose down duvets and feather pillows for restful nights. Explore Ottawa in a chauffeured Lexus, a service offered by the hotel. Dine at their onsite restaurant, Norca, where dishes like halibut and braised lamb shank are crafted with local ingredients.

10. Fairmont Château Laurier

Hotel

The grand dining room with stone planters and columns is filled with tables and high-back chairs at the Château Laurier by Fairmont, Ottawa.

The Fairmont Château Laurier in Ottawa’s city center honours Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Canada’s seventh prime minister, and has been welcoming guests since 1912. Borrow an iPad from the front desk and learn the history of the hotel by taking a half-hour, self-guided tour. The five-star hotel in Ottawa boasts 429 rooms, all which embody an old-world charm, with castle-like turrets and marble bathrooms, plus there’s an 18m (59ft) pool to unwind in at the end of the day.

11. Kemptville Suites by Rob Thompson Hotels

Apartment

A large suite with simply made bed, desk and seating area has an exposed stone wall at the Kemptville Suites, Ottawa.

This Ottawa boutique hotel accommodation is situated in Old Town Kemptville, 30 minutes by car from Ottawa. The seven upscale suites that occupy this historic building from 1847 feature exposed beams and stone walls for a modern flair. Though rooms come equipped with heated bathroom floors and electric fireplaces, book yourself in for one of the jacuzzi suites for ultimate relaxation.

12. The Metcalfe Hotel

Hotel

Just three blocks from Parliament Hill in downtown Ottawa is the Metcalfe Hotel, a three-star modern boutique. Its lobby embodies an industrial-chic vibe – dark wood bookcases mounted on the wall complement the Edison style bulbs that hang from the ceiling. At The Rox, the hotel’s onsite restaurant, expect items like charcuterie boards, chicken burgers, and onion soup.

Fancy a dip? Discover our guide to the best hotels with pools in Ottawa, or even check out the best luxury hotels in Ottawa for that bit more pampering, now bookable via Culture Trip.

Vivian Chung contributed additional reporting to this article.

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