The Best Hotels with Pools to Book in Ottawa, Canada

One of the original grand Canadian railway hotels, the Fairmont Château Laurier added a 60ft (18m) art deco pool in 1928. It’s still one of the most impressive hotel pools in Ottawa, with enough marble to put the Romans to shame. Service and decor are top-drawer at all levels, from rooms that overlook the Rideau Canal locks to the luxurious selection of suites. The Gold Level adds breakfast and snacks around the clock, plus an exclusive lounge.

For year-round swimming, this hotel makes a splash. In spring and summer, the impressive outdoor pool is the place to be, with views over the lake. When winter comes, retreat to the warmth of the indoor pools, where floor-to-ceiling windows let you watch the snow settle like icing sugar outside. If traveling downstairs for a soak sounds like too much trouble, you can always book a king room with its own whirlpool.

An Ottawa institution, the castle-like Lord Elgin was built in 1941 and hosted Winston Churchill shortly after. An avid swimmer, Churchill may have done a lap or two in the 50ft (15m) three-lane indoor pool. Rooms and suites are decorated in earth tones with a dash of art-deco-inspired furnishings, and have baths with walk-in showers. If you’d rather be on the water than in it, boat rides on the Rideau Canal are close at hand.

Les Suites is a value-added all-suite hotel, featuring an indoor pool on the fifth floor with a view over Ottawa. Guests rave about the friendly service and central location. Each suite has a separate bedroom, two televisions and a fully stocked kitchen – right down to the wine glasses, washer and dryer. The dark wood furnishings are complemented by fluffy duvets on pillow top mattresses. Major attractions including bustling ByWard Market and Parliament Hill are a short walk away.

It’s all about the view at the Westin, among the finest hotels with pools in Ottawa. Floor-to-ceiling windows can be found in every room and at the indoor saltwater pool. Rooms from the 11th floor upwards have views of Parliament Hill and the best seats in town for Canada Day fireworks. Enjoy a view of the Gatineau Hills from the junior corner suites, or visit the Ottawa Art Gallery and other major sights within walking distance.

It might not have a fully fledged spa, but the 17-story Sheraton is perfect for vacationers seeking a fitness kick with a side of luxury. In addition to a wooden-floored fitness center, the Club Level rooms and suites come with marble baths, double vanities and mini-fridges for when it’s time to unwind. A dip in the heated indoor saltwater pool helps, too.

Perfect for families seeking an Ottawa hotel with an indoor pool, the Cartier suites have studio, one- and two-bedroom suites with separate bedrooms, dining and living areas, full kitchens and private balconies. In addition to the large pool, amenities include a hot tub, sauna, games room and an indoor children’s playroom. An easy ten-minute walk will take you to the family favorite Canadian Museum of Nature, or to the free tours of Parliament Hill.