Ottawa hotels

Once a YMCA and then a mid-range downtown hotel, this stylish accommodation from the folks at Montreal’s Gray Collection is now Ottawa’s first—and best—boutique hotel. Located in a grand, historic building close to the Rideau Canal, the hotel’s decor is a cozy mix of French vintage and mid-century New York to match the ground-floor restaurant, Cocotte Bistro, which my friends in Ottawa rave about.

One of the best hotels in Ottawa, the grand mezzanine at the centre of The Metcalfe is Instagram-worthy and the rooms are supremely comfortable, stocking luxurious Le Labo products in the bathrooms. Something that’s really unique about this Ottawa hotel is how it pays homage to its YMCA roots—there’s even a small basketball court beside the gym. I hope you have as much fun as I did playing one-on-one with my childhood friend during a recent stay.

Just steps from the ByWard Market, Ottawa’s tourism epicentre, this humble accommodation is a rare guesthouse in a city dominated by chain hotels. All of their 46 guestrooms feature private balconies, patios, or terraces, offering exceptional city views.

Despite being so close to the action, ByWard Blue Inn is located on quiet Clarence Street, so you won’t be kept awake by noise from nearby bars or restaurants. Better yet, join the late-night crowd at some of my favourite spots downtown. Around the corner you’ll find the French classic Chez Lucien and hip Montreal-style wine bar Buvette Daphnée.

One of the best hotels in Ottawa, the property itself feels like staying at a lovely home, and the service is impeccable. I particularly appreciated the small lounge with its fireplace, and the fact that complimentary continental breakfast is delivered to your room.

Out in the west-end neighbourhood of Kanata, this hotel is right next to the popular local 18-hole golf course, The Marshes Golf Club, so it’s ideal for getting a game in between meetings. I say meetings, as this hotel caters to the business crowd—Kanata has a large presence of tech offices such as Cisco and QNX Software.

At Brookstreet you can soak up a warm summer night from the terrace—there are fire pits to keep you toasty if it’s chilly. I love the food at the award-winning Perspectives Restaurant, so you won’t need to go out to eat. But if you do, Kanata has plenty of terrific restaurants and bars, especially near the Centrum Shopping Centre. A local favourite is Crazy Horse Steakhouse—see if you can spot a member of the Ottawa Senators hockey team, who play nearby at the Canadian Tire Centre.

In the same chain as beloved hotels in Montreal and Toronto, Le Germain Ottawa is a luxurious stay with plenty of character. The decor is modern industrial with a chic vibe, making this one of the best hotels in Ottawa for couples looking for a romantic stay.

The location downtown is just seven minutes from the ByWard Market and a couple of blocks from the Rideau Canal. I love walking or running along the canal in summer, and skating in winter—it’s the world’s largest outdoor skating rink, after all.

Le Germain’s restaurant, Norca, has floor-to-ceiling windows and a classy vibe, perfect for enjoying a cocktail and people-watching. It’s also got a superb menu, largely comprised of Canadian ingredients.

For the unacquainted, Sonder offers upscale apartment rentals, easily accessed through its handy app. Check in and out, request amenities and get customer support without having to go down to the front desk.

This beautiful accommodation in Centretown is one of the best hotels in Ottawa for its modern comforts and amenities—there’s everything from a laundry machine and an arcade room to smart TVs here.

The location makes this one of the best hotels in Ottawa for experiencing life as a local. You’ll be steps from the Canadian Museum of Nature, a.k.a. The Dinosaur Museum, which I grew up visiting as a kid but is just as amazing for adults. It’s also close to Bank Street and my favourite cafe in Ottawa, Arlington Five, which has a hip vibe and excellent breakfasts.

The Lord Elgin is one of the most iconic hotels in Ottawa. Its story dates back to 1940, when it was named after the 8th Earl of Elgin, Queen Victoria’s top representative in Canada from 1847 to 1854. The grand hotel had limestone hand-picked by Prime Minister Mackenzie King himself, and welcomed British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in 1941 for important talks during World War II.

The copper roof is the same material as the Parliament Buildings and the nearby Chateau Laurier, which was designed by the same architects. Many years and renovations later, the Lord Elgin is still one of the best hotels in Ottawa.

Its biggest selling point is its excellent location on Elgin Street, right across from City Hall and Confederation Park, which hosts the Ottawa Jazz Festival in June. It’s also across from Ottawa’s National Arts Centre, where you can catch top international and Canadian performances.

Another Le Germain property, Alt Hotel Ottawa adds a funky dose of colour to the city, which can be especially welcome on a cold winter’s night. You’ll find fun pop art scattered throughout the hotel—there’s even rainbow checkers in the gym and lime green curtains in the meeting room.

The location is right in the heart of downtown Ottawa and just a few blocks from the Parliament Buildings, making this one of the best hotels in Ottawa for sightseeing.

If you’re looking for some excellent food nearby, Sansotei Ramen around the corner is one of the best bites in town. Or if you want to have a drink in cool digs, check out one of my favourite bars, Union Local 613. Insider tip: there’s a speakeasy in the basement behind a bookcase.

This hotel close to Ottawa International Airport has nostalgia written all over it. There’s a North American classic sign out front, and rooms are on the ground floor just steps from the parking lot.

While the hotel might evoke memories of vacations in years past, it’s well-maintained and features modern amenities. No wonder it’s known for being one of the best hotels in Ottawa, especially for those looking to stay near the airport.

While you’re in the south end, pick up a shawarma from Shawarma Palace. It’s my favourite spot in the city for a Middle Eastern-style wrap, and that’s saying something as Ottawa has a lot of them.

In the southwest neighbourhood of Barrhaven, Hampton Inn & Suites Ottawa West is a great place to stay if you’re driving in from Toronto. It’s also a terrific option if you’re attending a hockey tournament at the Walter Baker Centre or the Nepean Sportsplex, where I made many formative memories as a goalie growing up.

The hotel itself is very comfortable, with spacious rooms, a fitness centre, pool and a solid continental breakfast. And since it’s in the Hilton family of hotels, you’ll be getting a familiar standard of service.
If you’re looking for somewhere to eat, try the nearby Lone Star Texas Grill Barrhaven. I had many a birthday party at the Bells Corners branch growing up, and their fajitas are the stuff of legend.

The Sandman Signature Ottawa Airport Hotel is one of the best hotels in Ottawa for a lovely stay near the airport. Its chic lobby makes you feel like royalty right off the bat, and the circular bar is a great place to have a drink with fellow travellers.

Rooms are sleek and minimal, with fridges and microwaves for added convenience. The hotel is located in Nepean, where I grew up. The area round the hotel, Hunt Club, has everything you could need, including plenty of great restaurants. If you’re hungry, check out Mandarin, a well-known Ontario Chinese buffet spot.

If you’re travelling with kids, head to the nearby Nepean Putting Edge glow-in-the-dark indoor mini-golf course next to the Costco—trust me, the kids will love it.