Pamela MacNaughtanLast Updated on November 11, 2024 by Pamela MacNaughtan
There are several places to stay in Ottawa, many of which are in the ByWard Market and Downtown neighbourhoods. This makes things easy for those visiting the capital on government business and tourists who want to tackle some of the city’s best things to see and do. Plus, there are some super yummy restaurants in this part of Ottawa, too.
Choose from historic hotels, chic boutiques, or comfortable hotels that won’t break your travel budget. There is something for everyone. Booking early is recommended in summer, especially around public holidays (Canada Day on July 1st), and big festivals and events.
Here are 14 places to stay in Ottawa
Hostels
Saintlo Ottawa Jail
7.9/10 on booking.com
Saintlo Ottawa Jail is one of the most unique youth hostels in North America. This was, as the name implies, a former jail and gaol. Stay in the old cells (which are a tad haunted) or in a newer-style dorm. There is a communal kitchen, and the hostel organizes activities as well. The hostel reopens on May 15, 2023, after months of renovations.
75 nicholas street • 613-235-2595 • $ • book a bed •
Barefoot Hostel
8.4/10 on booking.com
Located behind the Swiss Hotel, this is a women-only hostel. The house is small, but the rooms are nicely decorated and quite comfortable. The bathrooms are modern in style, and it feels more like an upscale 2-star hotel than a hostel. The owner is a lovely woman, and the hostel is a short walk from Rideau Street, and the ByWard Market area.
455 cumberland street • 613-237-0336 • $ • book a bed •
Hotels
4-star hotel
8.8/10 on booking.com
Newly re-opened, The Metcalfe was once a YMCA. Today, it’s a trendy boutique hotel with a French restaurant, a vibrant lobby lounge, and an indoor basketball court. Rooms are warm and relaxing, with plush beds, and bright white tiled bathrooms. The hotel is close to Sparks Street, as well as Elgin Street. Cocktails at the hotel are highly recommended and cost 16 to 17 CAD. The restaurant’s dinner menu has mains for 22 to 56 CAD. Read the review.
123 metcalfe street • 613-231-6555 • $$$ • book a room •
4-star hotel
8.8/10 on booking.com
Located behind the Ottawa Art Gallery, a short walk from the Rideau Centre, Le Germain is a beautiful boutique hotel. Its public spaces are modern-contemporary with muted tones: greys, glass, and chocolate brown leather chairs. The beds are divine, and all rooms offer a city view. Nora is the hotel’s restaurant and bar. Cocktails are 17 to 20 CAD, and the dessert menu is pretty good. If you’re planning to have dinner, mains are 28 to 53 CAD. Read the review.
30 daly ave • 613-691-3230 • $$$ • book a room •
Hyatt Place Ottawa West
3-star hotel
8.6/10 on booking.com
This hotel is located way out in the west end, closer to Kanata than downtown Ottawa. It’s perfect if you want to spend most of your time in Westboro or Wellington West, both of which are accessible by bus if you don’t want to drive around. The hotel has free parking and a lovely pool. As well as a free continental breakfast. The rooms have cushy beds with thick mattresses and have a minimalist feel to them.
300 moodie drive • 613-702-9800 • $$ – $$$ • book a room •
Swiss Hotel
3-star hotel
8.5/10 on booking.com
Located on a quiet tree-lined street, the Swiss Hotel is family-owned and operated. The rooms are clean and modern, with crisp white linens, and bathrooms featuring shiny bright tiles. There is a restaurant, and in summer, a small outdoor terrace. Limited paid parking is available. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable, especially Sabina, the owner. This property books up quickly in summer.
89 daly ave • 613-237-0335 • $$ • book a room •
Experience The Rideau Canal on a luxurious houseboat with Le Boat!
Travelling on a Le Boat luxury houseboat is like RVing in Ontario but on water. An off-the-beaten-path vacay for adventurists and gourmands.
Alt Hotel
3-star hotel
8.4/10 on booking.com
Alt is a fabulous Canadian boutique hotel brand. Alt Hotel Ottawa is downtown, close to Sparks Street. The lobby is filled with communal and intimate seating areas and a small café/lounge. The rooms have comfortable chairs, and the beds are dreamy after a long day of wandering around the city. The hotel is decorated with pieces by Canadian artists, and there is a parking garage across the street. The staff is very friendly and helpful.
185 slater street • 613-691-6882 • $$ • book a room •
Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market
4-star hotel
8.1/10 on booking.com
The Andaz is among my favourite hotels in Ottawa. It’s located on Dalhousie Street, with great views of the ByWard Market neighbourhood. Rooms are mid-century modern in style, with comfortable beds, Canadian artwork, and rainfall showerheads in the bathroom. The hotel has a coffee bar in the lobby, and a fabulous rooftop bar and terrace. There is also a restaurant on the ground floor, and a small parking lot (which fills up quickly).
325 dalhousie street • 613-321-1234 • $$ – $$$ • book a room •
Sheraton Ottawa Hotel
4-star hotel
8/10 on booking.com
The Sheraton is across the street from World Exchange Plaza, and a short walk from Parliament Hill. The hotel has an indoor pool and fitness center and offers valet parking. They allow pets as well. The rooms are comfortable, with views of downtown. The restaurant is decent, but there are several delicious restaurants nearby to try instead.
150 albert street • 613-238-1500 • $$$ • book a room •
Lord Elgin Hotel
4-star hotel
8/10 on booking.com
An iconic hotel, Lord Elgin opened its doors in 1941 and has welcomed many famous figures over the years, including Winston Churchill. The hotel features an elegant lobby, lap pool, sauna, and fitness club, as well as a gift shop and restaurant. The rooms are modern-contemporary with crisp linens and marble bathrooms.
100 elgin street • 613-235-3333 • $$$ • book a room •
Novotel Ottawa City Centre Hotel
4-star hotel
8/10 on booking.com
Novotel is right across the street from the Rideau Centre. It’s an Accor property with a pretty good bar, and restaurant. The hotel has an indoor pool, gym, and sauna, and parking available nearby. The rooms have a modern design, and while they are on the small side, they’re clean and the beds are pretty good.
33 nicholas street • 613-230-3033 • $$ – $$$ • book a room •
The Westin Ottawa
4-star hotel
7.9/10 on booking.com
The Westin looks quite dated from the outside, but the inside is quite nice. The hotel is quite large and its closeness to the convention center makes it a popular place to stay in Ottawa for conference attendees. The hotel has a small Starbucks, bar, and seafood and steak restaurant. There’s an indoor pool, and many rooms have views of the Rideau Canal.
11 colonel by drive • 613-560-7000 • $$$ • book a room •
Fairmont Château Laurier
5-star hotel
7.7/10 on booking.com
Built by the Grand Trunk Railway, Château Laurier opened its doors in 1912. It’s 660,000 sq ft in size and a grand piece of Ottawa’s history. The rooms are comfortable, with warm wood accents and cool colours. The views of Parliament Hill are spectacular. At Christmas, the decorations throughout the hotel are stunning. Stop by Zoe’s for cocktails or Afternoon Tea. Breakfast in Wilfred’s Restaurant is always delicious.
1 rideau street • 613-241-1414 • $$$ – $$$$ • book a room •
Ottawa Embassy Hotel & Suites
3-star hotel
7.7/10 on booking.com
This is a mid-range hotel close to Ottawa City Hall, and the fabulous Whalesbone restaurant on Elgin Street. The hotel’s restaurant, Cooper’s, is pretty good, and there’s a fitness center and guest laundry room. The rooms are comfortable, and some come with a kitchen and balcony. It’s a good spot if you want to be in a quieter part of downtown.
25 cartier street • 613-237-2111 • $$ – $$$ • book a room •
