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Where to Stay in Ottawa

Where to Stay in Ottawa

Ottawa Ontario, Canada Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Diverse Choices

  • Hostels

    Budget-friendly, dorm or private rooms. Social atmosphere. Explore options on Hostelworld.

  • Hotels

    Full range from budget to luxury, with standard amenities. Find choices on Booking.com or Agoda, or directly with IHG Hotels.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Smaller, stylish properties with unique character and personalized service.

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

    Intimate stays, often in historic homes, typically with breakfast included.

Alternative Stays

  • Vacation Rentals

    Apartments, condos, and houses via platforms like Vrbo, offering more space and kitchen facilities.

  • Camping & Outdoor

    No direct city camping. Options exist in surrounding areas and Gatineau Park.

  • University Residences

    Affordable dorms or apartments at University of Ottawa during summer months.

  • House/Pet Sitting

    Exchange platforms like TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.

Neighborhood Guide

Ottawa's areas present unique characters, amenities, and proximity to attractions.

Downtown/Parliament Hill

Benefits
  • Central, walking distance to attractions
  • Excellent public transport access
  • Parliament Hill, museums nearby
  • Very safe during the day
Considerations
  • Can be busy on weekdays
  • Higher accommodation prices
  • Limited residential feel
  • Streets well-lit at night

ByWard Market

Benefits
  • Lively public market stalls
  • Numerous restaurants, cafes, bars
  • Unique shopping experiences
  • Cultural hub
Considerations
  • Can be noisy, especially weekends
  • Awareness late at night due to crowds
  • Generally safe, but active area

Centretown

Benefits
  • Mix of residential, commercial
  • Quieter than downtown, still central
  • Good value for accommodation
  • Easy access to museums, Rideau Canal
Considerations
  • Longer walk or short transit to Parliament Hill
  • Safe and pleasant neighborhood

Noise Levels and Ambiance

Lively Areas

Downtown and the ByWard Market are and may be noisy, especially at night due to restaurant and bar activity.

Quieter Areas

Centretown and Glebe offer a more residential atmosphere, providing a calmer environment.

Booking Strategies

Thoughtful booking strategies lead to securing preferred accommodation at good rates.

Advance Booking by Season

  • High Season (Summer, Fall Foliage, Winterlude): Book 3-6 months ahead. Essential for major festivals like Canada Day.
  • Shoulder/Low Season: Booking 1-2 months ahead is usually fine. More flexibility and potential for better deals.
  • Prices are highest during peak tourist seasons and major events.
  • Prices tend to drop during low season (late fall, deep winter outside Winterlude).

Trusted Platforms and Policies

  • Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com are popular for comparing options.
  • Direct Hotel Websites: Booking directly may offer loyalty benefits or exclusive deals.
  • Vacation Rentals: Airbnb and Vrbo are main platforms.
  • Deposit and Cancellation Policies: Always review terms before confirming. Flexible policies may cost more but offer peace of mind.

Longer Stays & Family Trips

Family-Friendly Options
  • Hotels with suites (e.g., Les Suites Hotel Ottawa)
  • Amenities suitable for families, kitchenettes
  • Vacation rentals with multiple bedrooms and common areas
Long-Stay Accommodations
  • Extended-stay hotels with kitchenettes (e.g., Homewood Suites by Hilton Ottawa Downtown)
  • Vacation rentals for comfortable extended visits

Solo Traveler & Cultural Significance

Solo Traveler

Hostels like Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel offer opportunities to meet others. Mid-range hotels in central, walkable areas offer safety and convenience.

Cultural/Historical Significance

Fairmont Château Laurier: Iconic, historic hotel near Parliament Hill. Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel: Unique experience in a former 19th-century jail.

University Residences

During summer months, some university residences offer affordable dorm-style rooms or apartments, a cost-effective choice for travelers on a budget.

Accommodation Recommendations

Compare options based on budget and travel style with this table.

Budget-Friendly & Boutique

Hostel: $30 - $60 CAD/night

Dorms, communal areas, social atmosphere, basic amenities.

  • Recommended For: Budget travelers, solo travelers, backpackers.
  • Examples: Ottawa Backpackers Inn (ByWard Market), Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel (Downtown).
Boutique Hotel: $180 - $350 CAD/night

Unique design, personalized service, often smaller and themed.

  • Recommended For: Couples, travelers seeking unique experiences.
  • Examples: ARC The Hotel (Centretown), The Metcalfe Hotel (Downtown).

Standard & Premium Stays

Budget/Mid-range Hotel: $100 - $250 CAD/night

Standard rooms, private bathrooms, some breakfast, fitness center.

  • Recommended For: Value-focused travelers, families, business travelers.
  • Examples: Lord Elgin Hotel (Downtown), Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre (Centretown), Les Suites Hotel Ottawa (ByWard Market).
Luxury Hotel: $250+ CAD/night

Premium amenities, concierge, fine dining, spa, prime locations.

  • Recommended For: Luxury travelers, special occasions.
  • Examples: Fairmont Château Laurier (Downtown, iconic), The Westin Ottawa (Downtown), Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market (ByWard Market, modern).

Vacation Rentals

  • $80 - $300+ CAD/night

    Full apartments/houses, kitchens, more space, localized experience.

  • Recommended For

    Families, groups, longer stays, preference for self-catering.

  • Examples

    Various listings on Airbnb/Vrbo in Centretown, Glebe, ByWard Market.

  • University Residences

    Cost-effective dorms/apartments during summer months.

Neighbourhoods & Character

  • Glebe

    Upscale, trendy, independent boutiques, restaurants, cafes. Family-friendly and very safe.

  • Lowertown

    East of ByWard Market, historic homes, affordable accommodation options. Generally safe.

  • Hull (Gatineau, Quebec)

    Across Ottawa River, French-Canadian culture, views of Parliament Hill. Often more affordable. Safe area.

  • Hull Transit

    Requires crossing bridge to Ottawa. Public transport connections with STO (Gatineau) and OC Transpo (Ottawa).

Distinguished Accommodations

Fairmont Château Laurier

An iconic, historic hotel resembling a French château. Centrally located near Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal.

  • Prime location
  • Luxurious experience
  • Historic significance
Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel

A unique hostel experience in a former 19th-century jail, with options for staying in former cells. A memorable and unusual lodging choice.

  • Unique theme
  • Budget-friendly
  • Central location

Special Mention

Residential Charm

Centretown and Glebe balance urban amenities with a local, quieter feel.

Summer University Stays

University residences provide a cost-effective choice for budget-conscious travelers during the summer.

Outdoor Options

Campsites are available in surrounding areas and Gatineau Park for those who favor outdoor accommodations.