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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 straight with IHG Hotels.

  • Boutique Hotels

    Smaller, stylish properties with unique character and personalized service.

  • Bed & Breakfasts (B&Bs)

    Intimate stays, often in old houses, typically with morning meal included.

Alternative Stays

  • Vacation Rentals

    Apartments, condos, and houses using platforms like Vrbo, offering extra room and a kitchen.

  • 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 zones offer unique characters, amenities, and proximity to attractions.

Downtown/Parliament Hill

Benefits
  • Central, walking distance to attractions
  • Excellent access to public transport
  • 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
  • One-of-a-kind retail 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 a place to eat and bar activity.

Quieter Areas

Centretown and Glebe offer a less commercial atmosphere, providing a more tranquil 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 THREE-6 months ahead. Essential for major festivals like Canada Day.
  • The Quieter season: Booking 1-2 months ahead is usually fine. More flexibility and potential for better deals.
  • Prices are highest during peak tourist seasons plus major events.
  • Prices tend to drop during low season (the end of autumn, deep winter outside Winterlude).

Trusted Platforms and Policies

  • Online Travel Agencies (OTAs): Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com are well-liked 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 have a higher price 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.

Historical And cultural value

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 have cheap dorm-style rooms or apartments, a cost-effective choice for travelers on a budget.

Accommodation Recommendations

Look at different 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, attached 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: Affluent 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 plus highly 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).

Remarkable Accommodations

Fairmont Château Laurier

A landmark, 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 the adjacent areas and Gatineau Park for those who favor outdoor accommodations.