Finding a Hotel in Ottawa
A hub of culture and history and the centre of Canada's national government, Ottawa provides one-of-a-kind experiences and services to suit any traveller. Whether attending a vibrant festival, exploring Parliament Hill, skating the Rideau Canal, uncovering natural history at the Canadian Museum of Nature or tending to business, visitors will appreciate the variety of hotel accommodations available. Luxurious historic hotels, budget-friendly choices, boutique-style getaways and chain-brand properties are just some of the options on hand. Aside from airport hotel choices, the majority of Ottawa's hotels offer handy (within walking distance) access to the city's major sights and attractions, its bustling business core, world-class shopping and exquisite dining.
DOWNTOWN
The physical and literal nucleus of Ottawa, the downtown area is the location of some of the most recognized landmarks in Canada, including the Parliament buildings, Rideau Canal, the National War Memorial and the vibrant Sparks Street pedestrian mall. Numerous hotels make their home in this important central district, including mid-range independent hotels and chain properties from the Radisson, Holiday Inn, Sheraton, Days Inn and Residence Inn brands. Guests of these hotels can expect standard rooms, family and extended-stay suites, business services and easy access to area attractions and amenities. Luxuriously appointed upscale properties, such as the highly extravagant ARC Hotel, are also plentiful in the downtown area and offer lavish amenities above and beyond that of standard lodgings. Whatever the need, the downtown area offers unsurpassed variety when it comes to accommodation and things to see and do.
BYWARD MARKET AREA
Separated from downtown by the Rideau Canal, the ByWard Market area is an eclectic district of historic sites, top-notch shopping, entertainment and abundant dining opportunities. Attractions of national importance make their home within this area, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mint and the official residences of the Prime Minister and the Governor General. The popular ByWard Market itself was incepted as a public marketplace in 1826 and has grown to cover an area of approximately four city blocks. In addition to its traditional farmers' and artisan market, many restaurants, trendy boutiques, nightclubs, galleries and a wealth of services are situated within the enclave's boundaries, making it a prime destination for visitors and locals alike. Hotel accommodations across the spectrum are available in the area, including internationally recognized chain properties, all-suite extended-stay hotels and choices catered specifically to business travellers. Selections within the upscale range, including the illustrious Fairmont Chateau Laurier, are also available to travellers seeking luxury and refined elegance.
AIRPORT AREA
Located south of the city, the Ottawa International Airport is situated approximately 10 km (6 mi) from downtown and offers handy access to numerous major transportation arteries and nearby Carleton University. A handful of airport hotels are available to travellers passing through or for those exploring greater Ottawa. Well-appointed chain properties within the airport area feature comfortable guest rooms, convenient amenities and provide easy access to local restaurants and services, including car rental agencies. Complimentary airport shuttle services, continental breakfast, fitness facilities and business services are just some of the standard amenities provided at airport area hotels.
TRANSPORTATION
OC Transpo, the city's public transportation service, offers convenient north-south O-train services from the airport to Wellington Street, and numerous city-wide bus routes serving any destination point in between. Single-fare tickets, individual day passes, family day passes and monthly and yearly passes are available. Riders should note that bus fares are slightly higher than O-Train fares and should be prepared to pay appropriate top-ups when transferring from train to bus.
Navigating the city by car is relatively easy but to make for a more enjoyable visit (and to avoid any unnecessary traffic violations) certain road rules should be adhered to. Drivers in the downtown area should note that many of the streets are one way and should diligently keep an eye out for posted signs. Drivers should also avoid lanes marked with a diamondan indicator of a Transitway routewhich are dedicated exclusively to public transit buses. Unless otherwise marked, parking in Ottawa is limited to three hours and completely prohibited on many downtown streets during the morning and afternoon rush hours.
DOWNTOWN
The physical and literal nucleus of Ottawa, the downtown area is the location of some of the most recognized landmarks in Canada, including the Parliament buildings, Rideau Canal, the National War Memorial and the vibrant Sparks Street pedestrian mall. Numerous hotels make their home in this important central district, including mid-range independent hotels and chain properties from the Radisson, Holiday Inn, Sheraton, Days Inn and Residence Inn brands. Guests of these hotels can expect standard rooms, family and extended-stay suites, business services and easy access to area attractions and amenities. Luxuriously appointed upscale properties, such as the highly extravagant ARC Hotel, are also plentiful in the downtown area and offer lavish amenities above and beyond that of standard lodgings. Whatever the need, the downtown area offers unsurpassed variety when it comes to accommodation and things to see and do.
BYWARD MARKET AREA
Separated from downtown by the Rideau Canal, the ByWard Market area is an eclectic district of historic sites, top-notch shopping, entertainment and abundant dining opportunities. Attractions of national importance make their home within this area, including the National Gallery of Canada, the Royal Canadian Mint and the official residences of the Prime Minister and the Governor General. The popular ByWard Market itself was incepted as a public marketplace in 1826 and has grown to cover an area of approximately four city blocks. In addition to its traditional farmers' and artisan market, many restaurants, trendy boutiques, nightclubs, galleries and a wealth of services are situated within the enclave's boundaries, making it a prime destination for visitors and locals alike. Hotel accommodations across the spectrum are available in the area, including internationally recognized chain properties, all-suite extended-stay hotels and choices catered specifically to business travellers. Selections within the upscale range, including the illustrious Fairmont Chateau Laurier, are also available to travellers seeking luxury and refined elegance.
AIRPORT AREA
Located south of the city, the Ottawa International Airport is situated approximately 10 km (6 mi) from downtown and offers handy access to numerous major transportation arteries and nearby Carleton University. A handful of airport hotels are available to travellers passing through or for those exploring greater Ottawa. Well-appointed chain properties within the airport area feature comfortable guest rooms, convenient amenities and provide easy access to local restaurants and services, including car rental agencies. Complimentary airport shuttle services, continental breakfast, fitness facilities and business services are just some of the standard amenities provided at airport area hotels.
TRANSPORTATION
OC Transpo, the city's public transportation service, offers convenient north-south O-train services from the airport to Wellington Street, and numerous city-wide bus routes serving any destination point in between. Single-fare tickets, individual day passes, family day passes and monthly and yearly passes are available. Riders should note that bus fares are slightly higher than O-Train fares and should be prepared to pay appropriate top-ups when transferring from train to bus.
Navigating the city by car is relatively easy but to make for a more enjoyable visit (and to avoid any unnecessary traffic violations) certain road rules should be adhered to. Drivers in the downtown area should note that many of the streets are one way and should diligently keep an eye out for posted signs. Drivers should also avoid lanes marked with a diamondan indicator of a Transitway routewhich are dedicated exclusively to public transit buses. Unless otherwise marked, parking in Ottawa is limited to three hours and completely prohibited on many downtown streets during the morning and afternoon rush hours.




