We list the best hotels, hostels, B&Bs and guesthouses in Ottawa as recommended by travel experts from CNN, Lonely Planet, Frommer’s, Fodor’s, New York Times and more. All hotel recommendations have been referenced with customer reviews and we only listed places with at least a 4 out of 5-star customer review rating.
Best cheap hotel in Ottawa: Hampton by Hilton Hotel
“Château Laurier, now run by the Fairmont group, has for more than a century offered luxury accommodations in the heart of the city, just next door to Parliament and the Rideau Canal. Soaring turrets, Tiffany windows and grand ballrooms reflect its heritage as one of Canada’s grand railway hotels.”
Shortlisted in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Ottawa.
“Attached to the Rideau Centre shopping mall and convention center, this 24-story hotel is in the heart of the city. All guest rooms have plush carpeting and elegant furniture. Signature “Heavenly Beds” are topped with fluffy white duvets.”
“Canada’s first Andaz hotel opened in late 2016, fittingly in the nation’s capital, glamming up what was once a nondescript office building. With subtle, landscape-inspired artistic gestures, sparkling cuisine and warm hospitality, every inch of its 16 floors highlights the essence of Canadiana.”
“This Le Germain property impresses from top to bottom. Sleek, well-planned spaces delight the senses, lovely staff members ensure guests want for nothing at all, and the locavore restaurant Norca – helmed by chef Dominique Dufour – is arguably one of the best in Ottawa.”
“Three multicolor glass sculptures, composed of individual pieces representing sea creatures, add a whimsical touch to the brown-tone lobby. The quirky works of art amid the conservative decor reflect the hotel’s dual appeal.”
“The area’s only resort hotel, this 18-story tower in Silicon Valley is about a 20-minute drive from Ottawa. Guest rooms have modern furnishings in gray and raspberry and nice touches like coffeemakers and tea kettles.”
“One- and two-bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens make this 12-story hotel a favorite with those in town for an extended time. The hotel is so popular with families that it offers a children’s program in July and August. Most suites have balconies.”
“ALT Ottawa, opened this year with 148 rooms is an affordable, minimalist chic offering in the downtown business district, a few blocks from Parliament Hill. Unfinished concrete and high ceilings lend a stylish, industrial vibe to rooms.” Shortlisted in New York Times’ 36 Hours in Ottawa, Canada.
“In one of Ottawa’s finest locations, the stately Lord Elgin was built in 1941 in a similar, but less grandiose style to Toronto’s Fairmont Royal York. The 346 spacious, bright rooms are comfortably furnished with modern amenities including large flatscreen TVs.”
“Owner Sabina’s Swiss heritage is reflected in everything from the luxuriant buffet breakfast ($15) to the rooms’ design-savvy stencil decor. The 22 stylish rooms all have appliances such as espresso machines and iPads.”
Recommended by:
New York Times, Lonely Planet, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors, Telegraph
Recommended by:
Telegraph
Recommended by:
Telegraph
Recommended by:
Fodors
Recommended by:
Fodors
Recommended by:
Fodors
Recommended by:
New York Times
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Recommended by:
Lonely Planet
Ottawa, deriving its name from the river Ottawa, is the capital of Canada. This capital city has several tourist attractions. Ottawa is most popular for Victorian buildings and structures. There are many museums in this city as well.
Island Park
This is an absolutely mesmerising locality in the city of Ottawa. Full of residential spots and lush greenery, it is a place anyone would love to reside in. Island Park is full of trails for long brisk walks and bike rides. The families living here are educated and well to do.
Stittsville
This is a family-centric neighbourhood, and is full of people belonging to diverse cultures. It is a vibrant and full-of-life locality. There are plenty of avenues for outdoor recreation.
Orleans Village
Orleans Village - Chateauneuf is placed on the east end of the city of Ottawa. This locality is diverse in terms of ethnicity. There are some amazing eateries and cafes, which are pretty affordable. Tattoo studios, churches, golf courses, the area of Orleans Village has it all.
Wellington West and Hintonburg
The locality of Wellington West and Hintonburg is pretty hipster in its lifestyle. Local pubs, breweries, art galleries adorn the streets of this area. It is a place where the artistic community resides.
Glebe
Glebe is a part of downtown Ottawa. 20th-century homes and shops are a common sight while taking a stroll down the streets of Glebe. This area has a historic touch to it. It is an impeccably charming community neighbourhood which is sure to keep you craving to spend more time here.
Also check out our guide about the best areas to stay in Ottawa.
For a 3-star hotel you have to pay around $120 per night and for a 4-star hotel you would be looking at $150 per night. If you're after a luxury 5-star Ottawa hotel then you can expect to pay around $220 per night.
If you're looking for a cheap hotel in Ottawa, then try Hampton by Hilton Hotel. It's an excellent budget hotel offering great value for money. It's in a good location, it's been recommended by travel experts and the hotel has excellent customer reviews. Make sure you read our list of the best cheap hotels in Ottawa.
Looking for a good and affordable private room or cozy dorm in Ottawa? Check out HI Ottawa Jail Hostel. The hostel has been highly rated by backpackers. Also check out our list of best hostels in Ottawa.
If money isn't a problem and you're looking for a luxury hotel in Ottawa, then go for Château Laurier Fairmont Hotel. The hotel offers excellent service, it's in a top location, it has been rated very highly by previous guests and renowned travel critics have recommended it. Also check out our list of the best luxury hotels in Ottawa, it's a manually curated list of the most exclusive 5-star hotels in the city.
The Lord Elgin Hotel is probably the best hotel in the Parliament Hill area in Ottawa. It has excellent customer review ratings.
2-Hour Ottawa Express City Bike Tour. See Rideau Hall, cycle the Rideau Canal path, plus see the War Memorial, Byward Market and more. Stop along the way to learn more about certain locations and get local tips from your guide. Price: $36.
Ottawa: Sightseeing River Cruise. See Ottawa's famous landmarks and enjoy entertaining commentary in both English and French on a must-do sightseeing river cruise. Learn fun facts from your bilingual and knowledgable guide, and choose whether to begin your cruise in Ottawa or Gatineau. Price: $25.
Ottawa Private Tour with a Local. Explore Ottawa with a passionate local who will show you all the hidden gems of the city and help you experience the city like a real local. Price: $27.
More things to do in Ottawa
Ottawa is Canada’s capital city with a population of just over one million residents. Home to many historical landmarks, the city attracts visitors all year round. In fact, it was voted the happiest city in Canada by readers of Travel and Leisure magazine in 2017. This can be attributed to its ideal location, abundance of festivals and events, and picturesque surroundings, not to mention its low cost of living and high standard of education. The city has plenty to offer for visitors including: museums, galleries, national parks and exhibitions as well as festivals and markets. Let’s take a look at why you should visit Ottawa this year!
Why Visit Ottawa?
Ottawa is the perfect destination for all types of travelers. There is something for everyone, whether you’re visiting with your family or planning a romantic getaway with your partner. The city is home to many outdoor activities that are great for summer vacations such as canoeing, kayaking and hiking. Ottawa is also the perfect place to learn about Canadian history with many museums, cultural offerings and heritage sites. If you are visiting the city during the winter months, you will experience a totally different side of Ottawa with plenty of snow-related activities. The city receives a lot of snowfall each year, which makes it the perfect place for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing. There are even plenty of indoor activities to enjoy during the cold seasons. Ottawa is home to several theaters and art galleries that host various shows and exhibits all year round.
Ottawa Tourism: Things to do
There are a ton of things to do when visiting Ottawa. There are many museums and exhibitions that tell the story of the city and its culture. The Canadian Museum of History is a great place to learn about our country’s history and culture. Ottawa is home to many art galleries that showcase local and international artists. There is something for everyone, whether you prefer contemporary art, street art or sculptures. If you’re more interested in nature, there are several national parks located nearby that are great for hiking and exploring. There are also plenty of festivals and events taking place all year round that are worth checking out. The Blues Festival and Jazz Fest are excellent ways to experience music, food and culture all in one. The Tulip Festival is the perfect way to celebrate spring with one of the most beautiful flowers in the world.
Where to Stay in Ottawa
There are several accommodation options in Ottawa depending on your budget and needs. Hotels are great for those wanting a more traditional experience that includes amenities such as a fitness center, pool and restaurant. Hostels are perfect for those on a budget who don’t mind sharing a room or bathroom with other travelers. If you’re planning on visiting the city during the winter months, an indoor hotel is the best option. There are plenty of excellent hotels in Ottawa that are worth checking out.
We recommend that you read our guide about where to stay in Ottawa. It provides an excellent overview of the most popular areas, highlighting the main attractions and hotel recommendations for each area.
Ottawa Food Tour
There are plenty of things to do in Ottawa, but one of the most fun and interactive experiences for foodies is the Ottawa Food Tour. This tour takes you to six different restaurants and food shops where you can try samples of local delicacies. This is a great way to experience Ottawa’s diverse food scene and meet new people. If you prefer to take it easy, you can also take the Ottawa River Journey tour that takes you along the Ottawa River with a boat ride. You can spend your trip sipping on wine and taking in the picturesque scenery.
Tulip Festival
The Tulip Festival is a must-visit event that takes place every year in Ottawa. The city is known for its tulip garden, which has over 100,000 bulbs planted every year. During the festival, you can visit the gardens and admire the flower’s diverse collection of species that change with every season. You can also take part in various activities such as the Tulip Queen Pageant, Tulip Dance and the Tulip Auction. The festival is held over two weekends in May and is free to attend. It is a great way to experience Ottawa’s culture and history. The Tulip Festival is one of the many reasons the city is dubbed the Happiest Place in Canada.
Canada Day Celebrations
If you visit Ottawa in July, you will be able to experience some of the best Canada Day celebrations in the country. The entire city comes together to celebrate Canada’s birthday. You will be able to see people dressed in red and white as well as a variety of festivities such as fireworks, live concerts, parades and food trucks. You can also visit Parliament Hill to see the flag being raised and the changing of the guard. This is a great way to experience Canadian culture and meet new people. You will also be able to learn more about the city’s history and how it became the capital.
Conclusion
Visiting Ottawa is a must for all travelers. The city offers a diverse range of activities and attractions that will appeal to all types of travelers. There is something for everyone and many Ottawa tourism packages are designed to accommodate families and budget-friendly travelers. If you are interested in visiting Ottawa, we recommend that you plan your trip at least six months in advance to secure the best flight and hotel prices. Also, keep in mind that July and August are the most popular months to visit, so you may want to avoid this time period if you are hoping to avoid crowds.
If you like our list of hostels, B&Bs and hotels in Ottawa, then you should also check out our selection of recommended hotels in Montreal or the best hotels in Vancouver.