Located between Toronto and Montreal in the province of Ontario, Ottawa is Canada‘s beautiful and bustling capital city. It’s one of Canada’s most historic cities, rivaled only by Montreal, and is home to some of Canada’s finest natural features, storied historical attractions, and unique cultural identity.

Most visitors to Ottawa visit Parliament Hill, the political heart of Canada and the seat of the Canadian government. Each building on the hill is an architectural marvel, done in the Gothic Revival style and replete with intricate stonework and ornate carvings of Canadian iconography. This is where the famous Peace Tower was built, the tallest building in the city at 92 meters high.

Don’t sleep on Ottawa’s bountiful green spaces. The Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This calm river is perfect for boating along in the summer, and in the winter, you can even skate over it and across the city, a serious bucket-list item!

And, of course, no visitor to Ottawa can forget a visit to the country’s cultural landmarks. The National Gallery of Canada is one of the largest in North America, while the Canadian Museum of History and the Museum of Nature help provide a 360-degree view of this huge, beautiful country.

With so much to see and do, you’ll want a nice hotel room to come back to at the end of a long day. Luckily, Ottawa is home to all sorts of cool boutique hotels, charming bed and breakfasts, and apartment-style stays. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Ottawa to help you plan your trip to Canada’s historic capital!

Where to Stay in Ottawa

The best places to stay in Ottawa are all clumped up near downtown, but it’s important to understand what each neighborhood has to offer, so that you’re as close as possible to the places you want to go during your visit to the Canadian capital.

First and foremost, we need to mention downtown. Located near Parliament Hill and the National Gallery, downtown is the first place to check out if you’re in town to check out Canadian history and culture. This will put you within walking distance of most attractions while also retaining access to Ottawa’s comprehensive public transit system.

If you’re looking for nightlife and you want to check out some historic architecture, ByWard Market is definitely the neighborhood for you. Home to the city’s best restaurants, bars, and shops, staying in ByWard will be livelier than downtown, which tends to get quieter after working hours.

If you want to stay in a more quiet part of town, without necessarily losing out too much on access, just head to Centretown. It’s still within walking distance of many attractions, but this area is home to more residential housing, versus the many hotels you’ll see in ByWard and downtown. The larger museums, including the Museum of Nature and the Canadian Museum of History, are nearby.

Now, if you want to head off the beaten path entirely, look to Westboro. This trendy neighborhood is west of downtown and loaded with small boutiques, cafes, and bistros. It’s ultra-laidback and has a distinct vibe when compared to the more professional atmosphere of downtown, the bustle of ByWard, and the quiet of Centretown.

The 12 Best Hotels in Ottawa, Canada

1. Lord Elgin Hotel

The Lord Elgin Hotel in Ottawa is a city landmark for a reason. Built in 1941, this historic boutique hotel features beautiful Art Deco architecture and elegant rooms. This is our top choice for a stay in Ottawa. With its storied atmosphere and central location, you can’t go wrong.

Rooms have a classic look, featuring tall windows, plush beds, marble bathrooms, desks to work at, and chairs to read on. Also included – a beautiful look over Rideau Canal and downtown Ottawa. We personally love the Churchill Suite for its top-floor views and roomy floor plan!

From the Lord Elgin Hotel, you’ll be just a short walk away from popular destinations like Confederation Park, Parliament Hill, and the Shaw Centre – whether you’re in town for business or leisure, it’ll be easy to get where you want to be.

With its grand marble floors and cozy fireplace, you may even be tempted to get waylaid in the lobby. If that’s not enough, Grill 41 Restaurant and Bar on the ground floor is a lovely place to grab a nightcap.

2. Le Germain Hotel Ottawa

Le Germain Hotel Ottawa has got modern luxury down pat. It’s the most stylish of the boutique hotels in Ottawa, and it’s easy to see why. The ample floor-to-ceiling glass windows, sleek lounges, and plenty of mood lighting all set the perfect tone for your Ottawa adventures.

You can expect all the luxury perks at Le Germain, including a well-versed concierge service, flexible check-out times, room service, and a 24-hour gym. The hotel’s central location in Downtown Rideau places it right by Confederation Park, the University of Ottawa, and other major galleries and museums.

The Prestige Suite gives you a real home away from home experience, with a separate living room, dining area, and well-equipped kitchenette, all appointed in sleek wood with thoughtful accents – it’s pretty much magazine-spread ready! We also love the roomy powder room and freestanding soaker tub, perfect for a relaxing bath at the end of a long day.

3. Fairmont Château Laurier

Nestled in Ottawa’s downtown core, you’ll find a castle. Lovingly preserved and renovated through its hundred years of service, the Fairmont Château Laurier is one of the best hotels in Ottawa if you’re looking for a fairytale experience.

The Fairmont Château Laurier oozes sophistication – elegant picture windows in every room, French doors for the suites, and subtle carpeting and decorative molding throughout the castle recall a bygone aesthetic, refreshed for the modern traveler.

You’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting your room – the hotel offers one-bedroom, two-bedroom, executive, and presidential suites alongside spacious guest rooms.

We personally love the Corner Suite, which is bright and spacious, with separate areas for the living room and a study, perfect for sending off some emails before settling in to watch a movie.

If you want something extra special, look at the Fairmont Gold rooms, which include additional luxe services like a private reception area and lounge, along with a complimentary buffet served twice a day.

4. McGee’s Inn

For that classic bed and breakfast experience in a quiet part of town, McGee’s Inn is one of the coolest places to stay in Ottawa. Loaded with lovely, personalized details, this is the coziest stay in Ottawa.

This historic three-story Victorian mansion is filled to the brim with antiques. The location is prime, especially if you’re visiting the University of Ottawa, which is only a six-minute walk down the road.

Breakfast is provided every morning, which you can choose to take in either the dining room or the parlor. Grab a piping hot eggs benedict or a homemade fruit crepe before setting out.

We personally love the Windsor Room, which features an antique four-poster queen bed, along with luxurious brocade linens, matching sitting chairs, and plenty of daylight. You’ll be able to freshen up in a roomy double-headed walk-in shower, wrap up in a cozy robe, and catch up on your reading in bed.

5. LIV Extended Stay

If you’re in town for a longer stay, we’d recommend LIV Extended Stay, one of the most unique boutique hotels in Ottawa. What makes this place stand out from the rest is that it offers suites designed to be your second home – but better, with housekeeping, in-suite laundry, and a helpful concierge!

LIV offers suite options ranging from a 1-bedroom all the way to a full townhome, so you have flexibility as to how much space you want. The larger suites are perfect for entertaining – we love the open-plan living room of the townhome suite, decked out with hardwood floors, contemporary furniture, and modern lighting.

Every suite comes with individually controlled A/C for your comfort, a Keurig coffee maker, a fully equipped kitchen, luxe queen beds, and blackout blinds for a good night’s sleep. Plus, you’ll get access to a private rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city, hot tubs, and a full-service bar – perfect for cocktail hour!

Based in Centretown West, you’ll be right in the middle of one of Ottawa’s liveliest and most walkable neighborhoods. The Ottawa River and Rideau Canal are just a short distance away and are perfect for morning jogs.

Check Prices & Availability on Booking.com

6. The Metcalfe Hotel

The Metcalfe Hotel is one of the newest boutique hotels in Ottawa, offering up modern design working in tandem with classic architectural elements. Expect leather sofas, brick walls, and brass accents coexisting with sleek subway tile, modern armchairs, and local artwork.

The Metcalfe is easily one of the most chic places to stay in Ottawa. From the lobby to the rooms, the attention to detail is palpable. We enjoy the suites, which offer a separate bedroom and luxurious seating area. 

You can catch up on your reading while reclining on the velvet couch or getting cozy in bed surrounded by down pillows and luxury linens. Showers in your oversized washroom will be just as nice, with Le Labo bath products, plush bathrobes, and soft slippers.

Just downstairs, you’ll find the Cocotte Bistro. This charming dining room offers refined French cuisine and inspired cocktails, which you might enjoy among the books in the library, at the grand marble bar counter, or in the dining atrium.

7. Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market

Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market is located in one of the hippest parts of the city. With sunny, clean, and modern rooms, this is one of the coolest places to stay in Ottawa if you want to be close to the hustle and bustle of downtown. This concept is the perfect mix of boutique sensibilities and the reliability of a Hyatt Hotel.

While we love a classic hotel bar, you can also enjoy a sip on the rooftop lounge (the tallest in Ottawa) at the Andaz, and you can even bring your furry family member if you want – this hotel is 100% pet-friendly.

We personally love the Presidential Suite at Andaz. The special perks of this room include an oversized bathroom, which includes a separate rain shower and soaking tub, and a private terrace – perfect for enjoying a quiet sip of wine while looking out over the city lights.

Every room comes with ultra-plush beds, robes, and slippers, plus tea and coffee, so you can start the day strong before settling into a perfect night’s sleep. 

8. Swiss Hotel

The Swiss Hotel is an independent boutique hotel located right next to ByWard Market. This historic building contains only 22 rooms, offering an ultra-intimate experience without compromising the hospitality of a traditional hotel stay.

We love that so many of the rooms have fireplaces, an extra-cozy touch that’s perfect for Canadian winters. Adjustable heating, blackout curtains, and windows that actually open mean you’ll have full control over your comfort during your stay.

Luxurious trimmings like hardwood flooring, premium linens, goose-down duvets, and hand-chosen artwork show the kind of care that we’re looking for in a hotel stay. We love the stylish modern sitting area in the Deluxe Queen rooms; meanwhile, the Deluxe King Spa room offers a giant jetted tub, great for soaking in after a long day out on Parliament Hill.

While Swiss Hotel doesn’t offer on-site dining, its central location means you’ll be right next door to the famed ByWard Market hub, along with fantastic modern bistros like Chez Lucien and HeadQuarters, which serve up breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

9. ReStays Ottawa

ReStays offers an elevated condo-hotel experience, with special amenities along with all the perks of staying in a fully-equipped luxury apartment. And we do mean luxury, as in penthouse suites and soaring lofts. If you’re in town for a special celebration, this is easily one of the best hotels in Ottawa!

One unique perk of staying here is the free sauna access. You can also expect classic hotel amenities like free toiletries, a concierge desk, a fitness center, and luggage storage.

It was hard to choose, but our favorite suite is the Two-Bedroom Heritage Loft. With ultra-high ceilings and unique architectural details, this stay really stands out. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with a group, with the bedrooms on separate floors, the spacious open-plan living area, and the full kitchen. You can even request a turntable, which is a fun touch!

You’ll get special rates for long stays, including special perks like housekeeping, a grocery card, and towel service – so that your time in Ottawa stays stress-free.

10. Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel

We included Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel on this list because it stands out as one of the most unique hotels in Ottawa – a fully renovated historic jail, over 150 years old, complete with new hardwood floors, original brickwork, and, yes, iron doors.

If you’re staying here, you must do the prison tour to get a sense of Ottawa’s history and unique architecture as one of Canada’s oldest cities. Plus, you’ll have a story to tell about the one time you stayed in an old prison!

We’d recommend getting your own private cell and bathroom, which comes in both a single and a double, in case you need the space. You’ll get fresh linens, towels, and a continental breakfast included.

And, of course, the location is stellar – you’ll be right next to Parliament Hill, ByWard Market, and the Rideau Canal. Plus, you’ll appreciate that bike rentals are nearby and that there are picnic areas and a library on-site.

11. Rideau Inn

This charming B&B is housed in a historic Edwardian home, recalling much of the architecture of old Ottawa. If you’re looking for a cozy, quiet place to stay, the Rideau Inn could be perfect.

Located on a green-laden residential street right by Elgin Street and the Rideau Canal, you’ll have all the benefits of staying in a quiet neighborhood with the benefits of being near the action.

With only a handful of rooms, this B&B will feel super private. Aside from being able to rest in your plush queen bed, you can spend some time in the inn’s homey common areas, including the study and the dining room, where breakfast is served every morning.

We love that parking is easy and that the major Ottawa attractions are within walking distance. Saint Luke’s Park across the street features tennis courts and running trails, and there are plenty of diners, bistros, and dives right along Elgin. 

Down the road, you’ll find the National Arts Centre, the Museum of Nature, and ByWard Market, to name just a few attractions.

12. Sonder the O’Connor

Looking for an ultra-modern hospitality experience, a fresh apartment-style hotel, and a great location? Sonder the O’Connor has all that and more. This is one of the coolest hotels in Ottawa if you’re a fan of Airbnb but want just a touch more service with your stay.

Whether you want a studio or a two-bedroom, each suite comes with a fully-stocked kitchen for all your cooking needs and a Roku to make streaming the newest must-see Netflix special as easy as it would be at home. Plus, check-in and requesting services is a breeze with a contactless app.

We love the additional on-site amenities, including the unique game room, where you can play a round of chess before trying your luck at one of the vintage arcade games. There’s also a lounge you’ll actually want to spend time in, enjoying the sunshine while finishing up that last email.

The gym is a highlight for us – it’s luxe, sunny, and open 24/7. Oh, and major attractions like the Canadian Museum of Nature are literally across the street. 

That completes our list of the 12 best Ottawa hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Ottawa? Comment below so we can add them to the list! 

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