Ottawa, ON: Hotel & Motel Planning Guide

When Can I Score a Great Hotel Deal?

If you're trying to save on lodging, avoid Ottawa between March and May. The springtime offers pleasant temperatures and blooming flowers around the city, so it's a nice time to visit but hotel rooms are much more expensive. You'll also see the prices increase during the summer months. The temperatures regularly drop below freezing during the winter, but if you can brave the cold, you'll get a great deal on a room.

During the fall, the average temperatures range between the low 40s and the high 60s, so the weather is nicer. You can score a pretty good price on a hotel room, although the rates go up during September when Ottawa hosts the CityFolk Festival and the Ottawa International Animation Festival.

Best Discounts on Hotels in Ottawa, ON

A number of hotels in the Ottawa area offer AAA discounts for members. These include Albert at Bay Suite Hotel, TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ottawa Kanata, Radisson Ottawa Parliament Hill, Ottawa Marriott Hotel, Arc the Hotel, EconoLodge Downtown Ottawa, Quality Inn Arnprior, Comfort Inn Ottawa East, Ramada Plaza Gatineau, Holiday Inn Express, Days Inn, and Ottawa Embassy Hotel & Suites.

Locations that offer discounts to government and military personnel include Motel Montcalm, EconoLodge, Motel Adam, Travelodge, Knights Inn, Capitol Hill Hotel and Suites, Extended Stay Canada – Ottawa, Microtel Inn & Suites, and The Business Inn.

Ottawa Hotels for Business Travelers

If you're heading to Ottawa in business, it's best to stay close to the downtown area. Here you'll find many of the major businesses and conference centers. The hotels in this area often have business centers for guest use, along with separate workspaces in the rooms. Business travelers on a budget will appreciate the rates at EconoLodge Downtown Ottawa, Motel Montcalm, and Motel du Chevalier. Other options include Residence & Conference Centre - Ottawa Downtown, The business Inn, and Rideau Heights Inn.

Some business travelers prefer to stay closer to the airport. If you go this route, be aware that it's about a 30-minute drive in light traffic from the airport to downtown. Plan ahead when heading into the city for a business meeting or conference since the traffic gets heavy in the mornings.

Attractions in Ottawa

Some of the hotels are within walking distance to several of the top attractions. However, you may need transportation to other areas or if you choose a hotel that is a bit farther away. Ottawa has two city bus systems: OC Transpo and Societe de Transport de l'Outaouais. Uber also operates in Ottawa, along with two taxi companies, which are Blue Line Taxi and Capital Taxi.

Rental cars are available at the Ottawa Airport and locations throughout the city. If possible, avoid driving downtown during rush hour since the streets will get busy. Many of the hotels also charge daily rates for on-site parking. Driving during the winter also poses a challenge when the roads are slick, icy, and packed with snow.

During a trip to Ottawa, make sure to visit the National Gallery of Canada. This impressive museum houses many famous art pieces from Canadian artists. The Canadian War Museum is also worth a visit, where you'll learn more about the history of the Canadian military.

Visitors also love spending an afternoon walking around on Parliament Hill. The impressive Neo-Gothic architecture is certainly interesting to look at when visiting the current home of the Canadian government. You can't go into all the buildings, but you can walk around the grounds. The Canadian Museum of History is another fascinating attraction with exhibits designed to help visitors learn more about the heritage and history of the country.

When you're paying a visit to Ottawa on business or leisure, you can choose from various hotels that fit into just about any budget. Each offers its own set of amenities, so consider these as you make your choice about where to stay. Ottawa is a beautiful city, rich with history, so make sure to set aside some time to see the sights of the capital of Canada.

A visit to Ottawa Recapped

Known for its scenic views and excellent architecture, Ottawa's skyline makes an interesting piece of work as features architecture that is marked by Picturesque and Romantic styles. Truly, stepping into Ottawa seems like one is stepping back into time or at least a different age. Art lovers will certainly love Ottawa, although it may not exactly be like Paris, but art in Ottawa is unique and it extends outside the traditional four walls of a museum. For instance, the Maman statue located outside the National Gallery of Canada draws in a regular crowd for being a rather gigantic bronze spider out and about. Other museums that have caught the attention of many include the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, and the Canadian War Museum. Although art is admittedly one of the features of Ottawa, it is also an excellent place to shop. When timed correctly, any visit to Ottawa can be made extra special by attending the Winterlude festival, which is the largest festival in Canada, Ottawa International Jazz Festival, Canadian Tulip Festival, Folk Music Festival, and Fringe Festival.

Stephen Harper, a Canadian Politician was right when he said 'If Ottawa giveth, then Ottawa can taketh away¦,

Ottawa is the capital city of Canada. The city is positioned on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern segment of Southern Ontario. It borders Gatineau, Quebec; the two form the core of the Ottawa-Gatineau census metropolitan area and the National Capital Region. No matter what hotel you choose to stay in, Ottawa is sure to leave you an unforgettable impression. Ottawa hotels will surely make your stay in the city pleasurable.

Economical Stays in Ottawa 

Hotels in Ottawa do not have to cost you an arm and a leg to enjoy what they have to offer during your trip. If you are looking for a comfortable, business environment then, the Business Inn Hotel is the perfect match for you. This three-star hotel is located within reach of Ottawa's attractions, such as the Ottawa Public Library and the National Arts Centre. To make your stay, even more, fun, the hotel offers a variety of amenities such as a golf course, a fitness centre and concierge. By Ward Blue Inn is also a great choice. This modern hotel is located in Ottawa is a few minutes' walk from Royal Canadian Mint. In this city, you can stay in cheap hotels but still have a comfortable experience during your trip in the city.

What About Luxury Hotels?

If you have a taste for luxurious, more expensive hotels, then Fairmont Chateau Laurier is a great luxury hotel that you can choose to stay during your trip in Ottawa. This four-star hotel offers is modern and stylish and is ideal for discovering Ottawa with Centre Block, Royal Canadian Mint and the National Gallery of Canada within walking distance. Another excellent match just for you is the Westin Ottawa. The hotel is conveniently located near the Mackenzie King Station, as well as you can explore the National Gallery of Canada and Parliament Hill. Whether the hotel is on the shores of a remarkable beach or the hotel is situated in the heart of the city, you are sure to find the location you want most. Luxury Ottawa hotels offer tourists great opportunity to indulge in the city's magnificent attractions.

Other Options

Travelodge Ottawa Hotel & Conference Centre, located in Ottawa can be considered a cheap hotel; however, the more luxurious you want your stay to be you will be required to increase a little more. From the hotel, you could easily access the Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport, which is a twenty-minute drive away. You can also take a short car trip from Orleans, Greenbelt and the National Gallery of Canada. Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Airport is another fantastic choice. The newly refurbished hotel provides a wide range of adventurous activities such as fishing, enabling your family to have a fun time. There is something for everyone to do. Just remember the most important detail of your trip; which hotel will you be staying and enjoying yourself?