The best hotels in Ottawa
Ottawa has over 8,000 places to stay, and most of them will leave you overpaying for a room you could've done better on. We reviewed the standouts across every neighborhood, from the ByWard Market to Kanata. These 10 made the cut.
Our Top Picks in Ottawa
Click any hotel to check availability and book at the best price.
HI Ottawa Jail Hostel
Centretown, Ottawa
Free cancellation & Pay later
Gasthaus Switzerland Inn
Sandy Hill, Ottawa
Free cancellation & Pay later
Lord Elgin Hotel
Downtown Core, Ottawa
Free cancellation & Pay later
Hotel Indigo Ottawa Downtown
ByWard Market, Ottawa
Free cancellation & Pay later
Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre
Downtown Core, Ottawa
Free cancellation & Pay later
Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market
ByWard Market, Ottawa
Free cancellation & Pay later
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Lower Town, Ottawa
Free cancellation & Pay later
Shaw Centre Suites at 1 Government
ByWard Market, Ottawa
Free cancellation & Pay later
All Hotels Compared
Side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right hotel. Prices reflect shoulder season averages.
| # | Hotel | City & Area | Price/Night | Score | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HI Ottawa Jail Hostel | Centretown, Ottawa | $45–89/night | 7.8/10 | Budget Pick |
| 2 | Gasthaus Switzerland Inn | Sandy Hill, Ottawa | $79–110/night | 8.1/10 | Hidden Gem |
| 3 | Lord Elgin Hotel | Downtown Core, Ottawa | $139–210/night | 8.5/10 | Best Location |
| 4 | Hotel Indigo Ottawa Downtown | ByWard Market, Ottawa | $149–229/night | 8.6/10 | Most Popular |
| 5 | Arc The Hotel | Centretown, Ottawa | $155–235/night | 8.7/10 | Romantic Stay |
| 6 | Brookstreet Hotel | Kanata, Ottawa | $159–249/night | 8.4/10 | Business Pick |
| 7 | Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre | Downtown Core, Ottawa | $165–240/night | 8.2/10 | Family Friendly |
| 8 | Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market | ByWard Market, Ottawa | $189–249/night | 9/10 | Top Rated |
| 9 | Fairmont Chateau Laurier | Lower Town, Ottawa | $299–599/night | 9.1/10 | Luxury Pick |
| 10 | Shaw Centre Suites at 1 Government | ByWard Market, Ottawa | $310–520/night | 8.8/10 | Best Value |
Why These Hotels Made Our List
Every hotel earned its spot. Here's exactly why we picked each one.
HI Ottawa Jail Hostel
This converted 19th-century jail on Nicholas Street is one of the most unique places to sleep in Canada. Cells have been turned into private rooms and dorms, and the novelty factor is genuinely high. The location puts you a short walk from the Rideau Centre and ByWard Market. Facilities are basic hostel-grade but clean and well-managed. Skip the ghost tour unless you actually want to lose sleep.
Check Availability
Gasthaus Switzerland Inn
This small family-run inn on Daly Avenue has been hosting guests for decades and still does it better than many larger hotels. Rooms are cozy and decorated with a European chalet feel that actually works. The homemade breakfast is a genuine highlight and included in the rate. Sandy Hill is a quiet residential neighborhood about a 15-minute walk to Parliament Hill. Cash payments get a small discount, which is a nice old-school touch.
Check Availability
Lord Elgin Hotel
The Lord Elgin has been standing on Elgin Street across from Confederation Park since 1941 and it shows in the best possible way. Parliament Hill is a 10-minute walk and the National Arts Centre is practically next door. Rooms have been updated without stripping out the classic character of the building. The on-site Grill restaurant is reliably good for a pre-show dinner. Parking is pricey and limited, so arrive by transit if you can.
Check Availability
Hotel Indigo Ottawa Downtown
Sitting right on Sussex Drive near the ByWard Market, this IHG property does a solid job blending boutique aesthetics with reliable chain-hotel consistency. Rooms reference local Ottawa culture through art and design details without being overdone about it. The market itself is steps away for morning coffee and fresh pastries. Staff are notably attentive compared to other hotels in the same price bracket. Rooms facing Sussex can get street noise on weekend nights.
Check Availability
Arc The Hotel
Arc is a smaller boutique property on Slater Street that consistently outperforms its size. The rooms are stylishly done with proper linens and thoughtful lighting, and the suites with fireplaces are worth the upgrade. It sits in Centretown close to Sparks Street and a short cab ride from major museums. The restaurant downstairs is a legitimate dining destination, not just a hotel afterthought. This is a good pick for couples who want something with more personality than a chain.
Check Availability
Brookstreet Hotel
Brookstreet sits at the edge of the Marshes Golf Course in Kanata, about 25 minutes from downtown Ottawa, and it is by far the best hotel option in the tech corridor. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, and the jazz lounge is a genuine draw on weekend evenings. Golfers get direct course access and the spa facilities are among the best of any Ottawa hotel. It is a poor choice if you need to be near Parliament Hill or the museums. Rent a car because transit from here is limited.
Check Availability
Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre
The Delta on Queen Street sits right in the heart of downtown and is one of the more reliable options for families visiting Ottawa. The indoor pool is a big plus for traveling with kids, especially during the long Ottawa winters. Rooms are modern and sized reasonably well, and the Confederation Line LRT stop is a two-minute walk. The Canadian Museum of History is accessible via a quick ride across the river into Gatineau. The lobby bar gets busy on weekday evenings with government and conference crowds.
Check Availability
Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market
The Andaz on Dalhousie Street is the best all-around hotel in the ByWard Market and one of the top-rated properties in the city. Rooms are large by Ottawa standards, with great natural light and clean contemporary design. The rooftop terrace bar draws both guests and locals and has one of the better views toward the Rideau River. Staff go noticeably beyond the standard for a Hyatt property and small welcome touches are consistently delivered. Book well ahead in summer because it sells out fast during festival season.
Check Availability
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
The Chateau Laurier on Rideau Street is Ottawa's most iconic building and staying here is a genuinely historic experience. The castle-like exterior overlooks the Rideau Canal locks and Parliament Hill sits directly across the road. Grand corridors, high ceilings, and heritage room details are all authentic and meticulously maintained. The pool in the lower level is one of the most beautiful hotel pools in Canada. Rates are steep but the location and prestige are unmatched in this city.
Check Availability
Shaw Centre Suites at 1 Government
These fully serviced suites on Colonel By Drive offer some of the most spacious accommodations in central Ottawa, with full kitchens and separate living areas that make extended stays practical and comfortable. The building overlooks the Rideau Canal and the view from upper-floor units in winter during the Rideau Canal Skateway season is exceptional. The Shaw Centre convention facility is connected, making it a logical choice for conference attendees. ByWard Market restaurants and the National Gallery are both walkable. It is a quieter setup than a traditional hotel lobby, which suits guests who prefer privacy.
Check AvailabilityWhere to Stay in Ottawa
The neighborhood you pick matters more than the hotel.
First time in Ottawa? Start here.
Book in the ByWard Market or the Downtown Core. Full stop. You're within walking distance of Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, the National Gallery on Sussex Drive, and more restaurants than you'll get through in a week. Everything else is a compromise.
The biggest rookie mistake is booking near the Rideau Centre mall because it looks central on a map. It's not central in the way that matters. Walk 10 minutes west toward Sparks Street and you'll understand why location in this city is everything.
Ottawa in winter: what you actually need to know.
Winter in Ottawa is serious. January sits at -10°C to -15°C, with wind chill making it feel significantly worse. But the city leans into it hard, and the Rideau Canal Skateway (the world's largest naturally frozen skating rink at 7.8 km long) is genuinely one of the best urban experiences in Canada.
Stay close to the Canal if you're visiting in January or February. Lord Elgin Hotel on Elgin Street puts you 3 minutes from the ice. Winterlude runs across 3 weekends in February and fills hotels fast. Book 6-8 weeks ahead or you're paying peak prices for whatever's left.
How to save money on Ottawa hotels without suffering for it.
The shoulder seasons are your friend. Late March through April and October through early November offer solid mid-range rooms in the Downtown Core for $120-165/night. The Tulip Festival in mid-May bumps prices back up, so May is peak again before you know it.
HI Ottawa Jail Hostel on Nicholas Street is genuinely one of the best budget experiences in any Canadian city. It's a converted 19th-century jail, 8 minutes walk from the ByWard Market, and beds start at $45/night. Yes, the cells are real. It's weird in the best way.
Business travel in Ottawa: where to actually stay.
If your meetings are on Parliament Hill or near the Shaw Centre on Colonel By Drive, stay in the Downtown Core or ByWard Market. You'll walk to everything. Brookstreet Hotel in Kanata makes sense only if your client is out west near the tech corridor along March Road.
Brookstreet is legitimately excellent for a suburban business hotel, with meeting facilities and a spa that most downtown properties can't match. But it's a 30-minute drive from Parliament Hill without traffic. Know where you're going before you book.
Ottawa neighborhoods: a quick honest breakdown.
ByWard Market is loud, fun, and central. Centretown is quieter and more residential, great if you want a local feel without the weekend bar crowds on Clarence Street. Sandy Hill is mostly students and budget guesthouses, and it shows. Lower Town (where the Fairmont sits) is historic and upscale.
Kanata is Ottawa's tech suburb, 30 km from downtown. The hotels are cheaper per square foot, but you're paying in time and transportation costs. Unless Kanata is literally your destination, it doesn't make sense for most visitors.
Ottawa's best hotel for every type of trip.
Solo budget traveler: HI Ottawa Jail Hostel at $45-89/night. Couple looking for something special: Arc The Hotel at $155-235/night. Family that needs space: Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre at $165-240/night. Business trip: Brookstreet Hotel at $159-249/night. Full luxury with no apologies: Fairmont Chateau Laurier at $299-599/night.
The Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market at $189-249/night is the one we recommend most often for first-timers with a flexible mid-to-upper budget. The location on Queen Street at the edge of the Market is perfect, the design is sharp, and the rating of 9.0 out of 10 isn't an accident.
Ottawa's best neighborhoods
Start your search in the ByWard Market or Downtown Core. These two areas put Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and the best restaurants within walking distance. Skip Kanata unless you're there for a conference or a Senators game.
ByWard Market 3 vetted hotels Ottawa's most central neighborhood with the best restaurant access and walkability.
Ottawa's most central neighborhood with the best restaurant access and walkability.
The ByWard Market is where Ottawa actually lives on weekends. George Street, William Street, and Clarence Street are packed with restaurants, bars, and the original outdoor market stalls that have operated here since 1827. Parliament Hill is a 10-minute walk up Wellington Street.
We have 3 hotels in this area: Hotel Indigo, Andaz Ottawa, and Shaw Centre Suites. Each plays a different role. Hotel Indigo is design-forward and reliable. Andaz is the social, high-energy pick. Shaw Centre Suites is expensive but gives you apartment-scale space right on Colonel By Drive.
Prices here run $149-520/night depending on hotel and season. The higher end is genuinely justified by the location. What you save on taxis and transit over a 4-night stay often closes the gap with cheaper neighborhoods.
Downtown Core 2 vetted hotels Quieter than ByWard, still central, and best for families and business travelers.
Quieter than ByWard, still central, and best for families and business travelers.
The Downtown Core stretches between Sparks Street and the Queensway, with Elgin Street as its main spine. It's calmer than ByWard but still walkable to Parliament Hill in under 12 minutes. The Canadian Museum of Nature on McLeod Street is right here.
Lord Elgin Hotel sits on Elgin Street itself, a genuine Ottawa landmark. Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre is a few blocks away and handles families with the kind of infrastructure (indoor pool, large rooms, on-site dining) that the boutique properties can't match.
Rates here run $139-240/night. That's solid value for what you get. Elgin Street has a good lineup of casual restaurants and the NAC (National Arts Centre) is right around the corner if you're here for a show.
Centretown 2 vetted hotels Local, residential, and underrated. The right call if you hate tourist noise.
Local, residential, and underrated. The right call if you hate tourist noise.
Centretown sits just south and west of downtown, roughly between O'Connor Street and the Canal. It's residential in a good way. Bank Street has independent restaurants and coffee shops, and the pace is noticeably slower than the ByWard Market rush.
Arc The Hotel on Gloucester Street is the star here. It's boutique, intimate, and designed with care. HI Ottawa Jail Hostel on Nicholas Street is at the opposite end of the budget scale but genuinely worth experiencing even if you're not counting pennies.
Prices span a wide range here: $45-235/night depending on whether you're in a hostel bunk or an Arc suite. It's the most budget-flexible neighborhood in central Ottawa.
Lower Town 1 vetted hotel Historic, upscale, and home to the most iconic hotel in Canada's capital.
Historic, upscale, and home to the most iconic hotel in Canada's capital.
Lower Town is a compact historic pocket between the ByWard Market and the Rideau River. It's quieter than the Market but still close enough to feel connected. The Fairmont Chateau Laurier anchors the neighborhood at the corner of Wellington Street and Mackenzie Avenue.
The Fairmont is, genuinely, one of the great Canadian hotel experiences. Castle-like architecture built in 1912, 2 minutes from Parliament Hill, and the kind of lobby that makes you want to sit and do nothing for an hour. Rates run $299-599/night and they're not apologetic about it.
This isn't the neighborhood for budget travelers. But if you're here for a special occasion or simply want the best, Lower Town delivers in a way no other Ottawa area can match.
Kanata 1 vetted hotel Ottawa's business suburb. Right call for tech meetings, wrong call for tourism.
Ottawa's business suburb. Right call for tech meetings, wrong call for tourism.
Kanata is 30 km west of Parliament Hill along the 417. It's Ottawa's tech corridor, home to companies clustered around March Road and Kanata Avenue. Canadian Tire Centre (home of the Ottawa Senators) is out here too.
Brookstreet Hotel is the one property in Kanata we'd actually recommend. The spa, golf course, and conference facilities are genuinely good. It's a self-contained destination that makes sense if you're not trying to explore the city.
Rates run $159-249/night and you get a lot of space for the money. But factor in $40-60 in daily taxi or rideshare costs if you're heading downtown for dinner or sightseeing. That erodes the savings quickly.
Best Areas by Vibe
Tell us how you travel and we'll point you to the right part of Ottawa.
Romantic
Centretown's Arc The Hotel on Gloucester Street is the pick. Boutique scale, design-forward rooms, and 10 minutes walk to the Rideau Canal for a winter skate or summer evening stroll.
Culture
The ByWard Market puts you 8 minutes walk from the National Gallery on Sussex Drive and 12 minutes from the Canadian War Museum. It's the cultural core of the city.
Family
Downtown Core is the family base. Delta Hotels on Queen Street has an indoor pool and spacious rooms, and the Canadian Museum of Nature on McLeod Street is a 12-minute walk.
Budget
HI Ottawa Jail Hostel on Nicholas Street in Centretown starts at $45/night. It's a converted 19th-century jail, weirdly charming, and 8 minutes walk from the ByWard Market.
Foodie
The ByWard Market is Ottawa's food neighborhood, full stop. Clarence Street and George Street alone have more good restaurants per block than anywhere else in the city.
Luxury
Lower Town's Fairmont Chateau Laurier at $299-599/night is the definitive luxury Ottawa experience. The 1912 castle sits 2 minutes from Parliament Hill with no rivals in sight.
Location Quality
Is the neighborhood walkable? Are restaurants, shops, and attractions within 10 minutes on foot? How does it feel after dark? We evaluate safety, public transport access, and whether the area has genuine local character or just tourist traps. A hotel in the wrong neighborhood ruins a trip. That's why location carries the most weight.
Value for Money
We compare what you pay against what you get. A €150 hotel with a great location, clean rooms, and helpful staff can outscore a €500 hotel with fancy amenities in a bad area. We factor in seasonal pricing, cancellation policies, and hidden costs like tourist tax and breakfast surcharges. The goal is finding the best ratio, not the lowest price.
Guest Experience
We analyze thousands of verified guest reviews across multiple platforms, looking for patterns rather than individual complaints. Consistent praise for cleanliness, staff, and room quality counts. We also assess the intangibles: does the hotel have character? Would you recommend it to a friend? A soul-less chain hotel with perfect facilities still loses to a well-run boutique with personality.
When to Visit Ottawa
When to visit Ottawa and what to pay.
Summer (June-August)
Canada Day on July 1st is the biggest single spike of the year. Parliament Hill hosts the national ceremony and hotel prices jump 40-60% across the ByWard Market and Downtown Core. The Tulip Festival in mid-May bleeds into June pricing too. Book 2-3 months ahead or you'll pay premium for whatever's left.
Fall (September-October)
This is the season we'd pick every time. Temperatures sit at a comfortable 8-18°C, the Gatineau Park fall colours peak in mid-October (one of the best free attractions near any Canadian city), and hotel prices drop 20-30% from summer rates. ByWard Market restaurants are still fully operational without the July madness.
Winter (November-February)
Ottawa winters are legitimately brutal. January averages -10°C to -15°C with wind chill pushing past -25°C some weeks. But Winterlude across 3 February weekends fills hotels fast, so book early for that window. Outside of Winterlude, you'll find the best rates of the year, with Downtown Core rooms available at $110-150/night.
Spring (March-May)
March and early April are genuinely quiet and affordable, with rooms in the $120-150/night range across mid-tier hotels. But the Canadian Tulip Festival in mid-to-late May (usually May 9-19) brings a surge of visitors from across North America. Prices spike hard for that 10-day window, and Commissioners Park along the Canal gets packed.
Booking Tips for Ottawa
Insider tips for booking hotels in Ottawa.
Book ByWard Market hotels 8-10 weeks ahead in summer.
The stretch from late June through Canada Day on July 1st is the most competitive booking window in Ottawa. Hotels along Sussex Drive and in the ByWard Market see availability drop to near-zero 6 weeks out. If your dates are flexible, shift even 2 days away from July 1st and save $60-100/night.
Use OC Transpo. don't rely on taxis from the airport.
OC Transpo Route 97 runs directly from Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport to downtown for $3.75. A taxi covers the same 15 km for $30-40. The bus takes 45 minutes versus 20-25 by car, but if you're not in a rush, it's a no-brainer savings. The route stops at Hurdman Station and continues into the Transitway network.
Don't stay near the Rideau Centre to save money.
Hotels around the Rideau Centre on Rideau Street look geographically central on a map. They're not central in experience. You're a 15-minute walk from the ByWard Market and the area along King Edward Avenue has consistent issues with street-level safety at night. Pay an extra $20-30/night and move 8 blocks west toward Elgin Street.
The Rideau Canal Skateway changes your hotel priority in February.
If you're visiting for Winterlude (3 weekends in February), prioritize hotels within walking distance of the Canal. Lord Elgin Hotel on Elgin Street and Arc The Hotel on Gloucester Street are both under 8 minutes on foot. Skate rentals cost $15-25 at booths along the Canal near Fifth Avenue and the National Arts Centre.
Sandy Hill is cheap for a reason.
Gasthaus Switzerland Inn is the exception, but Sandy Hill as a neighborhood is predominantly student housing near the University of Ottawa campus on King Edward Avenue. It's noisy on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights during the school year. It's fine for budget travelers who know what they're getting into, but don't book there expecting a quiet stay.
Request a high floor at the Fairmont for a Parliament Hill view.
The Fairmont Chateau Laurier's north-facing rooms above the 6th floor look directly at Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River. It's one of the best hotel views in Canada. Specify a north-facing room when booking rather than at check-in, and call the hotel directly. The front desk team there is responsive to specific room requests made at least 72 hours ahead.
Hotels in Ottawa — FAQ
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Ottawa.
What's the best neighborhood to stay in Ottawa?
The ByWard Market is the sweet spot. You're within 10 minutes walk of Parliament Hill, the National Gallery, and some of the best restaurants on Clarence Street and George Street. Downtown Core is a close second, especially if you want quieter nights without sacrificing location.
How much do hotels in Ottawa cost per night?
Budget beds at HI Ottawa Jail Hostel start around $45/night. Mid-range hotels in the ByWard Market and Downtown Core run $139-249/night. Luxury options like the Fairmont Chateau Laurier push $299-599/night, and they're worth every dollar if the occasion calls for it.
When is the cheapest time to book a hotel in Ottawa?
January and February outside of Winterlude weekend (usually the first 3 weekends of February) are the quietest weeks of the year. You'll find Downtown Core hotels at $110-150/night during those stretches. Book at least 3 weeks ahead if Winterlude falls in your travel window, or prices spike fast.
Is the ByWard Market safe to stay in?
Yes, for the most part. The main market streets around William Street and George Street are busy and well-lit. Stick to those and you'll be fine. The edges toward Rideau Street after midnight get quieter and occasionally sketchy, so that's worth knowing.
Should I rent a car in Ottawa?
Not if you're staying in ByWard Market, Downtown Core, or Centretown. OC Transpo buses cover the core well, and a single-ride ticket costs $3.75. You can walk from Parliament Hill to the Rideau Canal in about 8 minutes. Kanata is the one neighborhood where a car genuinely helps.
What areas should I avoid when booking a hotel in Ottawa?
Avoid hotels directly on Rideau Street between the Rideau Centre and King Edward Avenue. The street has a persistent rough edge, especially at night, and you're not saving enough money to make it worthwhile. Vanier, just east of the Rideau River, isn't tourist territory either.
How far is Ottawa airport from downtown hotels?
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport sits about 15 km south of the ByWard Market. A taxi or rideshare runs $30-40 for the trip, taking roughly 20-25 minutes outside of rush hour. OC Transpo Route 97 connects the airport to downtown for $3.75, but it takes closer to 45 minutes.
What's the best hotel in Ottawa for families?
Delta Hotels Ottawa City Centre is the top family pick. It's in the Downtown Core, 12 minutes walk from the Canadian Museum of Nature on McLeod Street, and the rooms are genuinely spacious. The indoor pool is a serious bonus when Ottawa hits -20°C in January.
Is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier worth the price?
If you're celebrating something or want the definitive Ottawa experience, yes. The castle sits right at the corner of Wellington Street and Mackenzie Avenue, 2 minutes from Parliament Hill and 5 minutes from the National Gallery. Rates hit $299-599/night, but the architecture and service are unlike anything else in the city.
What's the best hotel in Ottawa for a romantic trip?
Arc The Hotel on Gloucester Street in Centretown is our pick. It's boutique, design-forward, and far enough from the tourist crowds to feel like your own discovery. Rates run $155-235/night, and the intimate scale makes a real difference. It's 10 minutes walk to the Rideau Canal for a winter skate or a summer evening stroll.
Does Ottawa get very cold in winter? How should that affect my hotel choice?
Ottawa averages -10°C to -15°C in January, with wind chill pushing it to -25°C some weeks. Pick a hotel with underground or covered parking if you're driving, and prioritize locations near the Rideau Canal Skateway if you want to actually enjoy the cold rather than just survive it. The Fairmont Chateau Laurier and Lord Elgin Hotel are both ideal winter bases, with easy walkable access to the Canal.
Are Ottawa hotels expensive during Canada Day?
Canada Day on July 1st is one of the priciest booking windows of the year. Expect a 40-60% price jump across ByWard Market and Downtown Core hotels, with availability disappearing 2-3 months in advance. If you're going, book by April. Parliament Hill hosts the main celebrations and the whole neighborhood turns into a street party.