Ottawa is small enough that almost any central hotel puts you within a short walk or ride of the main sights, but the three central neighbourhoods feel quite different. Choose by whether you want grandeur, nightlife or calm, and by how much walking you want to do in cold weather.
Parliament Hill and the canal locks
This is the most iconic address. The Fairmont Chateau Laurier sits across from Parliament Hill and beside the Rideau Canal locks, with the National Gallery, the ByWard Market and the Rideau Centre all a short walk away. It is a heritage hotel with turrets, lounges and a pool, and it is the splurge choice for couples and first-timers who like to sleep in the story. In winter, the Skateway runs almost at the door. The trade-off is price and the smaller size of some historic rooms.
The ByWard Market
If you want restaurants, pubs and street life outside your door, stay here. The Andaz Ottawa Byward Market is a stylish boutique hotel in the middle of the district, a good base for foodies and groups. Ottawa Backpackers Inn is the budget alternative, with dorms and private rooms on York Street. The market is a ten-minute walk from Parliament Hill and next to the National Gallery. Expect noise on weekend nights, so ask for a quiet room and bring earplugs if you sleep lightly.
Elgin Street and Centretown
South of Parliament Hill, the streets are calmer and more local. The Lord Elgin Hotel, at 100 Elgin Street facing Confederation Park, is a traditional mid-range hotel with a classic restaurant, a short walk from Parliament Hill, the canal and the National Arts Centre. Alt Hotel Ottawa is a modern, design-led option downtown that suits practical travellers who want good value. Elgin Street has cafes and restaurants, and evenings are quieter than in the market.
Choosing by budget
For a special trip, the Chateau Laurier is the most memorable. For a stylish mid-to-upper stay, choose the Andaz. For dependable mid-range value, choose the Lord Elgin or Alt Hotel. For the lowest cost, the Backpackers Inn gives you the best location for the least money. Rates rise in summer, around festivals and during Winterlude in February, and fall in November and early spring, so autumn is a good time to book a better hotel for less.
Choosing by trip type
Couples will enjoy the Chateau Laurier or the Andaz. Families may prefer the Lord Elgin for its room variety and calm. Museum-focused trips work from anywhere downtown, since the National Gallery is near the market and the War Museum is a short LRT ride. If you plan to visit Gatineau Park, you will want a car, and you can still stay downtown and drive out for the day.
Practical points
Parking downtown is limited and charged, and many visitors do not need a car. Check each hotel's official page for current breakfast, parking and amenity details before booking, and compare cancellation terms. The cold months favour a hotel from which you can reach a warm indoor sight in a few minutes, and all five of ours qualify.
