Fairmont Chateau Laurier

The Fairmont Chateau Laurier is the hotel most visitors picture when they think of Ottawa. Its turrets and copper roofs rise above the Ottawa Locks, directly across from Parliament Hill and beside Major's Hill Park, and the Rideau Canal Skateway starts almost at the door in winter. Inside, the public spaces carry the grandeur of a railway-era hotel, with a lobby, lounges and restaurants designed for tea and cocktails.

Location and getting around: this is the most central address in the city for sightseeing. Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, the ByWard Market and the Rideau Centre are all within a short walk, and the Rideau LRT station is close, so you rarely need a car. The Canadian War Museum and the Canadian Museum of History, across the river in Gatineau, are a short taxi or bus ride. In November the walk to the Hill is windy, so bring a warm layer, and the hotel's heritage interiors are a welcome refuge.

Rooms and facilities: rooms vary widely because the building is historic, from compact classic rooms to larger suites and the Gold floor with its own lounge. View rooms face Parliament Hill, the canal or the river, and they cost more, so decide whether the view matters to you. The hotel has restaurants and a lounge, a fitness centre and an indoor pool, and service is in the Fairmont tradition. Check the official site for current dining and spa offerings, as these change.

Who it suits: couples marking an occasion, first-time visitors who want to walk everywhere, and history lovers who like to sleep in the story. It also suits winter trips, when the Skateway and Winterlude are on the doorstep. Good to know: heritage buildings mean some rooms are smaller than modern chain rooms and corridors can be long, so ask for a quiet room away from event spaces, ask about parking charges when you book, and consider the Secrets of the Chateau Laurier tour to learn the building's history.