OverviewLocated in downtown Ottawa, on Albert Street, a 5 minute walk from the National Arts Centre and the War Memorial, this hotel is popular with business travellers and with families seeking accommodation close to a number of attractions. On-site amenities include an indoor heated pool and a gym.
This non-smoking hotel has 236 rooms. Guests can choose from Standard rooms, or from Club Rooms. Guests in Club Rooms have access to the Club Lounge where complimentary breakfast and afternoon hors d'oeuvres, as well as a selection of drinks are served. In all rooms, guests can expect WI FI, an LCD flat screen TV, a hair dryer, bathrobes, an iron and an ironing board, a refrigerator and a coffeemaker. Pets are allowed free of charge, but guests are required to sign a waiver. Valet parking is available for $25/day.
While this hotel is situated close to a number of restaurants and coffee shops, guests can choose to dine on site at the Carleton Grill for breakfast and lunch, open daily from 6:30am-2:00pm. Sasha's Bar, serving drinks and lighter fare, is open daily from 11:00am-1:00am. There is also a Starbucks in the lobby if guests want to grab a quick cup of coffee.
This hotel is well situated to shopping, restaurants and attractions. The Byward Market, which is an open-air farmer's market, as well as Ottawa's most central cluster of hip restaurants, shopping and bars, is about a 10-15 minute walk away. The Rideau Centre is a similar distance away. East of the Byward Market on Sussex Drive, is the National Gallery of Canada (about a 20 minute walk). The Prime Minister's residence is at 24 Sussex Drive, and is a little farther away, about an 11 minute drive.
Parliament Hill is just north of the hotel, about a 15 minute walk away. Guests travelling by air should leave about 22 minutes to drive the 14.4km between the hotel and MacDonald-Cartier Airport (YOW) (distances and travel time estimates: Google Maps).
Check-in is at 3:00pm, while check-out is at 12:00pm.
Confirmed with a front desk agent: WI FI, parking and pet policy (call date: June 28, 2012).
The GoodFor guests that had a positive experience, much of it had to do with with good customer service, convenient location and comfortable rooms.
Staff at this hotel received top marks from several guests, many of whom used words like "helpful" "attentive" and "accommodating" to describe their impressions. Front desk staff, housekeeping and parking lot staff were mentioned in particular.
The convenience of this location was appreciated by guests as well, who enjoyed being able to reach a number of shops, restaurants and attractions within walking distance.
Guests commented frequently on clean, comfortable, well-appointed rooms. There was particular mention from a number of guests on comfy beds, comfy pillows and quality linens. Guests also used words like "spotless" to describe the state of their rooms.
There were some additional comments from guests who enjoyed the pool and the fitness centre.
The Bad
While many of the guest reviews used for this analysis were favourable, there were a few common points among guest complaints, mostly linked to issues in the rooms themselves and with parking fees.
While several guests said that rooms were spacious, some guests felt the bathrooms were disproportionately small, and difficult to manoeuvre in.
The valet parking posed a few problems for guests. Many thought the $25/fee was too expensive. Some had issues with access to their cars, and a few felt that there were insufficient parking spaces.
A few guests commented on ageing decor, and the need for renovations in common areas and in the guest rooms.
There were a few additional complaints, mostly on things like expensive food in the on-site restaurant and unpleasant views from rooms.
Confirmed with a front desk agent: WI FI, parking and pet policy (call date: June 28, 2012).
Booking.com guest reviewers rated this hotel 8.5 out of 10, or "very good", based on 38 reviews.
Hotels.com guest reviewers rated this hotel 4.3 out of 5, or "excellent", based on 96 reviews.
TripAdvisor.com guest reviewers ranked this hotel #30 of 62 Ottawa hotels, based on 143 reviews.
