Photo courtesy Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market
Updated November 27th, 2023 / Commissions may be earned from LuxuryOntario’s accommodation partner links
Ottawa is Canada’s capital city and is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern province of Ontario. The fourth largest city in Canada is home to just under a million people and has much to offer visitors.
Fun things to do in Ottawa include visits to historic sights to organic markets, river and canal boat rides, rich cultural and gastronomic offerings, and a thriving market scene. Ottawa also has myriad outdoor activities to enjoy including skating, skiing, rafting, sailing, and climbing. Among the sightseeing experiences, the city has an inviting collection of luxury hotels in which to stay, as well as many unique and boutique-style hotels.
To help you find the best possible accommodations in Ottawa, here’s a list of our favourite unique and boutique hotels in Ottawa.
The Best Unique & Boutique Hotels in Ottawa
Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market
The superbly located Andaz Hotel Ottawa ByWard Market is one of the best Ottawa boutique hotels, adjacent to Canada’s oldest farmer’s market selling local artisanal produce. This area is buzzing with attractions and is ideal for brunch and window shopping. Check out the many independent shops and restaurants, award-winning international and local restaurants, as well as historic buildings and galleries.
Rooms and suites at the Andaz have a neutral grey/white palette and luxurious amenities, many with views over downtown. Brunch, lunch, and dinner at Feast + Revels with cuisine from Executive Chef Stephen la Salle at this 16th-floor rooftop lounge and restaurant.
And for sleep? Choose the 1,496 sq ft Presidential Suite with its deep-soak tub, private entrance and outdoor terrace, and invigorating rainfall shower.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest details, rates, and reservations, visit Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market
ARC THE. HOTEL Ottawa
Minimalist design aesthetics alongside luxurious amenities are the hallmarks of the boutique Arc Hotel Ottawa. An ideal downtown base to explore this vibrant city, the Arc is a well-located staycation hotel for short or long stays in the Canadian capital.
In winter, head to the frozen Rideau Canal for ice skating, or enjoy retail therapy at the iconic Rideau Centre Mall, the Tanger Outlets, and the very special ByWard Market. Numerous historic attractions are all within walking distance of the hotel, including the National Parliament, while the airport is just a 20-minute drive away.
We love the Presidential Suite with its light-filled lounge and work area. Whether business or pleasure brings you here, you’ll enjoy the spacious King bed and luxurious bathroom divided off from the main living area.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest details, rates, and reservations, visit ARC THE. HOTEL Ottawa
Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
There’s something comforting about staying in an all-suites hotel, and Les Suites Hotel Ottawa is no exception. The condo-sized accommodations here all boast ensuite washer/dryers and balconies with windows that actually open to let in that all-important fresh air. And there is always air-con for colder days.
We recommend the Premiere Executive King Suite with a second bathroom and room for four adults, alongside a useful workstation that’s conveniently sectioned off from the rest of the suite for extra privacy. The downtown location means there’s a variety of restaurants, bars, and cafes nearby, including the famous Metropolitan French Brasserie.
Whether you stay at Les Suites for business, a romantic weekend away, or celebrating with friends, this is the ideal Ottawa boutique hotel.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest details, rates, and reservations, visit Les Suites Hotel Ottawa
The Metcalfe Hotel
This unique Ottawa boutique hotel on the corner of O’Connor and Queen Streets in downtown Ottawa was once the hangout of the capital’s movers and shakers during the Confederation Era. Fast forward to today and this historic building just three blocks from Parliament Hill is now home to a selection of well-furnished and oh-so-comfortable rooms and suites.
Choose a suite and you’ll feel like you’re staying in your own downtown pad. There’s a roomy lounge for Netflix, hardwood floors, and comfy roll-around rugs. The desk area is well-lit for working and some suites even offer a fully fitted kitchenette for longer stays. Just dial up room service from one of the neighbouring restaurants if cooking’s not quite your thing.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest details, rates, and reservations, visit The Metcalfe Hotel
Swiss Hotel
Fancy a romantic staycation this weekend? Then head to the historic family-owned Swiss Hotel, one of the best boutique hotels in Ottawa. With just 22 intimate rooms and suites, we recommend hunkering down in the lavish Spa Suite, ordering room service or takeout, and indulging yourselves for 48 hours.
With romance in mind, the colour palette of earthy relaxation and eye-popping red is a welcome retreat from the stresses of today’s world. Hop in the jacuzzi bath with a bottle of bubbly and the night – or, indeed, the day – is yours. Breakfast can be enjoyed on the summer terrace season permitting, while eggs and muffins can be savoured by the fireplace in winter.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest details, and reservations, visit Swiss Hotel
Alt Hotel Ottawa
Alt Hotel Ottawa enjoys a prime location on Slater Street in the now-buzzy business district of Ottawa. Surrounded by galleries, shops, and restaurants, this 148-room boutique-style hotel offers guests free Wi-Fi, a mat for yoga bunnies, a Nespresso machine, and a free 24-hour gym to work off all those pancakes and maple syrup.
Talking of which, the Alt’s very own Altcetera Café is open around the clock for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It also mixes up some great welcome cocktails and coffees. Simply and smartly furnished, the 300ft sq. ft 2-bedroom room here is perfect for couples, friends, and families to spread out, and even has its own work area to catch up on emails or Zoom meets.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest details, rates, and reservations, visit Alt Hotel Ottawa
ByWard Blue Inn
Book your views over Ottawa’s famous ByWard Market district with a stay at the boutique hotel ByWard Blue Inn. Superbly located with comfortable lobby space, most of the rooms here overlook the ByWard Heritage District from this quiet side street and enjoy their own private balconies.
Choose from a king or queen bed and enjoy a selection of take-out meals from the hotel restaurant. Alternatively, make an evening of it here at the Norca restaurant and bar before a stroll along the Rideau Canal. You’re only a hop, skip, and jump from the Parliament Building, the National Gallery of Canada and super craft brewery tours with Brew Donkey Tours.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest details, rates, and reservations, visit ByWard Blue Inn
Cartier Place Suite Hotel
Suite dreams are made of this… if you stay in the two-story penthouse at the Cartier Place Suite Hotel. Start your stay in style, looking out on city views from your suite’s smart terrace and sipping something sparkling. With sufficient space for large families or a group of friends, there are two bedrooms: one with a king, the other has a large queen bed.
Set the party scene with leather sofas, a real gas fireplace and a dining table for eight. Order food from one of the many great restaurants in the neighborhood and you’re fixed. Perfect for families or friends, Cartier Place Suite Hotel is your perfect boutique Ottawa hotel home-from-home in the heart of downtown.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest details, rates, and reservations, visit Cartier Place Suite Hotel
Le Germain Hotel Ottawa
Ottawa hotels downtown don’t come much better than the impressive Le Germain Ottawa. Blessed with in-house restaurant Norca, dishes here are the imagination of head chef Dominique Dufour. It’s on the second floor adjacent to the bar which serves up the best aperitifs before hitting the town.
You’re only a few streets from ByWard Market here, as well as the Rideau Canal and Ottawa University. And if you don’t fancy exploring on foot, then book the hotel’s courtesy Lexus which will ferry you around town. If you’re looking for space to spread out then book the Prestige Suite with its engineered wood floors, funky murals, and an industrial vibe. Linger long between luxurious Frette sheets with your Nespresso the following morning and breathe…
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest details, rates, and reservations, visit Le Germain Hotel Ottawa
Other Great Places to Stay in Ottawa Ontario
Ottawa offers many great accommodation options for those who want to enjoy a quality stay while in Canada’s capital city.
In addition to the first-class unique and boutique Ottawa hotels listed above, be sure to check out these other stories for ideas and inspiration. From ritzy rooms overlooking Canada’s Parliament Building to chic suites close to the top attractions in Ottawa, you’ll find somewhere great to lay your head.
Capital Chic: The Best Luxury Hotels in Ottawa for 2023
The Best Byward Market Hotels for a Luxury Ottawa Stay
Stay Central @ The Best Luxury Hotels in Downtown Ottawa
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Contributor Gina Baksa focuses on worldwide luxury travel and real estate, hospitality, celebrity interviews, supercars, spas, property, and restaurants. Find out more at https://ginabaksa.journoportfolio.com.
