The Best Unique & Boutique Hotels in Ottawa

Photo courtesy Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market

Ottawa Canada offers no end of enticing accommodation options. Contributor Gina Baksa shares our list of the very best unique and boutique hotels in Ottawa

Updated Oct. 21, 2022  / Commissions may be earned from our affiliate 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 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 our list of our favourite unique and boutique hotels in Ottawa.  

The Top 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 Canada’s oldest farmer’s market selling local artisanal produce. This area is buzzing with attractions and 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 + Revel’s with cuisine from Executive Chef Stephen la Salle at this 16th floor rooftop lounge and restaurant.

And for sleeps? Choose the 1,496 sq ft Presidential Suite with its deep-soak tub, private entrance and outdoor terrace and invigorating rainfall shower.

Rates & Reservations: Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market 

ARC THE. HOTEL Ottawa

Minimalist design aesthetics alongside luxurious amenities are the hallmark 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.

Rates & Reservations: 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.

Rates & Reservations: 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.

Rates & Reservations: 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, order room service or a takeout and indulge 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.

Rates & Reservations: 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.

Rates & Reservations: 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 a 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 her at the Norca restaurant and bar before a stroll along the Rideau Canal. You’re only a hop, skip and a jump from the Parliament Building, the National Gallery of Canada and super craft brewery tours with Brew Donkey Tours.

Rates & Reservations: 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 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 in from one of the many great restaurants in the neighbourhood and you’re fixed. Perfect for families or friends, Carier Place Suite Hotel is your perfect boutique Ottawa hotel home-from-home in the heart of downtown.

Rates & Reservations: 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 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…

Rates & Reservations: 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 our list of the top luxury hotels in Ottawa, too. 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.

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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.