Photo courtesy Fairmont Chateau Laurier
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Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, a romantic tryst, or even a longer family vacation in the nation’s capital, Downtown Ottawa makes for an exceptional location for your well-deserved retreat. And you’ll be pleased to hear that securing top-notch accommodations in proximity to the city’s best attractions, close to the sort of things tourists like to do, isn’t all that much of a challenge as there’s simply so much choice.
Best of all, downtown Ottawa is a hotbed of fantastic hotel deals. Here you’ll find everything from top-tier hotels from some of the world’s leading luxury brands to intimate unique and boutique hotels, each offering unmatched quality stays in comfy rooms and suites.
Staying in the heart of Ottawa also opens up access to the Rideau Canal. This historic waterway separates the downtown area from the always-bustling ByWard Market, itself a wonderful place to stay in Ottawa, and is famous in winter when it transforms into the world’s longest skating rink.
Regardless of the season you visit, be sure to check out our list of the best luxury hotels in downtown Ottawa for ideas and inspiration.
Stay in the Best Luxury Hotels in Downtown Ottawa
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
When it comes to choosing luxury hotels in Ottawa, few can match the unique experience offered by the historic Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Established in 1912, this 4-star gem is nestled in downtown Ottawa and continues to attract a diverse clientele, from the country’s political and economic elite to celebrities… and, of course, those of us who enjoy the occasional luxury splurge.
Designed in the style of a European chateau, this architectural marvel houses a range of refined rooms and suites, each superbly appointed with upscale furnishings. Every accommodation, from its standard rooms to its opulent penthouse suite, offers first-rate amenities including spacious bathrooms with plush robes, deluxe bedding with hypoallergenic pillows, kettles, coffee makers… and superb views of the city and the Ottawa River.
Upscale amenities include elegant lounges, world-class on-site dining, a large heated indoor swimming pool, and a fitness area. Able to upgrade? Opting for a Club level suite grants access to a luxurious lounge area where you can enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages.
Spa and concierge services are also at your disposal, and the hotel’s proximity to the Rideau Canal and Parliament Buildings makes it one of the very best Ottawa hotels downtown.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the lowdown on what is undoubtedly one of the very best luxury hotels in downtown Ottawa, visit Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
The Westin Ottawa
Located centrally in downtown Ottawa, The Westin Ottawa is well worth adding to your list of potential stays. Situated just a short distance from Byward Market and the Parliament area, this 4-star luxury hotel provides a variety of top-tier amenities such as a business center, full-service spa, and a well-equipped fitness center.
Additional facilities consist of an indoor swimming pool and on-site dining options including a stylish fine-dining restaurant, a casual eatery, and in-room dining. A café is also available, and the hotel’s concierge desk can aid in securing reservations at any of Ottawa’s top restaurants.
Rooms at this plush hotel include standard features such as spacious marble bathrooms and deluxe mattresses. Fancy an upgrade? The hotel’s Executive Suites treat you to floor-to-ceiling windows with views over Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill, along with larger living areas equipped with a sofa, chairs, and a writing desk. Pet-friendly rooms are also available.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest reviews, rates, and to make reservations, visit The Westin Ottawa
ARC THE HOTEL
As one of the newest boutique hotels in Ottawa, the trendy 4-star ARC THE HOTEL offers a stylish stay in the capital. The hotel houses 112 chic rooms and suites, each adorned with captivating artwork and vibrant décor.
Look into booking one of the larger suites for extra space to relax. Regardless of the room size, however, you can expect standard features like HDTVs, safes, Keurig coffee and tea machines, mini-fridges, work desks, and comfortable bathrobes and slippers. Pet-friendly rooms are available as well.
In addition to a soothing spa offering in-room services, the hotel provides ample meeting space, a large lobby area with a genuine fireplace, an in-house restaurant, a fitness center, a business center, and concierge services. Free fruit snacks, drinks, and valet parking add an extra touch of hospitality.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest details including tips and tactics, as well as rates and reservations, visit ARC THE HOTEL
Ottawa Marriott Hotel
Representing one of the world’s leading luxury hotel brands, the Ottawa Marriott Hotel, located in the heart of the city, offers a variety of standard rooms and suite-style accommodations. At this elegant 4-star hotel you’ll enjoy free high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable pillow-top bedding, as well as large bathrooms with separate showers. Keurig coffee machines are also provided.
Rooms here feature floor-to-ceiling windows, bright modern décor, and quality furnishings. A selection of larger suites come with full kitchens, perfect for those traveling with children, and offer access to kids’ programs, including free use of water toys at the pool.
Amenities at the Marriot Ottawa include a Starbucks, a casual restaurant, a large indoor swimming pool, and a well-equipped fitness center. The hotel also provides a business center and meeting/function space for guests.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: To find out more, visit Ottawa Marriott Hotel
Lord Elgin Hotel
Recently extensively renovated, the 4-star Lord Elgin Hotel is a popular luxury destination in downtown Ottawa. This plush hotel offers an intimate setting for couples seeking a romantic retreat.
The rooms, adorned with high-end décor and furnishings, ensure a serene ambiance and restful sleep, with luxurious mattresses and linens. Whether you book a standard room or one of the larger suites, you’ll enjoy splendid city views from large windows.
The hotel also boasts a large lobby with quiet spots for couples to unwind, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, and a lap pool with a nearby hot tub.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest news and reviews, as well as rates and reservations, visit Lord Elgin Hotel
Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre
The 4-star Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre is one of the larger hotels in Canada’s capital. Originally built in 1967 and modified and refurbished many times since, the hotel’s luxury accommodations feature plush bedding and floor-to-ceiling windows with great city views. Bright with pleasant neutral tones accented with touches of colour, each room also features modern furnishings and comfortable beds.
It’s always worth upgrading to a larger unit if you can swing it. The hotel’s larger suites offer more space with separate living areas, upgraded amenities, and additional perks like access to the Club Lounge, an exclusive retreat offering complimentary breakfasts, evening hors d’oeuvres, and beverages.
Hotel amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center equipped with the latest cardio and strength-training equipment, an indoor pool, and on-site food and drink dining options
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For reviews and the latest, and to make reservations, visit Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre.
Alt Hotel Ottawa
Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa’s developing business sector, the 3-star Alt Hotel Ottawa offers a unique blend of European-style accommodations to discerning travelers. A feast for art lovers, the hotel displays modern art in communal spaces and comfortable, well-equipped rooms and suites. Notable room features include Egyptian cotton linens, feathered duvets, Italian-designed furnishings, and spa-style shower bathrooms.
Tech-savvy guests will appreciate the flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. A 24-hour eatery serves fresh food, drinks, and unexpected treats, adding to the hotel’s distinct allure.
LuxuryOntario Recommends: For the latest rates, reviews, and to make reservations, visit Alt Hotel Ottawa
LuxuryOntario Recommends: Enjoy an Ottawa Vacation
Heading to the nation’s capital and on the hunt for great ideas? Be sure to take a look at the following articles for even more inspiration related to other fabulous places to stay in Ottawa:
Stay Central @ The Best Luxury Hotels in Downtown Ottawa
Capital Chic: The Best Luxury Hotels in Ottawa for 2023
The Best Unique & Boutique Hotels in Ottawa
For more info about other fun things to do in Ottawa, including events, festivals, museums, and attractions, check out the official Ottawa Tourism website here.
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Kim Kerr is a luxury lifestyles writer and Co-Founder of Riley International Media.
