Ranked by location, service and value — from luxury down to hostels. Every property real and bookable.
If Toronto feels like too much, Ottawa is the one a lot of friends quietly prefer — Canada's capital, calmer and far more walkable. The best hotels cluster around Downtown/Parliament Hill and ByWard Market (food and nightlife), an easy walk from the Rideau Canal (a World Heritage Site) and the major national museums.
We rank by service, location and value — from the castle-like Fairmont Chateau Laurier down to the quirky Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel set in a former prison (yes, you actually sleep in an old cell). All are real and bookable. Prices are approximate starting rates, and real talk: they climb in summer and during Winterlude and the Tulip Festival, so book ahead to save.
Ranked overall by service level, location and value · prices are approximate starting rates that vary by season and demand.
Picture staying in a French-chateau castle right on the Rideau Canal next to Parliament Hill — it's the city's most photogenic landmark. Honestly, classic luxury rooms like these are a once-and-you're-hooked stay, perfect if you want both location and history.
If you want a central spot without paying castle prices, this is the one we'd point a friend to. A 1941 classic across from Confederation Park, a walk from Parliament and the Rideau Canal — good service at a sensible price, genuinely good value.
If you like heading out for food and drinks at night, you'll love this spot — Hyatt's lifestyle boutique in the heart of ByWard Market, with restaurants right out the door and a chill rooftop bar with city views, a short walk from Parliament.
A luxury resort in the Kanata tech district with golf, spa and pool — great if you don't need to be downtown or have a car.
Modern design at a reliably good price, beside Lansdowne Park and TD Place in the hip Glebe neighbourhood.
An international chain hotel centrally located near the Rideau Centre and ByWard Market — solid rooms, good for families.
Suites with kitchens, great for longer stays or families, downtown and walkable to Parliament — good value for the space.
A small, warm inn in the heart of ByWard Market, well priced and walkable to the restaurants and the market — good for couples or independent travellers.
A B&B in a 1901 Victorian house in Sandy Hill, with a homely feel and homemade breakfast, walkable to ByWard.
A hostel set in the former Carleton County Gaol (1862) — sleep in the old cells, join a ghost tour, all in a central location. Wonderfully unique.
Approximate starting rates — always confirm with the hotel/platform before booking.
| Hotel | Area | Tier | From/night |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Fairmont Chateau Laurier | Downtown / Canal | Iconic Grand 5★ | ~CAD 340 (฿8,840) |
| 2. Lord Elgin Hotel | Downtown | Heritage 4★ | ~CAD 230 (฿5,980) |
| 3. Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market | ByWard Market | Upscale 4★ | ~CAD 260 (฿6,760) |
| 4. Brookstreet Hotel | Kanata | Resort 4★ | ~CAD 250 (฿6,500) |
| 5. Alt Hotel Ottawa | Glebe / Lansdowne | Design 3★ | ~CAD 190 (฿4,940) |
| 6. Novotel Ottawa City Centre | Downtown / Rideau | Upscale 4★ | ~CAD 180 (฿4,680) |
| 7. Albert at Bay Suite Hotel | Downtown | Suites 3★ | ~CAD 170 (฿4,420) |
| 8. ByWard Blue Inn | ByWard Market | Boutique 3★ | ~CAD 150 (฿3,900) |
| 9. Auberge The King Edward B&B | Sandy Hill | B&B | ~CAD 160 (฿4,160) |
| 10. Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel | Downtown / Nicholas | Hostel | ~CAD 45 (฿1,170) |
Friend-to-friend — check these before you book, especially if you're visiting during a festival price spike.
Always compare Agoda, Booking.com and Trip.com before you book — prices can differ a lot by date.