Where to Stay in Ottawa, Ontario: 4 Best Areas & Hotels

Planning a trip to Ottawa and looking for where to stay? You’ve come to the right place.

Ottawa blends historic landmarks, outdoor adventure, and modern city life all in one destination. From some of the best ice-skating to castle-like buildings, plus tech parks, nightlife, and shopping, you’ll find it all here. 

There’s no right or wrong area, but it definitely helps to know what each neighborhood is like before booking. Some hotels put you steps from Parliament Hill, while others are better for quieter streets, local markets, parks, and dining.

That’s exactly why we made this guide, based on our own trips around Ottawa, covering the 4 best areas and the hotels we’d actually stay in. Let’s get into it!

Overview of the Best Areas to Stay in Ottawa 

Ottawa is pretty big, but to our surprise, it was easier to explore than we expected for a capital city. At first, it might seem overwhelming figuring out where to go and what to do, especially with all the museums, markets, shopping centers, and castle-like architecture, but after just a day here, it’s no hassle finding your way.

Downtown Ottawa is probably the easiest area for first-timers since it’s very walkable, and you can check off most of the sights here without needing transport. Meanwhile, ByWard Market is a busier part of the city where people go for food, shops, socializing in bars and pubs, and great nightlife.

Then you’ve got Centretown, which gives you more of the historic side with Victorian houses and generally quieter streets for casual strolls through the parks or catching up with friends at cafés. If you’re visiting for a hockey game, concert, shopping trip, or family vacation, Kanata makes a pretty good base too, although you’ll need some kind of transport to travel to and from the city center. Getting around the capital is easy thanks to the O-Train, buses, Uber, and Lyft.

• Downtown Ottawa –Best for first-time visitors – Unlike other city centers with skyscrapers and modern towering skylines, downtown Ottawa feels more historic, with castle-like architecture and streets lined with museums, malls, and the Rideau Canal right there for skating in winter. Our favorite stay in the area is Lord Elgin Hotel, which truly matches the vibe with its cozy fireside library and Canadian comfort classics. 

• ByWard Market – Best for food & nightlife – This has been the capital’s busiest and most lively area ever since the city was founded, so you’ll find a bit of everything here, from local landmarks and flower stalls to casual diners, bars, and nightlife, though parts of it can feel a little rough at night. We picked Le Germain Hotel Ottawa here because we really liked the artsy interiors, the connection to the Ottawa Art Gallery, and its upscale restaurant serving proper Canadian food. 

• Centretown – Best for a local, yet convenient stay – If you prefer historic houses and a more local feel, this area makes a great base with loads of food spots, shopping, and long walks through the parks. Cartier Place Suite Hotel is a great family pick here, with spacious suites, an indoor pool, parking space, and a children’s playroom, plus it’s super pet-friendly, so everyone can tag along. 

• Kanata – Best for families & hockey fans – This is Ottawa’s tech hub, but it’s also home to a hockey arena and a concert venue, shopping centers, budget-friendly hotels, and lots to do, whether you’re here for work, family, vacation, or a game. We really like Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kanata Ottawa West here, because it’s still fairly new, has a nice indoor pool, free breakfast, and a great location.

Where to Stay in Ottawa

Downtown Ottawa

BEST FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS

Pros 

• Everything you need is within an easy walk
• Easy access to the underground O-Train (LRT)
• Home to historic architecture, museums, monuments, and many landmarks

Cons

• It can feel quiet after working hours
• Lacks nightlife
• Parking can be very expensive

Downtown Ottawa is the capital’s most convenient and central area and definitely the best choice for first-timers. A stay here puts you steps from major landmarks, including Parliament Hill and the Rideau Canal, the world’s biggest naturally frozen ice-skating rink. Then you’ve got the National Arts Centre, plus museums like the National Gallery of Canada, all worth checking out (trust us!). 

Walking around here was the highlight of our days; you pass a mix of government buildings, historic spots, upscale hotels, and large malls all within the same few streets, but it gets pretty quiet after business hours. And that’s all right, as you’ve got easy transit access to the rest of the city!

You may or may not notice it at first, but you won’t see many skyscrapers here, and that’s because of laws protecting the views around Parliament Hill, as it must stay the tallest in the skyline. 

But it’s precisely the old, castle-like architecture that we love most about this area, as it’s filled with stories (and yes, there are ghost ones too). Overall, downtown Ottawa is great for travelers who want to stay close to the main sights and explore the best parts of the capital without needing a car. 

Fairmont Chateau Laurier – $$$ 

Fairmont Chateau Laurier easily turns your stay into a fairytale because not only does it look like a castle, but everything inside makes you feel like royalty for the day, from the staff and the six different dining spots to the high afternoon tea and grand interiors. No wonder guests here included King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II, and Princess Diana of Wales.

What makes it more fun is that it’s been home to lots of prime ministers through the years, too. Also, the views are really something, with many rooms looking directly onto Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River. And if you want to relax, there’s that too, with an Art Deco heated indoor pool and a Health Club lounge. 

Seriously, you don’t feel like a tourist here, but more like a VIP the entire time. Expect to pay around $240+ CAD per night, which isn’t bad considering the level of luxury here.

The Westin Ottawa is a great backup if Fairmont Chateau Laurier is sold out, but it’s more wellness-focused with an indoor pool, hot tub, squash courts, plus direct access to the CF Rideau Centre shopping mall and the Rogers Centre Ottawa. It’s super central, right on the banks of the Rideau Canal and Rideau Canal Skateway, so it’s perfect for a winter getaway.

If you’re after plain comfort and convenience, Delta Hotels by Marriott Ottawa City Centre is a great choice, located right above the underground Lyon LRT Station, so the rest of the city is within easy reach. You also get a Tim Hortons here and an indoor saltwater pool, little comforts we don’t think we need until we do.

Lord Elgin Hotel – $$ 

If you love historic stays just as much as we do, Lord Elgin Hotel is a very easy choice. In fact, this was our first pick in Ottawa, and we’d book it again without thinking twice. It’s super central, sitting directly across from Confederation Park and the National Arts Centre, so you’ve got both the business district and historic spots within easy reach, plus the parks and cycling paths along the Rideau Canal. 

This place attracts all sorts of visitors, and the fact that it won’t break the bank either definitely helps. Inside, it’s nicely renovated, with spacious rooms, a gift shop, a lap pool, plus there’s a Starbucks attached if that’s more your thing. We especially love the library in the lobby; the fireplace here makes a pretty great spot to curl up on a cold night. 

Prices here typically range from $200 to $450+ CAD per night. 

Another of our favorite stays in the area is the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel, which comes with an indoor pool, plus a game room and cocktail bar for socializing. Since it’s just a quick walk from the underground Parliament LRT Station, you can explore the rest of the city whenever you want. 

Metcalfe Hotel Ottawa by Gray Collection is a great choice if you’re after something more stylish, with a huge 5-story glass atrium with bookshelves, a café, a bar, and lots of comfy seating, so be ready to spend more time here than in your room (which is not a bad thing at all). From here, the Parliament Hill, Confederation Park, the National Arts Centre, and the Parliament LRT Station are mere steps away. 

The Arlo, BW Signature Collection – $ 

The Arlo, BW Signature Collection is a no-brainer if you like having more space and the option to cook your own meals now and then. The apartments come with fully equipped kitchens, which makes this place ideal for families, longer stays, and anyone trying to save some money on food. There’s also a playroom with air hockey and foosball, plus a nice co-working space.

Moreover, you get free breakfast if you don’t feel like cooking, whether you eat there or want to take it to go. One thing you’ll really love (especially if you’re staying longer) is the 24-hour self-service laundry room, something you don’t usually see in hotels in the area.

Staying here puts you right in downtown Ottawa, near Queen St. Fare, an indoor food hall you definitely need to check out while you’re there. Prices start at around $200+ CAD per night.

Arc The Hotel is another great choice in the same area, just around the corner from the Parliament LRT Station. You’ve got the ARC Lounge here for all-day dining, a modern gym, plus paid onsite parking (just make sure to book ahead if you really need a spot). 

We also love Alt Hotel Ottawa Downtown, and although it’s modern, much of the design uses recycled materials, plus there’s a café that’s also a traditional restaurant, a 24-hour snack place, and later at night, an absolutely lovely spot for cocktails. With a location near Parliament Hill and the edge of the Rideau Canal, exploring the city never feels like a hassle. 

ByWard Market

BEST FOR FOOD & NIGHTLIFE

Pros 

• You can walk to most landmarks and popular spots
• A mix of dining, from casual bistros to fancy restaurants
• You can choose from ultra-modern stays to intimate historic inns
• Rideau LRT (Light Rail) Station is right here

Cons

• It can get loud on weekend nights
• Street parking is restricted, and hotel parking can be expensive
• Some parts of the area can feel a bit rough at night 

ByWard Market is Ottawa’s historic entertainment district, packed with restaurants, cocktail bars, patios, cafés, galleries, and one of Canada’s oldest public markets. As soon as spring arrives, this is where everyone comes back outside, with flower vendors and farmers coloring the landscape with seasonal products, while patio bars open their terraces again…it’s just a good place to be after Ottawa’s long winters.

The market dates back to the 1820s, so almost as old as the city itself. It was built by Lieutenant-Colonel John By for the workers and settlers building the Rideau Canal. This was once the most vibrant part of the capital, and although it changed quite a bit after COVID, it’s still one of the busiest areas in the city with loads of attractions nearby.

People like to come here for the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, the National Gallery of Canada, the scenic walks along the Ottawa River, or just looking for somewhere good to eat. It’s historic and homey with local landmarks, while at the same time, there’s still a lot of construction going on, mostly high-rises. We think that this area is ideal for younger travelers, couples, and food lovers who want energy, nightlife, and plenty of dining options right outside their hotel. 

AC Hotel by Marriott Ottawa Downtown – $$$ 

AC Hotel by Marriott Ottawa Downtown opened in April 2025, so everything still feels fresh, modern, and clean, especially your room. The location is super convenient too, right beside the ByWard Market and around a 10-minute walk from Parliament Hill, so sightseeing and dinner don’t require much planning. There’s also underground parking; just make sure to check they still have spots available for your dates when you book.

The hotel doesn’t lack relaxing spots either, with a heated indoor pool, bar, sauna, and fitness center, basically everything you need after walking around Ottawa all day. We especially want to give a shoutout to the food here because, unlike many hotels serving standard American dishes, this place actually has plenty of Spanish food and tapas, which we absolutely love.

Prices usually start at around $240 CAD+ per night, depending on the room and travel dates.

If AC Hotel by Marriott Ottawa Downtown is fully booked, Andaz Ottawa Byward Market, By Hyatt is right nearby, with a rooftop lounge overlooking Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River, plus a more upscale restaurant serving Canadian food. Staying here puts you right inside the historic market area, so you’re basically surrounded by all the good spots.

Le Germain Hotel Ottawa – $$

If you don’t want to sacrifice comfort and style for money, Le Germain Hotel Ottawa is a great mid-range stay for both family trips and couples vacations. What mostly makes it stand out is that it shares space with the Ottawa Art Gallery expansion, so it feels unique from the start.  It’s especially handy if you like art since you’ve got super easy access to it.

The rooms are modern and bright, exactly what you’d expect from a Germain hotel, with heated bathroom floors and massive floor-to-ceiling glass in some corner rooms, so imagine the views you wake up and go to sleep with. From here, it’s an easy walk to the Rideau Canal and into the heart of ByWard Market Square. 

Expect to pay around CAD $230+ per night, with some rooms including breakfast.

Another of our absolute favorites here is DoubleTree by Hilton Ottawa Downtown, with a little more history behind it, a famous restaurant, and a large indoor pool. Location-wise, it shares the same block as the CF Rideau Centre mall, so you can walk right out of the lobby and straight into the mall complex, plus even more conveniently, there’s indoor access to the Rideau LRT Station. 

Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa Downtown is a great, slightly cheaper alternative, with an indoor pool and a bistro serving Starbucks coffee, which makes it great for family stays (and not just because of the Starbucks coffee). This is a 4-story building in the historic ByWard Market district, so you step right out of the hotel doors into the busy daily life of food vendors and cafes. 

ByWard Blue Inn – $ 

Ottawa can be expensive, but ByWard Blue Inn makes it easy to enjoy your visit without spending all your money. This inn is the total opposite of the high-rise buildings in the area, so it’s best if you appreciate a more intimate and warm atmosphere. You get a private balcony, and rooms face either a historic church or the city skyline; either way, good views are guaranteed.

Some rooms come with kitchenettes, which are ideal for longer stays. There’s also a fireplace in the lounge that adds to the afternoon tea atmosphere, and a garden space for morning coffee outside. 

Even better, you’re on a quieter edge of the street, with the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica right behind and the National Gallery of Canada within a quick walk. Nightly rates start at around CAD $150+, with a delicious breakfast included in the price.

For something similar in comfort but slightly bigger Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Ottawa East by IHG is a solid option, with an indoor pool and a rooftop terrace with views. It might be a little further from the ByWard Market area (about a 10-minute walk), yet the area still feels urban and busy without getting in your way. 

Swiss Hotel is on the smaller side but a great European-style, adults-only B&B set inside a 19th-century red brick property. From here, you’re just a short walk from the Ottawa Art Gallery and the buzz of the ByWard Market area. 

Centretown 

BEST FOR A LOCAL, YET CONVENIENT STAY 

Pros 

• Getting around is easy on foot
• A mix of dining spots along Elgin Street
• Streets lined with Victorian houses, so the area feels historic
• Most accommodation includes spacious and fully equipped apartments

Cons

• Parking can be limited and very expensive
• It can feel super quiet after 5 pm
• City center noise can get a bit overwhelming sometimes

Centretown offers a more residential and relaxed feel while still being close to downtown attractions, which is why we ended up liking it so much (and pretty sure you will too!). Back in the 19th century, this area was called Upper Bytown and mostly housed civil servants working around Parliament Hill after Ottawa became the capital.

As many as 40 blocks here are protected and can’t be replaced by modern high-rises, which we think is great because the neighborhood gets to keep its historic charm with brick architecture, Victorian, and Edwardian houses.

Here, you can spend time in the Bank of Canada Museum, then check out the murals along Bank Street before heading to Elgin Street for restaurants, lively Irish pubs, and cafés. Staying here also makes it easy to reach Confederation Park, the Rideau Canal, and Parliament Hill while enjoying slightly quieter streets and usually cheaper hotel prices, too. 

Don’t miss Dundonald Park and Jack Purcell Park for monuments and public artwork, and the Canadian Museum of Nature will be super fun for kids with their Arctic fossils and polar bear exhibits. That said, we think this neighborhood works best for business travelers, longer-stay visitors, remote workers, and anyone wanting a central location without all the tourist crowds. 

LIV Extended Stay – $$$ 

If you want to tell your friends back home you just stayed at one of the coolest places in the capital, LIV Extended Stay will surely help your case. You will love it because it’s an apartment instead of just a room, and actually cheaper too, so definitely more bang for your buck.

Here you’ve got anything from fully equipped kitchens, laundry rooms, work desks, and seating areas, basically all the comforts you need for a longer stay. The rooftop is something else too, with fire pits, colorful lounge seating, and a hot tub, plus there’s a clubhouse with pool tables and even a private movie theater.

Staying here also gives you easy walking access to Chinatown and the Pimisi O-Train Station, which gets you downtown in less than 5 minutes. Prices start at around $160 CAD per night but can easily triple during peak season.

Cartier Place Suite Hotel – $$

Cartier Place Suite Hotel is a great option if you’re looking for apartments with kitchens, plus this one comes cheaper than many nearby stays. It’s family-owned, so you feel the homey atmosphere from the moment you walk in. It’s not the modern stylish hotel you might be used to, but it’s spacious, clean, and quiet, with plenty of extras (all you need if you ask us!).

If you can splurge, the penthouse with a rooftop patio is not a bad idea, or the VIP suites with jacuzzis. Really, there’s a bit of everything for everyone here, from a large indoor pool, private garden patio, children’s playground, and even indoor games rooms for rainy days.

Prices start at around $150 CAD for a spacious studio suite and around $200 CAD for two-bedroom apartments, depending on the season, which is great for all the perks that come with it. 

The Business Inn – $  

If you want a comfortable stay without overspending, The Business Inn makes an easy pick. We love it because it combines comfort and work, with spacious suites, kitchens, work desks, plus even a computer and printer, so if you’ve got work to finish while on vacation, it can’t get much easier than this.

And like that’s not enough, you also get lots of free perks, including a delicious breakfast, 24/7 laundry facilities, and a gym you can use around the clock. If you’re driving, you’ll appreciate the indoor and outdoor parking, although it’s available on a first-come, first-served basis for CAD $35 + tax per night. There’s also a sports bar with pool tables for some extra fun!

It sits right on the corner of Elgin Street, which means dining and sights like Parliament Hill are just a short walk away. Prices here start at just $130 CAD per night.

If The Business Inn is fully booked, Ottawa Embassy Hotel & Suites is a great backup, especially because the layouts feel more like condo apartments than hotel rooms, plus it’s pet-friendly, and kids under 16 stay free. It sits directly behind Ottawa City Hall and just steps from Elgin Street, so finding a good place to eat is quick and easy. 

Kanata 

BEST FOR FAMILIES & HOCKEY FANS

Pros 

• Home to the Canadian Tire Centre, 500 tech companies, and massive retail shopping
• A variety of budget-friendly stays
• More family-friendly suburban vibe
• Lots of parks and walking trails

Cons

• It’s pretty far from downtown
• Limited nightlife
• Traffic can get bad during matches or concerts
• It lacks the historic charm of Centretown

Kanata in the 19th century was mostly forest and farmland, which makes it pretty crazy to see what it’s turned into today. It was even its own independent city for 23 years! Now, it’s a modern suburban district about 22 km (around 14 miles) west of downtown Ottawa known for shopping centers, green spaces, family-friendly hotels, and the Canadian Tire Centre, home of the Ottawa Senators. 

Since it’s home to more than 500 tech companies, people also call it “Silicon Valley North.” And while it’s farther from Ottawa’s city center, you still get easy access to Tanger Outlets Ottawa, golf courses, and business parks. There are also parks, playgrounds, walking and biking trails, plus sports bars and pubs, though overall it’s definitely quieter than downtown Ottawa. 

So if you don’t mind the ride into the city center, there’s plenty to do here. Best of all, there’s a huge mix of budget hotels, and many are designed for longer stays with spacious apartments, indoor pools, free breakfast, and free parking. We think this area is great for travelers going to concerts or hockey games, visiting family, or just wanting a quieter and more spacious stay with hassle-free parking.

Homewood Suites By Hilton Ottawa Kanata – $$ 

Homewood Suites By Hilton Ottawa Kanata offers a modern and comfortable stay and is a bit removed from the city center, so it’s probably the best choice if you have a tournament to attend or you’re a huge hockey fan wanting to catch a match at the Canadian Tire Centre.

The place is fairly new (built in 2018) and comes with spacious studios and up to two-bedroom apartments with kitchens, so it works really well for longer stays. There’s more! You get free breakfast if you’re not too keen on cooking, plus a social hour from Monday through Thursday evenings with snacks and drinks. During the day, you can use the outdoor BBQ area, and at night, relax in the indoor pool (fun, right?).

The free parking also helps a lot (unlike the expensive downtown ones), plus there are electric vehicle charging stations too. Prices start at just $150 CAD.

Wingate by Wyndham Kanata West Ottawa is a great modern alternative with spacious rooms, free breakfast, a great pool, and it’s pet-friendly too. The location is another strong feature, right on the edge of the Tanger Outlets Ottawa parking lot and just minutes from the Canadian Tire Centre. 

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kanata Ottawa West – $$ 

Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Kanata Ottawa West opened in 2022, which means everything still feels new and clean. It comes with studio suites and small kitchenettes, so you’ve got pretty much everything you need. There’s free breakfast and an indoor pool too, and at night, the lounge is a lovely place for cocktails and snacks.

If you’re driving, the free parking is always helpful, and the hotel is pet-friendly too, so families and pet owners will definitely love it here. Fair warning, though, it can get noisy when there’s a game at the nearby Bell Sensplex sports complex, but that’s hardly a bother.

Another nice bonus is that it’s attached to Tanger Outlets Ottawa, so shopping is right outside the door. Prices start at around CAD $170 per night.

GLō Best Western Kanata Ottawa West is another stay we like here, because it’s a nice change from the standard lookalike hotel designs, with energetic interiors and tech-savvy spaces, plus free breakfast and parking. From here, you can walk to the Kanata Centrum Shopping Centre, while the Canadian Tire Centre and Bell Sensplex are just a short ride away. 

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ottawa Kanata – $

TownePlace Suites by Marriott Ottawa Kanata makes family trips and longer stays a lot more comfortable thanks to its spacious apartments. Full kitchens, workstations, living areas, and relaxing spots…it’s as close to home as possible.

You get tons of perks with your stay, including a free American breakfast and free parking. If you love your barbecue, you can easily fire up the grill on the outdoor patio and make it a picnic if you want. Moreover, there’s an indoor pool to unwind and a gym to get your workout in. 

The pet-friendly policy and children up to 11 staying free definitely help too. Another plus is that you’re close to Robert Gray Park and just minutes from the Kanata North Business Park. Prices start at around CAD $160 per night, a bargain if you ask us!

Related Read: Not sure what to pack for Canada’s changing weather? Check out our complete Canada packing guide before your trip.

Top Activities to do in Ottawa

Now that you’ve found the perfect base for your Ottawa trip, it’s time to plan your days. Luckily, the capital has no shortage of fun things to see and do, and with so many great tours on offer, the only issue will be choosing which one. Here are our suggestions: 

• Explore Ottawa on two wheels – Ottawa is already pretty walkable, but seeing the city by bike is even more fun. This small-group bicycle tour takes you around lots of sights, and it’s suitable for all ages and skill levels, so the whole family can join in. 

• Get ready to have your bones rattled – If you’ve been dying to hear all the ghost stories tied to the capital, now’s your chance. This guided haunted walking tour is all about spooky sites and creepy stories for an hour straight. 

• Raft down the Ottawa River – Are you the type who loves nature, or more specifically, outdoor adventures? If you answered yes, this full-day rafting tour on the Ottawa River is a pretty fun way to spend time here, with a small group and lunch included. 

• See Ottawa by land and water – You might be used to double-decker tour buses, but this is something else. If you’re short on time, this one-hour amphibus tour is such a fun way to see the best of Ottawa for both kids and adults. 

• Discover the secrets of the Château Laurier Hotel – If you can’t splurge on a stay at this fairytale-like hotel, this tour is the closest you’ll get. We loved exploring all the hidden corners, passageways, grand ballrooms, and all the history on this 75-minute guided behind-the-scenes tour through one of the most beautiful landmarks in the capital. 

Thanks for reading!

Ottawa may be the nation’s capital, but it feels far more approachable than most big cities. One minute you’re admiring Parliament Hill, the next you’re grabbing a bite in ByWard Market, skating along the Rideau Canal, or wandering through streets lined with historic buildings. No matter what kind of trip you’re planning, there’s an area that feels just right.

Ottawa is just the beginning! Check out our other Canada travel guides for more city breaks, outdoor adventures, and local recommendations. Or have a look at some of our favorite guides below to keep the travel inspiration going.

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