As the capital of Canada, Ottawa is known for being the most educated city in Canada. Visitors can explore famous landmarks like Parliament Hill, the national museums and the National Gallery of Canada with its glass exterior as well as the many unique and walkable neighborhoods.
A year-round cycle of festivals, concerts and events comes to a finale with the snow and ice sculpture competition at Winterlude. Must-dos include trying Beavertails at the Byward Market, ice skating on the Rideau Canal Skateway, and sampling some of the city’s diverse cuisines.
There’s a wide choice of hotels, from the stately Chateau Laurier to quirky millennial hangouts. These are the best cool and unusual hotels in Ottawa, Canada (in no particular order)…
1. Andaz Ottawa Byward Market-a concept by Hyatt – a hip, trendy and modern rooftop lounge located in the heart of downtown Ottawa
Andaz Ottawa Byward Market-a concept by Hyatt is an ideal spot for art lovers and history buffs who want to stay in a luxury hotel but still be really close to the action. It’s located in the ByWard Market district, one of the city’s most culturally rich areas–filled with galleries, historical sites and more.
Andaz Ottawa Byward Market’s 200 thoroughly modern rooms, including seven suites, are decorated with art from local artists. The rooms feature uniquely Canadian decor and have floor-to-ceiling window views of the Parliament Building, Gatineau Hills and the renowned ByWard Market. Also, free Wi-Fi connection is available in every room. And the hotel has a 24-hour rooftop fitness center and a restaurant.
The hotel’s convenient location, Canadian-themed decor and local artwork are what make it so unique.
- To book, check prices or availability for Andaz Ottawa Byward Market-a concept by Hyatt
2. Fairmont Château Laurier – a magnificent place to stay that blends history and culture
Fairmont Château Laurier sits regally in the center of downtown Ottawa, with the ByWard Market on one side and the Rideau Canal on the other. The historic hotel–one of Canada’s most recognized landmarks–was recently renovated to resemble a Renaissance-era French château. Fairmont Château Laurier’s landmark status coupled with its new Renaissance-themed renovations distinguish it from other luxury hotels in the area. It is a truly cool and unique place to stay.
Fairmont Château Laurier’s magnificent castle-like architecture and elegant decor is definitely Insta-worthy. Additionally, the hotel boasts 426 spacious, comfortable rooms, including 33 luxury suites. Among the many amenities offered is free Wi-Fi in every room and complimentary use of the health club and pool.
- To book, check prices or availability for Fairmont Chateau Laurier
3. Fairmont Château Laurier Gold Experience – an exclusive lifestyle hotel that provides a world-class service
If you’re looking for an exclusive and unique hotel-within-a-hotel experience right in the middle of downtown Ottawa, Fairmont Château Laurier Gold Experience is the place for you.
Guests receive the full VIP treatment in the Gold Experience. Some of the amenities include exclusive access to Fairmont Gold Lounge where complimentary breakfast and evening canapés are served daily, a concierge to customize your stay, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Additionally, the palatial luxury suites are equipped with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, air conditioning, an electric teapot, a shower, slippers and a desk.
The suites also offer a breathtaking view of downtown Ottawa. Notable points of interest in the area include Rideau Locks, Parliament Hill and the Peace Tower.
- To book, check prices or availability for Fairmont Chateau Laurier Gold Experience
4. ARC THE.HOTEL OTTAWA – an oasis of comfort and warmth, ideal for Millennials and Gen Zs
Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, ARC THE.HOTEL OTTAWA offers a luxurious, upscale getaway for its guests. The boutique hotel sits on prime real estate. It’s just a few blocks from Parliament Hill and the Parliament Buildings and a mere 15-minute walk to the University of Ottawa and Byward Market Square. And it’s just a few steps from the Ottawa River.
All of the hotel’s 112 rooms and suites display artwork from local artists. The Yabu Pushelberg-designed decor is stylish and modern with a European-boutique flair. The hotel’s unique mix of elegance and cool make it perfect for Millennials and Gen Zs.
Some of the amenities offered to guests include free Wi-Fi, full catering, a fitness center, event planning and three modern light-filled venues.
- To book, check prices or availability for ARC THE.HOTEL OTTAWA
5. Le Germain Hotel Ottawa – a sleek and sexy travel-sustainable hotel close to popular attractions
Located in a vibrant art and culture scene in downtown Ottawa, Le Germain Hotel Ottawa is a place where there’s always something going on. The funky boutique hotel is part of a state-of-the-art mixed-use complex, which includes the Ottawa Art Gallery, a theater and ArtHaus private residences. And it’s near notable landmarks such as ByWard Market Square and Parliament Hill.
As soon as guests walk into the hotel, they’re greeted with stunning artwork and eye-catching hanging fixtures. This art theme continues into the hotel’s 115 rooms and suites, which are adorned with beautiful photography murals by artist Julie Couture. And the industrial-themed decor gives the rooms a sleek, stylish look.
Some of the hotel amenities include a 24-hour modern fitness center, free Wi-Fi, room service and a Nespresso coffee machine.
- To book, check prices or availability for Le Germain Hotel Ottawa
6. Sonder The O’Connor – a bright, stylish, and fun aparthotel to stay in Ottawa
Sonder The O’Connor sits in the heart of Ottawa in Centretown, which is a convenient location for visitors. It’s near notable sights such as the Canadian Museum of Nature, the Rideau Canal, the National Arts Centre, the University of Ottawa, Parliament Hill, the Peace Tower and the Supreme Court of Canada.
Each of the O’Connor’s individually furnished guest rooms is distinctly unique and features stylish modern decor. The guest rooms include a fully equipped kitchen, a dining area, a 42-inch flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower or bath. Some of the amenities include free Wi-Fi, a fitness center and concierge services.
The O’Connor’s convenient location and individualized guest rooms are what make it so cool and special.
- To book, check prices or availability for Sonder The O’Connor
7. Alt Hotel Ottawa – a colorful, vibrant and funky hotel that offers great amenities
Located in Ottawa’s newly revitalized business district, Alt Hotel Ottawa offers a luxurious refuge for business people. It’s also an ideal place for the leisure traveler who’s there to relax and tour Canada’s capital. This versatility is what makes the hotel so unique and special. And it’s just a few blocks away from the historic Parliament Buildings and the National Arts Centre. It’s also conveniently located next to shops, restaurants and boutiques.
The hotel’s lobby walls are adorned with photographer Jean-François Frenette’s mural, which is composed of 9,000 breathtaking photographs featuring iconic Canadian landscapes. The 148 air-conditioned guest rooms include a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom fitted with a shower. The rooms’ modern decor is stylish and chic.
- To book, check prices or availability for Alt Hotel Ottawa
8. Lord Elgin Hotel – a luxurious hotel that is steps away from amazing museums, galleries and eclectic dining
Lord Elgin Hotel is a historic landmark that has served visitors to Canada’s capital since 1941. Even well-known dignitaries such as Sir William Churchill have stayed at the famous hotel.
Located in downtown Ottawa, Lord Elgin is a great place to stay for visitors who want to explore the city. It sits directly across from the National Art Centre, and it’s close to Parliament Hill, among many other nearby landmarks.
The hotel has 355 luxurious guest rooms, which are adorned in stylish art deco. All of the rooms have 49-inch TVs and free Wi-Fi. Some of the other notable amenities include a 24-hour fitness center and a swimming pool.
Lord Elgin Hotel’s fascinating history and understated elegance are what make it so unique and special.
- To book, check prices or availability for Lord Elgin Hotel
9. Kokomo INN Bed and Breakfast Ottawa – an adult-only B&B that offers tropical riverfront
Located in the heart of Gatineau on the Ottawa river, Kokomo INN Bed and Breakfast Ottawa is a perfect spot for visitors. The tropical B&B is near all of Ottawa-Gatineau’s landmarks, tours and attractions. And it’s only a 12-minute walk from the beach.
Kokomo INN offers guests a cool and cozy home away from home for visitors. It boasts five gorgeous private rooms. And each room has a private ensuite bathroom and a 24-hour fully-stocked DIY kitchen with many different breakfast options. Two terraces are offered, one overlooking the majestic Ottawa River and the other overlooking a beautiful garden.
Some of the other notable amenities include free high-speed Internet (Wi-Fi), free breakfast and a bar/lounge.
- To book, check prices or availability for Kokomo INN Bed and Breakfast Ottawa
10. Auberge King Edward Bed and Breakfast – a distinctive Victorian B&B built in 1902
Auberge King Edward Bed and Breakfast has a rich and distinguished history that dates back to 1902, the year it was built. It’s an old Victorian home that was designated a heritage property by the City of Ottawa in 1984.
It was painstakingly restored to its former glory and offers guests a truly unique and unforgettable experience.The B&B is located in the historical downtown neighborhood of Sandy Hill, which is within walking distance of many notable landmarks and attractions.
The B&B is decked out in grand Victorian decor and provides guests with a romantic atmosphere of a bygone era. It offers spacious, elegant rooms that include a flat-screen TV with cable, a large private balcony, air-conditioning and a refrigerator, among many other cool amenities.
- To book, check prices or availability for Auberge King Edward Bed and Breakfast
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My first true adventure began as a six month voyage around South East Asia as a fresh faced backpacker and ever since I’ve lived a semi nomadic existence, clocking up visits to over 40 countries. I’m a lover of US Road Trips, deserted beaches bathed in warm glow of a sunset, Cuban mojitos, travel destinations far away from the tourist crowds and all things Scandinavian – from cloudberry liquors to Nordic noirs. When not wandering the world and running Global Grasshopper, you’ll find me walking my rescued Greek street dog in leafy South West London, strolling around the Brighton Lanes on random day trips, hunting for photogenic landscapes or daydreaming about my favourite places; Havana, Copenhagen, Italy, Laos, California and the surreally beautiful landscapes of a wintry Iceland.