Best places to stay in Ottawa
Ottawa is an extensive historical centre on its own, and the capital of Canada. It is home to a large number of immigrants, which helps feed the diversity and culture of the area. The metropolitan area of Ottawa has a population of just over 1 million and is the fourth largest metropolis in Canada. It is easiest to navigate your way through the city by having a good understanding of the different neighbourhoods.
ByWard Market
ByWard Market is the historical, unique neighbourhood where you find eclectic shops, boutiques, and gourmet restaurants sitting along historic sites. Stay at the Andaz Ottawa Byward Market, which has elegant styling, decorative architecture, and puts you in between Dalhousie Street and York Street.
Chinatown
What would a metropolitan city be without a Chinatown in the middle of it? Ottawa’s Chinatown is vibrant and a rich combination of residential and commercial. The quaint rows of shops and eateries are nestled together neatly, making exploration easy. Chinatown does not have many hotels, but on the outskirts, you have McKellar Park Suites, which offers furnished apartments.
Downtown Rideau
One block from Parliament Hill, you stroll into the arts, fashion, and theatre district. The cultural activity combined with easy access to the National Arts Centre and the Ottawa Little Theatre make the area a place where you could spend an entire weekend. In the downtown area, stay at the Novotel Ottawa Hotel or the Lord Elgin Hotel – Ottawa.
Glebe
Glebe is a relaxed, historic neighbourhood with shops, restaurants, and pubs running along Bank Street. To keep with the theme of historical sites, stay at Rideau Inn, an Edwardian home situated in the quaint Golden Triangle area.
Little Italy
On Preston Street, you find Little Italy. The neighbourhood has tree-lined streets, al fresco dining, and award-winning Italian cuisine. Most of Little Italy you can explore on foot, and if you need public transportation, you have buses running through the neighbourhood and into the other areas of Ottawa. In Little Italy, stay at a modern hotel with an indoor pool at the Courtyard by Marriott Ottawa East.
Cheap hotels in Ottawa
Ottawa is a popular tourist spot, but that does not mean it cannot cater to the budget-conscious traveler. Here you have cheaper hotel options mixed in between the luxurious 5-star accommodations. While they are budget-friendly, these hotels are also safe, clean, and offer easy access to local attractions. Affordable options include the Holiday Inn Ottawa East on Joseph Cyr Street and the ByWard Blue Inn on Clarence Street.