In Ottawa, the capital of Canada, the Rideau Canal becomes the world’s largest skating rink in winter. In addition to visiting government buildings, the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of History are great stops. The top suites of Ottawa are the subject of this week’s newsletter.
1. Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “Commissioned in 1909 by Grand Trunk Railway president Charles Melville Hays, the Fairmont Château Laurier is one of the most recognizable remaining Grand Railway Hotels in Canada. The luxury hotel was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1981 and continues to be one of the most sophisticated addresses in the city. The hotel is best known for its grand marble lobby, traditional afternoon tea services, and sumptuous guest rooms and suites (which have housed countless noteworthy dignitaries, including Queen Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill).”
Presidential Suite
The 2,346-sq.ft. suite includes a separate living and dining room with a kitchenette for formal entertaining.
More suites at Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
2. Le Germain Ottawa
The Telegraph reports, “Le Germain Ottawa is situated in a modish, new building, a standout on the corner of Daly and Waller Streets. Tones of chocolate and taupe warm the intimate lobby space, and the interior design delights upon entering. Dangling fixtures, sleek contemporary furnishings, and metal mosaic-like screens allow light to filter through tall windows. Statement artwork created by Canadian artists completes the intimate, elegant reception area. The style continues through to the 115 rooms and suites.”
The Prestige Suite
The 830-sq.ft. hotel features a separate bedroom and living/dining area.
More suites at Le Germain Ottawa.
3. Andaz Ottawa Byward Market
Michelin Guide writes, “Hyatt’s Andaz hotels go out of their way to tailor themselves to their locations, and in the case of their first installment in Canada, it’s a big job. The Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market, by virtue of its location in the nation’s capital, takes its design inspiration from the whole country, with each of the sixteen floors dedicated to a particular province or territory. There’s also art by local artists, minibars stocked with artisanal treats made right here in the nation’s capital, and a restaurant specializing in organic New Canadian cuisine. The Andaz may be part of the Hyatt chain, but its ethos is more reminiscent of a boutique hotel, and the Ottawa version has a particularly desirable address, conveniently set among a plethora of cafés, bistros, galleries and adorable shops in the hip and historic ByWard Market neighborhood.”
Presidential Suite
The 1,495-sq.ft. suite features a terrace with city views and a private entrance. There is a walk-in rain shower, dining, and living area, plus a separate bedroom.
More suites at Andaz Ottawa.
4. Lord Elgin
The Telegraph writes, “Now almost 80 years old, with its Art Deco limestone exterior and chateau-like roofline, the privately owned Lord Elgin manages to sustain a connection to its storied past as one of the capital city’s hubs for the business and bureaucratic crowds. Families and tourists check in during the summer. The Art Deco décor carries on inside to a long lobby lined with maple paneling and marble flooring is a great meeting place for locals, anchored by Grill 41 at one end and a coffee shop on the other. The hotel artwork is inspired by Ottawa’s world-famous Tulip Festival.”
Rideau Suite
The 1,250-sq.ft. Rideau Suite, from its corner location, offers a view of Elgin Street, Confederation Park, and the War Memorial.
More suites at Lord Elgin.
5. Arc The Hotel
The Telegraph says, “Thanks to constant redecoration, the ARC has stood the test of time as a boutique hotel that delivers the intimacy grander hotels cannot match. The foyer is tiny, with lounges tucked away to each side, where you can help yourself to tea and coffee all day. The furnishings are minimalist, with rectangular lines and bold colors. The overall effect is of a hip, but relaxing private club. A nice touch is the basket of apples on every floor. Don’t be surprised to see government officials, in black gowns and white bands, on their way out to a parliamentary session.”
Corner Suite
The 800-sq.ft. Corner Suite offers its own kitchenette with a dining area.
More suites at Arc The Hotel.
6. The Westin Ottawa
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “The Westin Ottawa caters largely to business travelers, but the well-located property is a pragmatic option with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer sweeping views of parliament and a surprisingly tasty room service menu.”
Executive Suites
The 600-sq.ft. Executive Suites are situated on the corners, providing panoramic views.
More suites at The Westin Ottawa.
