We're going to be flying in and out of Ottawa in July. Plan to spend a night or two there on the way home. Would like to be in a good part of the city to walk and enjoy the area. Prefer smaller European-style hotel. Any suggestions?<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR><BR>George Pearson<BR>Roanoke, VA

Ottawa isn't known for it's accomodations. Most are the big chain hotels. That said, I've stayed at Arc, The Hotel on Slater Street three times in the past year. It's really the only boutique type hotel in the city that I know of. It's kind of like a "W" hotel and the service and restaurant were very good. The rooms were nice and well appointed despite having very teeny bathrooms. Bulgari toiletries, lots of dark wenge wood, turn down service, complimentary Evian and very nice staff.

The Chateau Laurier is quite nice and is owned by Fairmont. The rates are quite good too. About 99$ US for a double room with breakfast.

We stayed in a wonderful B&B on our trip to Ottawa - The Brighton House. The phone number is 613 233-7777. The web site is www.brightonhouse.com. It has been featured in "Best Places to Kiss" and "Best Places to B&B" It is rated 4 stars. I don't know how far it is from the airport.

The Chateau Laurier is a HUGE hotel, not a small European hotel at all and it's part of a chain (Fairmont). It is however very well located, close to the market, the canal, the parliament buildings and other major sites. I don't know the B&B mentioned or where it's located.

The Brighton House B&B is a distance from Parliament etc. If you call Ottawa Tourism at 1-800-456-1867, they will send you a visitors guide, map, etc. Hotels and B&Bs are listed in it along with other information. Many hotels have web sites. We were also looking for a small European style hotel and did not find any we wanted to stay in. There are some B&Bs listed near the Parliament and National Gallery area.

My vote is for the Chateau Laurier George. We run by it every night and are always eager to assist a traveller in distress with map in hand. People often refer to it as something of a castle although that is a bit of a stretch. It is an old Canadian National Railway hotel named after a Canadian Prime Minister Wilfred Laurier. Rooms either look out towards the Houses of Parliament, The War Memorial Centotaph, Major's Hill Park or the Byward Market -all quite nice views. You can walk to all points of interest from the Chateau. The Arc is certainly hip, but it is a bit austere & located in a boring area of office towers. Enjoy your visit!

George,<BR><BR>Have been to Ottawa three times. Would<BR>recommend the Marriott Courtyard on Yonge. The rooms are larger than normal and the hotel (4 story) backs up to Byward Market. It's not smaller European-style but it's centrally located to everything.<BR><BR>You will love Ottawa. Have a wonderful time. If I can provide you with more information, please LMK. Susan

For xxx [or anyone else who may know]: where can I find a room at the Laurier in the neighborhood of the USD $99 you quote? Not having much luck. Need room for 1 for 4 nights (arr 09 May, dep 13 May).

Jean, May 9 to 13th? A weekend during the tulip festival. You are going to have to either increase your budget or accept lesser quality, farther from the city centre.

Right, Ron. Perhaps I will snag the USD $161/nt which is available on one booking site. Thanks.