Hi there,

I'll be making my umpteenth visit to Ottawa this October but I find myself in a bit of quandary. All but once Ive stayed at the Westin (which I love, the view alone is spectacular) but their rates seems to have skyrocketed. So I'm trying to decide what way to go next.

I am considering the Lord Elgin and Arc The Hotel but I would like to hear some first hand experiences if anyone out there has any to share.

Thanks in advance

I always stay at the Travelodge at 1376 Carling Ave. It has reasonable rates, nice rooms and even nicer employees. It's not downtown though... I always get a rental car so that's not a problem for me. I've stayed there so much it feels like going home now.

Although technically not in Ottawa, but across the river in Hull is the Hilton Lac Leamy. It has beautiful rooms and a casino attached, if you are so inclined. The indoor/outdoor pool is open year round.

Thanks for your suggestions, but I was really wanting to stay in the downtown area, I love to walk around, get to everything (except Sens games) on foot. I really should have been more specific in my original post. If anyone has stayed in either of the two hotels I mentioned, I would love to hear your opinion.

Thanks again!

The Lord Elgin is centrally located and not a bad value. The rooms are on the small side, but well furnished. The Chateau Laurier is higher end and beautifully located on the Ottawa FRiver and Canal.

Best value for me is the Marriott Residence Inn on Laurier at Elgin. 1 bedroom suite for price of s standard room at the Lord Elgin and includes a moderate but acceptable free breakfast.