2 Best Hotels in Ottawa, Ontario

This classic hotel's timeless elegance attracts so many celebrities, heads of state, and members of royalty that it has its own protocol manager. The Château was the dream of American Charles Melville Hays, a dream he never saw become reality. Hays perished in April 1912 while sailing back for the hotel's opening aboard the Titanic. One of Canada's greatest railroad hotels, it's named for Sir Wilfrid Laurier, prime minister from 1896 to 1911. Rooms are elegant though some standard rooms have only showers. Zoe's, the conservatory lounge, serves afternoon tea. The Terrace restaurant (open summer only) overlooks the Rideau Canal locks. Fairmont Gold Rooms (C$100 extra) offer complimentary Continental breakfast and evening appetizers.

An 1838 converted grist mill houses Gatineau Park's only hotel, a 25-minute drive from Ottawa. Its serene forest setting alongside a waterfall attracts nature lovers, small business groups, and steam train passengers wanting to stay overnight in Wakefield. Inside the thick stone walls is a fine dining restaurant, a spa, and rustic but comfortable guest rooms containing Canadiana or Mission-style furnishings. Some rooms have gas fireplaces. This adults-only inn has no single room rates. Instead, you choose from a variety of packages; the minimum package is a room for two with full breakfast.