Stayed here for two nights and absolutely loved it. We were concerned about the noise level as the hotel is right in the heart of the market but didn't hear a thing...Wonderfully peaceful after long days (boat cruise on the Ottawa River, steam train to Wakefield, Museum of Civilization, National Gallery, light show on Parliament Hill, etc.).

Front desk staff were superb. We just loved Ingrid and Mario! They were very, very helpful and delightfully charming.

Beds excellent, room spacious, pool was a big hit with our kids. On a hot summer's day, the complimentary ice-cold lemonade in the lobby was a lovely touch and who can fault a hotel that keeps a stock of haagen daas on hand??

Breakfast buffet had everything you could possibly ask for (wonderful fresh berries!) and our server Jeanne was simply superb.

Overall, excellent staff, comfortable, clean, quiet room and a location that couldn't be better...Would stay again without any hesitation at all.

I'll start with the good part...the location of this hotel is excellent if you like the night-life and being in the heart of the city. The room is decent...very comfortable bed, clean room.

However, the bad part is that it is downtown, and loud. Be very careful what room you select because if you are anywhere near a main street, you will hear people talking, and traffic like it is in your room.

I also had bad service at this hotel...no hot water, and no re-imbursement for the trouble. NOT impressed. I think this was a one-time thing though, and based on the person I got at the hotel desk. Considering the price though, I would NOT stay there ever again.

This review is based on a 5-night stay in May 2007, written by a business traveller who frequents Marriott and Hilton-chain hotels throughout North America.

This hotel is a solid bet when staying in the Ottawa area. Think of a four-level, 20-30 year old hotel with the standard Marriott Courtyard quality in the heart of downtown.

Pros:
- Standard Courtyard quality: clean, efficient, effective.
- Location, location, location - situated in the heart of downtown, walking distance to numerous restaurants and attractions.
- Buffet ($15 CAD) includes "real", thick ham, and fried mushrooms, along with all other typical hot buffet entrees.
- Soap, shampoo, conditioner, shoe mitt included every day.
- central thermostat controls the heating / cooling of the rooms.
- wireless internet (i.e. wi-fi card required) running at 10 MBs.
- Cheaper than the nearby Marriott and Residence Inn.


Cons:
- no curved shower bar for the bath tub.


I didn't have any trouble with noise; however, I had a room that overlooked the courtyard (i.e. in the inner sanctum of the hotel).

When:
Visited Ottowa overnight starting on the 9th of May, 2007. We flew up to take in a few sites.

Location:
Picked this hote for two reasons. 1) Because it was a Courtyard by Marriott, which I use to stay at a lot before I retired. They are always consistently of good quality. 2) The information said it was near the ByWard Marketplace, which is a major activity hub in Ottowa.

The location was right on target. The market area was just one block behind the hotel, no car needed. The market had shops and tons of places to eat (Italian, Greek, Lebanese, Chinese, Japanese, American, Seafood) and a market with stands selling fresh fruits and vegetables.

Tourist attractions appeared to be within a reasonably short and comfortable walk from the hotel. That included the Museum of Art, The Parliament, Civilization Museum, War Museum and the Mint.

Hotel Quality:
As previously stated Courtyard by Marriotts have been pretty good to me and this was no exception. The rooms were modern, a nice size and clean. The staff was very helpful in providing directions and making suggestions for places to find food at a reasonable price.

Price:
Initially the hotel wasn't available. However, after a few more web attempts I got the hotel for $130 U.S. Other hotels for the same night in that area were running no less than $229.

Amenities:
Didn't check out pools or anything, because we didn't have enough time. They have a breakfast buffet for about $15, which is actually worth it. Waffles, french toast, pancakes, made to order omelets, fruits, cereal, granolas, crescent and other bread stuff.

Bottomline:
This hotel was great and it was in a very good location. It will the one I stay at next time I zip up to Ottowa.