I stayed here for a total of six nights in July 2004. The hotel is converted from part of what seems like a 1960s/70s mid-rise, concrete apartment block. It is situated off Elgin Street, several blocks south of Parliament Hill which is a straightforward 10-15 minutes' walk away. While the location is not the closest to the office buildings in centretown, it is perfect for non-work activities as surrounding it are many bars and restaurants (including two 24-hour diners), grocery stores, drugstores, dry cleaners, etc. The hotel itself has an entrance leading to the adjacent MacLaren's, a sports cafe/restaurant with large televisions and pool tables. For C$89+tax, I stayed in a studio apartment (a comfortably-sized 350 sq ft) with a 27-inch cable TV, full kitchen, balcony (note that some of the rooms on the lower floors do not have balconies) and plenty of storage space. The view is nothing to write home about, as you're basically looking at other residential blocks and their parking lots, but you're not looking down a dark alley either. Parking, which is extra, is either in an outdoor lot or in an underground lot. Other than that, few things cost extra. The broadband connection in the room is free. The machines and detergent in the laundry room are free. Breakfast (all you can eat selection of croissants, muffins, bagels and danish, plus tea/coffee and juice) is free. The morning newspaper in the breakfast room is free. Use of the computers, copier and printer in the breakfast room is free. Local and toll-free calls are free. There's an exercise room as well, but I didn't use it. Overall, with all the freebies, it's awesome value, especially for long-term stays or if you've got children. I've stayed in the Westin which has nicer rooms and views, but if I'm paying for my own room I would not stay anywhere other than the Business Inn.

The Business Inn is in a great location on Elgin Street, surrounded by bars and restaurants and an easy walk to Parliament Hill, Sparks Street or the trendy market area. This is a sixties era high rise apartment building converted into a hotel. Tiny lobby, small breakfast room on the second floor and a computer room. The suites - formerly apartments, range from large to huge. Floors two and three were formerly offices and have been converted into large bachelor units. Week-end deals are great. I got a one bedroom apartment - bedroom, living room, dining room and fully equiped kitchen for $99 Canadian a night. Mid week prices are somewhat higher but still under $200. No "services" as such, but all night desk staff, good housekeeping, oodles of room and right downtown. Breakfast is nothing more than juice, coffee, muffins and croissants which you can cart back to your suite. Or cook something yourself. The kitchens have everything. Why be cooped up in a hotel room?