The Novotel is well-located and a nice place. The Lord Elgin is a more interesting alternative nearby. The bus from the airport to the downtown area (OC Transpo #97) is as fast as a taxi and costs $3.45 (you can also buy tickets at the kiosk in the airport). You can look on Google for specifics. It will involve a short walk to the hotel. The OC Transpo site has the full schedule. I go to Ottawa frequently and always use the buses from the airport and the VIA station.