It's been a few years since we've been to Ottawa, so with that in mind:

Rooms at the Novotel are very small. We have never been able to stay n anything smaller than a Junior Suite at the Novotel, but they are usually reasonably priced. Service can be spotty. The Lord Elgin is usually a better deal (much larger rooms, and, depending on other factors, can include breakfast in your rate), same neighborhood). Chateau Laurier is our favorite option, but you have to know which room you want, since rooms vary widely within the same category.