Hampton Inn Ottawa Airport = Good for Airport Layover
Introduction As I mentioned last year, I used to prefer the Hilton Garden Inn at the airport and to some extent I still do. However cash rates have recently been more attractive than in the past at Hampton Inn, making the value proposition better than it used to be. I recently found a BRG which I was never able to get at HGI, making the price difference a no brainer in favor of Hampton Inn for my most recent stay. The Hampton Inn is a bit farther away from the airport but they also have a free shuttle bus so access is easy. Room This is not a luxury hotel by any means, it's Hampton Inn brand, but if your expectations are set accordingly then the hotel does everything right which is why it is getting high ratings on Trip Advisor from many travellers. The hotel is relatively new so the rooms are in good condition. The bed was comfortable and the room was clean. Rooms have a microwave and mini-fridge which is convenient. The only downside is that since this hotel does not have suites then as a Hilton Honors Diamond guest you cannot hope for a room upgrade. I would note that I have not received a suite upgrade at HGI in ages despite being a frequent guest so the lack of suite upgrades at Hampton Inn has become a non-issue for me, relatively speaking. Dining Breakfast is included in the rate and is actually quite decent compared to competitor hotels. For example, they have berries available instead of only standard hotel fruits, you can also sprinkle shredded coconut on your fruits, they have several hot food options for example omelettes, waffles, bacon, etc. Overall Overall this hotel does not disappoint in any major way, offers good service, and is a decent choice for an airport layover. Depending on dates the cash rates are often low enough to provide good value for the money. I would note that a Homewood Suites has recently opened just a block away from Hampton Inn, so it's another Hilton option available, but usually more expensive. Also besides the HGI, the new hotel is a Fairfield Inn, not a Courtyard as I wrote in my comments last year. The increase in hotel rooms available near the airport is putting pressure on rates for existing properties such as the Hampton Inn. More competition is good.