FWIW, I understand from a FT'er friend of me that this place is just fine, but each of my recent past stays in this fine Canadien capital city, I've been only at the Westin and the Sheraton, both of which I like.

Any comments or tips? Thanks, in advance!

Used to be the Holiday Inn Downtown Ottawa. I haven't stayed there since Marriott took over, but they apparently did quite a bit of upgrading. It has a revolving rooftop restaurant which provides excellent views of the capitol and the rooms (used to) have heated bathroom floors. It's connected to an underground mall with theatres. They offer excellent packages for families with meals and entertainment included.

BTW you can get away with spelling Canadian with an "e" in Ottawa.

[This message has been edited by yyzflyer (edited 08-05-2002).]

I haven't been there in about a year, but it's a good choice (and where I stay when I'm in Ottawa). The location isn't as good as the Westin (for proximity to the Market/Rideau), but is very good for the business area and Parliament. Rooms are decent-sized, and fairly well decorated. I seem to recall loving the heated bathroom floors there.

Enjoy,
-Zombie-

Thanks very much for the info!

Anything on the Club/Ex Lounge? Offerings good? Pool? Gym? Thanks!

Sorry doc - I can't recall any details about the lounge, gym, or pool (if there is one).

-Zombie-

Thanks! BTW, I guess, since the heated floors were a hit, that you didn't go in August?

Stayed at Ottawa Marriott July 27-29th.
The pool is nice,full of children,it is summer.The gym is also on 4th floor,looked good as I went by for my massage therapy.
I had a corner room that is larger than normal room.A small balcony.
The restaurant is very good.I did not realize their wine glasses hald a complete bottle of wine.(I was told this by server.)
The staff were the best I have encountered at a Marriott in quite some time.Pleasant,efficient,and courteous.
The market is busy,the harvest is coming in very nice.No bugs,no politicians.Enjoy a really great city.

After the Holiday Inn era it was a Radisson. Underground parking is nice in the winter, and access to/from the 417 is on one-way streets. To me, the Westin is a little nicer, but the Marriott is fine. I've been staying there off and on since the Holiday Inn era.

I'll bet the beds are nicer at the Westin too! Has Marriott put in the old 3 inch foam in Ottawa?

I stay at the Ottawa Marriott at least once a month. The staff is generally very pleasant and accomodating, the pool is nice, the gym well equipped (and not very busy in the evenings). The one time I tried the Jacuzzi, it needed cleaning and I haven't tred since. The restaurant in the lobby is so-so, the rooftop restaurant better - but more expensive.

Heidi, who staffs the Concierge lounge at night, is one of the best things about the hotel. I have rarely met a hotel employee who is so solicitous about her clients and who, after the first time, remembers your name and whether you want 2% or skim milk with your favourite cookies.

The area is pretty quiet at night but Bank Street restaurants (pretty ordinary) are only a block away and it's a 15 minute walk to the Market where the choice is endless.

The Courtyard's right in the Market - and the staff there are great, too.

Does one need a car in Ottawa? Its just a business trip.

Public transport is actually quite decent in Ottawa - dedicated bus roads and the like. Should be OK.
c.

Yes, it is the old Radisson and before that the HI. But there are also other Marriott properties in Ottawa such as the Courtyard in the Market area, which is a really busy area full of great restuarants and near the National Gallery, as well as the Residence Inn (on Laurier Ave behind the Lord Elgin hotel on Elgin Street) which is still a slightly better location than the Marriott proper. Check out the maps. Location is always important depending on your needs/desires.

The Marriott is on the bottom of Kent Street at Queen Street across from Holt Renfrew's, one of the best clothing stores in Canada. Very upscale. But it is about 6 blocks from any interesting areas like Elgin Street or the market area. This just means walking (which is totally safe in Ottawa) or a short taxi ride.

For my money the courtyard is in a great area, less expensive and if you do not mind a less frills property, you will be happier with the location.

Enjoy Ottawa. A great town!!!

I stayed here two months ago and it was just fine!

The only problem was that they seemingly lost my reservation, and then said it had been cancelled, but this was quickly resolved, thankfully!

The Ex Lounge and pool and gym were all very good!

And no you do not need a car, IMHO!