Need help on an interesting place to stay in Ottawa this weekend (ckin Saturday, ckout Monday).

Any suggestions? Any suggestions on stuff to do? I believe there's an aviation museum and a nat'l science museum?

Anyone around from "north of the border"?

JL

Accomodation depends on your price range. In the high end: The Chateau Laurier and the Westin. For a unique experience, the Chateau Laurier is the choice. Stately, well situated on the edge of the Rideau canal. The major hotel chains all have hotels in Ottawa. Remember that the US$ fetches a good premium on the Cdn$. Both high end hotels are well situated to visit the Parliament Buidings and walk to the heart of the city. The national art gallery is within walking distance from these hotels; worth a visit. Across the Ottawa River, you will find the Museum of Civilization. Just ask the concierge of the hotel and he/she will recommend a few good restaurants within different price ranges.
Enjoy the visit. Ottawa is a city with class.

Two summers ago my girlfriend and I stayed at a Best Western (http://www.vpsuites.com/) which was a 10 minute walk from Parliament Hill. Nice one room "suite" with kitchenette, 2 TV's etc... for around $90CND. ($60US). Not the most central, but a great value.

The Minto Hotel, I am told, is also really nice. http://www.mintohotel.com/

Hope this helps.

Sebastien

As airbus320 notes, these are two nice hotels and fine choices and the CL has more "character." Yet I'd say the Westin is the best place in town.

But sadly it's of course way too late for ice skating on the Rideau canal though!

You'll like Ottawa, it's a great city. I lived there for four years and still love going back.

Personally, I think the Museum of Nature is the best, many locals will agree. It has a great dinosaur exhibit which is really popular. And when I was there in November they had a herbal medicine exhibit which was really interesting.

What else...

Aviation Musem: it's okay.
Nat. Science Museum: also okay, but more geared towards kids and students.
Museum of Civilization: overrated.
Byward Market: touristy but good for a nice stroll.
Chinatown on Somerset W.: small but authentic. New Mei Fung is my favourite Vietnamese restaurant there.
Little Italy: on Preston St.
Bank St.: great for a stroll, especially the section in the "Glebe" (between the Queensway and Canal), lots of cafes and bookstores.
Parliament Buildings: I keep forgetting about those! Free tours available.

Ottawa U. (downtown) and Carleton U. (yeah!) have pretty nice rooms available at this time of year if you're in the mood for a campus atmosphere. Carleton's are quite modern and comfortable, and cost around $20 US a night.

I'll post again if I think of anything else. In any case, most sites are within walking distance downtown, so you should be fine. Have fun and enjoy your trip!