THE BUSINESS INN, Ottawa

The hotel sits at the heart of Ottawa's entertainment district, with dozens of restaurants, bars, and cafes within a 2- to 5-minute walk - including MacLaren's on Elgin, The Fox & Feather, and Al's Steakhouse. Parliament Hill is 1 km away (about 15 minutes on foot), and major attractions like the Rideau Canal, ByWard Market, and the National Gallery are all within a comfortable walking distance. The University of Ottawa is a 10-minute walk. While public transit is nearby, most visitors find they can reach the city's highlights without a car. The property's immediate area feels safe and lively, though rooms facing Elgin Street may experience street noise at night.

Accommodation ranges from studio suites to one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts, all featuring a fully equipped kitchen with stove, full-size fridge, microwave, toaster, kettle, coffee maker, and cookware. Each suite includes a 46-inch flat-screen TV, a computer with a printer, iron/board, clothes steamer, and an air purifier. Some rooms offer a private balcony, while others have a separate bedroom with a door. The decor is practical and dated rather than modern, but rooms are generally clean and spacious. Windows in some lower-floor and interior rooms do not open, which can make the air feel stale; the air purifier helps but mechanical noise from nearby HVAC units may affect light sleepers. Rooms on higher floors tend to be quieter and have better ventilation. The property has a lift, though elevators are small and can be slow during peak times.

Breakfast is included and offers a wide selection: eggs, sausages, cereals, oatmeal, fresh fruit, yogurt, pastries, juice, coffee, and to-go packs with fruit, water, a granola bar, and a cookie for those in a hurry. The breakfast room, however, is small and can become crowded and chaotic during peak hours, with some describing it as a tight, windowless space. The food is generally described as plentiful and adequate for the price, though some find the quality basic. For those who prefer a quieter morning meal, breakfast can be taken back to the room. The hotel's ground-floor restaurant, MacLaren's on Elgin, serves American/Italian cuisine for dinner and features a bar and billiards.

The 24-hour fitness room is equipped for a basic workout, though it is modest in size. Billiards is available at an additional charge in the hotel's restaurant/bar area. The free self-service laundromat sets this property apart - it includes washers, dryers, and complimentary soap and dryer sheets, making it ideal for longer stays or active travellers. There is no pool or spa. For outdoor leisure, the Rideau Canal and Minto Park are within a short walk, and the hotel can provide maps for walking tours of the city.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property and is generally reliable. The 24-hour front desk can store luggage before check-in or after check-out. Daily housekeeping is included, but guests can opt out for a CAD 10/night credit; self-service linen carts are available on each floor for easy access to fresh towels and sheets. The hotel provides a free laundry room with washers, dryers, soap, and dryer sheets. Business travellers benefit from an in-room computer and printer, plus free fax/photocopying at reception. The property is non-smoking inside (smoking allowed on balconies) and has key-card access, CCTV, smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers. Cribs/playpens are available on request. No pets are allowed. No airport shuttle is offered.