Canada’s capital city of Ottawa offers a delightful mix of culture, history, and urban amenities that make it a popular travel destination. However, staying in downtown Ottawa can get pricey, especially during peak seasons. If you’re looking to enjoy all the attractions and dining of the city center without blowing your entire vacation budget on a hotel room, there are some bargain-friendly options to consider. Let’s explore some of the best options for staying in this beautiful city.
While luxury hotels abound in Ottawa’s core neighborhoods like ByWard Market and the Parliamentary Precinct, diligent travelers can uncover affordable yet comfortable places to stay within walking distance of top sights. From quaint inns to budget chain hotels, downtown Ottawa has lower-priced hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Here are some of the best cheap and moderately-priced hotels to check out for your downtown Ottawa stay:
ByWard Market Area Hotels. The ByWard Market neighborhood is one of the hottest areas for dining, nightlife, and attractions in downtown Ottawa. It’s also home to some surprisingly affordable lodging picks among the boutique hotels and upscale options.
The Byward Blue Inn offers simple but clean rooms just steps from the market action at very reasonable rates. Another budget choice is Ottawa Marriott Hotel, which provides a bit more luxury at a mid-range price point in a prime location on York Street. Both hotels are close to great restaurants, brewpubs, shops, museums, and more.
For those looking for an eclectic experience, the Ottawa Jail Hostel transforms a former jail into a fun and social budget accommodations option right in the market area. Dorm-style and private rooms with bars on the windows offer a unique overnight!
Parliament Hill/ Centre town Hotels
Staying in downtown Ottawa puts you within easy striking distance of Parliament Hill and many other top attractions in the Centre town area. While luxury hotels cluster around this core area, you can still find some affordable gems.
The extended stay option of Residence Inn by Marriott Ottawa Downtown gives you spacious suite-style rooms with full kitchens at budget-friendly rates. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa Downtown provides accessible mid-range pricing in a newer build hotel on Clarence Street with decent amenities.
A bit farther east in Centre town near Little Italy, Days Inn by Wyndham Ottawa West offers low rates and good value in a slightly less touristy area still within walking distance of downtown attractions.
Elgin Street Hotels
Running through downtown Ottawa, Elgin Street offers another area with reasonably-priced hotel clusters within a short walk from nightlife, dining, and attractions like the Rideau Canal and National Arts Centre.
The Sonder Residence Suite Hotel on Elgin gives you budget apartment-style suites with kitchenettes and more living space for less than traditional hotels. Also on Elgin Street you’ll find the basic but affordable Capital Hill Hotel and Suites.
For a bit more comfort at still reasonable pricing, check rates at options like Cartier Place Suite Hotel, which provides condo-style suites, or The Metcalfe Hotel featuring sleek decor and Jacuzzi suites at good value.
Special Interest Hotels: Vegan/Vegetarian Options
As Ottawa grows into a hotspot for vegan and vegetarian dining with hip eateries and destinations like the Green Earth Village Vegetarian Store veggie travelers also have some meat-free accommodations to explore.
The Someday Vegan B&B offers an entirely plant-based experience, including delicious vegan breakfasts and options for reiki or massage treatments. With just a few apartment-style rooms, it provides an intimate vegan getaway in downtown Ottawa.
For a hotel, your best bet is the Movenpick Hotel Ottawa Downtown. This pet-friendly urban resort features vegan food options throughout its restaurants and room service menus to accommodate plant-based guests.
Tips for Finding Cheap Ottawa Hotels
No matter where you book your cheap or moderately-priced hotel downtown, keep these tips in mind for finding the best deals:
Book well in advance when possible for the lowest rates and most availability.
Sign up for hotel rewards programs or book through membership clubs like AAA to get discounts.
Look for hotels with parking packages included if you’ll have a car.
Consider stays Sunday through Thursday when rates are lowest.
Check rates at extended stay hotels for better pricing on longer multi-night stays.
Look just outside the core areas of downtown for cheaper hotel clusters.
Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, finding the perfect place to stay is easy with the city’s diverse range of accommodations.
With some research, you can discover reasonably-priced yet comfortable hotels right in the heart of downtown Ottawa, get ready to explore all that Canada’s capital has to offer. Enjoy world-class attractions, dining, and entertainment while being able to rest your head in affordable accommodations!