Review: Sheraton Ottawa | Marriott Bonvoy Hotel

Conveniently located downtown, the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel is within walking distance of Canada’s Parliament, several government buildings and the Rideau Canal.

For a basic room, the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel costs between $200 and $400 a night, depending on the time of year or events. Alternatively, it can be accessed through points, ranging from 20,000 to 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy points.

If you’re looking to earn Marriott Bonvoy points to stay free at over 8,000 hotels worldwide, the best way is to be a Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card (and/or Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^®* Cardmember).

In addition to the exceptional welcome bonus of each of these two cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all your purchases and 5 points per dollar at any of the Marriott establishments. On top of that, every year, you’ll receive a free hotel night certificate (worth 35,000 points) and 15 Elite Night Credits toward your Marriott Bonvoy status.

Downtown Ottawa is within easy reach of the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel. In May, the start and finish lines for the Ottawa Marathon races is 800 metres away.

In winter, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the Rideau Canal. What’s more, a multitude of restaurants are close by, and the Rideau Centre shopping mall is near.

A bilingual agent was waiting for me at reception. She thanked me for my Platinum status and explained the benefits I had obtained during my stay.

The lounge for high-status Marriott Bonvoy Elite members is open all weekend. However, meals are best enjoyed in restaurants.

I received a coupon for free breakfast and a $10 credit at the restaurant or in the hotel mini-convenience store.

The Sheraton Ottawa Hotel has 18 floors and my room was on the 16th.

It had 1 very comfortable king-size bed, a desk, a TV, a mini-refrigerator and an armchair with footrest.

On the desk, there were USB sockets and a coffee maker. The safe was hidden in one of the 2 night tables.

The wardrobe at the entrance contained a robe.

In shades of beige and brown, the bathroom was functional.

During my stay, the kitchen was being renovated. The two restaurants are on the first floor of the hotel and share mealtimes:

• Carleton Grill: For buffet-style continental breakfast. Open from 06:30 to 10:30.
• Salon Sasha: Its opening hours are from 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm, and its meal offer is limited due to the reconstruction of its kitchen. The menu consists of soup, a few salads, a panini and a sandwich, with dessert.

There is a saltwater pool, but it was closed for repairs during my stay.

The Sheraton Ottawa’s large lounge is on the 18th floor, on the same floor as the Penthouses. We have to take the elevator to the 17th floor and then, when the doors open, climb the stairs in front of us. The salon is open throughout the week, including weekends.

During the kitchen renovations, the food offering is basic in the living room. It consists of sweet and salty snacks. Hot and cold drinks are available on a self-service basis. The view and light from the atrium are superb.

Elite Platinum, Titanium and Ambassador members and their guests enjoy a complimentary buffet-style breakfast at the Carleton Grill restaurant.

Then, throughout the evening, hors d’oeuvres and light bites are available in Salon Sasha for Elite members (Platinum and above).

The fitness room is small but offers a variety of machines and weights.

The Sheraton Ottawa Hotel is a no-frills hotel that offers a good basic stay. Customer service is excellent and the location is perfect.

However, its ubiquitous tones of beige and brown, combined with installations from another era, give an overall sense of sadness. The hotel could do with a bit more atmosphere and hopefully, with the current renovations, a dose of contemporary decor.

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