Review: The Westin Ottawa Hotel

For a two-day getaway in Ottawa and the Outaouais region, we booked at the hotel The Westin Ottawa to be at the center of activities and near Gatineau to go on a one-day mini road trip in the Outaouais.

We had already stayed at the Marriott Ottawa Hotel, so we wanted to try another hotel and use a 35,000 point certificate obtained with my Bonvoy Marriott Card^MC American Company Express^MD. The second night was paid with the same card in order to get 5 points per dollar spent at the hotel.

The hotel is conveniently located on Colonel By Drive, across the street from the Rideau Canal, one block from the ByWard Market and a five-minute walk from Parliament. It’s all very well on foot.

Parking is a little more problematic: if you use valet parking, it will cost you $48 per day with the possibility of exit and entry. Pretty steep bill. If you wish to park the car yourself, you will be given very clear directions to the underground parking lot at the center shopping centre Rideau Centre. It will cost you $30 with no way in or out, but there is direct access to the hotel, which is very convenient.

We had dinner at Café 1 Elgin (at the National Arts Centre) on the Rideau Canal, just across the street from the hotel. It’s a very pleasant place, two minutes from the hotel.

I had asked for an upgrade, which I obtained: an executive suite with a view of Parliament. Our suite was located on the 15th floor Marriott Bonvoy Elite.

The dimensions of the suite and the view impress from the outset. The suite is actually two rooms, each with its suite number. The suite can easily accommodate up to four people.

There is a king size bed in one bedroom, two bathrooms, one with a large shower and the other with a tiny and uninviting bath, a very large lounge with a Murphy bed and two entrances each with a cupboard and a counter with mini fridge and coffee set. A note about the bed: we would like the presentation to be a little more neat!

A welcome gift awaited us: chips, candy, cookies, Belgian chocolate, sparkling water and four bottles of water. We’ll be restocked with water the next day. The classic coffee station was at our disposal both in the room and in the space lounge.

We really enjoyed the view of Parliament and the ByWard Market. Moreover we have rearranged two armchairs and a side table to make the most of the sunset. The decoration of the room is not recent and a little disappointing knowing that some suites have been renovated. By the way, I tried to get the Bonaventure or Colonel By suite but it seems that I don’t have Jean-Maximilien’s negotiating skills! It can therefore be assumed that the other suites and rooms will be renovated shortly.

Because of COVID, the breakfast buffet we would have been entitled to was closed. We were directed to Daly’s Express on the 3rd floor where we were able to order both egg breakfast sandwiches, fruit and yogurt and granola cups from the counter. This type of meal was perfect for us and the coupons offered through my Platinum status worth $15 per person per day covered the bill.

Next to the order desk, there is a small, rather creepy space to eat: we preferred to go back to the room to enjoy the view.

The hotel also has a streakhouse-style seafood restaurant called the Shore Club which is located to the right of the lobby. We didn’t go there and the place didn’t seem very crowded.

We really enjoyed the Westin because of its unbeatable location and for the view and size of our suite. The staff is very serthroughble and welcoming, although a little disorganized at the reception, despite this we recommend it.