Hotel V

The rooms were really nice, and I loved the look of the shower. The hotel also has a very nice Jacuzzi, an outdoor hot tub, and an amazing spa area with a sauna hot enough to cook in. I love this hotel, though there were a few moments that made me consider switching. Reception took a long time to show up, especially after my long drive.

I try to give a company a chance to fix a problem before posting a negative review, and I did that here. The property itself isn't bad, but the way they handled our bookings was disappointing. I reserved 14 rooms for several nights on a Saturday and asked about a group rate. I was told to check on Monday because there was no manager over the weekend. When I asked at the desk on Monday, the agent said she could apply the group rate, and I confirmed it covered every booking. At checkout, the agreed rate hadn't been applied. I followed up over the next few days and was told the charged amount matched the confirmation made directly on the hotel's website, so nothing could be done. That's not a good way to do business.

We stayed one night after a conference and had a good experience. Check-in was smooth and quick, even late, and the front desk service was exceptional. The room had robes and towels, plus a comfy bed with a fluffy duvet. There was plenty to use around the hotel: a gym, lockers, restaurant, lobby seating and free coffee. Outside, the thermal pool and hot tub had jets and a sitting area, and the dry sauna was open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. There were six free electric vehicle chargers. It's about a 15-minute drive from downtown Ottawa. We'll be back!

The hot pools were a nice extra, and it was convenient to have coffee in the lobby. For a two-night visit, the place did the job: the room was clean and the beds comfortable, with no complaints otherwise. Still, I think a four-star hotel should provide basic toiletries and breakfast, and neither was available.