Arc The Hotel

Our flight to Ottawa was cancelled because of a winter storm, but the Arc Hotel handled the change with real care. The staff adjusted our reservation and made sure everything was in order by the time my spouse and I arrived. They were some of the friendliest, most helpful people I've worked with, and the room was clean and very comfortable. The only small suggestion is the lighting. The LED bulbs seemed to be around 6000K, so the light felt cool; something around 3000K to 4000K would make the room cozier. That's minor, though. We had a fantastic stay and will come back.

We really enjoyed the breakfast included in our package, especially the excellent eggs Benedict. Staff were friendly and professional, and our Premier King room was quiet with a comfortable bed and pillows. It was small but adequate. A light in the closet would help a lot: we used flashlights to find clothes and shoes, and even to use the safe. The bathroom is tiny, with one light hanging above the sink in an awkward spot for using the mirror, such as for makeup. Better lighting there and in the shower would be appreciated. The location is great for walking to Parliament Hill, and the Byward Market area isn't far. Parking was the trickiest part. You have to drive down a very narrow side alley, where low ductwork means watching your head. We found a spot each night, but one evening it was in a huge puddle about 2cm deep. The walk back from the garage to the hotel is along that same narrow alley. I worried about meeting a car coming through, though we got lucky.

I spent four days here on a business trip in Ottawa. The staff, from the front desk and concierge to the room attendants, were consistently cheerful and friendly. The rooms were spacious and comfortable. Hot water for the shower was sometimes hard to get and seemed sporadic, but it didn't spoil the stay. There are plenty of restaurants and sights within walking distance, and I'd recommend staying here.

A good lower budget choice, with a great location, price and service. The bedding was nice, but the king bed felt a bit too firm and I would've liked better pillows. Bright white bulbs made the room feel like a grocery store instead of somewhere relaxing. We've stayed at the Alt Hotel down the street before, and next time we'd pay extra for that better experience.