Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Ottawa East by IHG

I stayed for work and enjoyed my time here. The staff were polite, and Ketan was especially professional and courteous when I first arrived. After work in the morning, I had trouble finding a space in the basement parking garage. The woman at the desk helped and eventually found me a spot. Breakfast wasn’t the best, though it was okay. Overall, a good experience.

The staff were polite, but that’s the only positive I can honestly offer. The listing is very misleading for a place rated nearly four stars. There isn’t hotel parking. Guests are sent to public lots 5-7 minutes away and have to pay themselves. We had to carry our bags past many tents and people experiencing homelessness, something the website never prepared us for. The area is rough and very active, and most people would not feel comfortable walking there by day or night. We booked because the hotel was advertised as “close to everything,” but once we arrived we didn’t feel safe enough to go out. Our plan for a nice dinner became ordering food in the room because neither of us was comfortable stepping outside. If the hotel were upfront about parking and the neighborhood, people could make an informed choice. As described, it feels deceptive, and I wouldn’t recommend it to families or anyone unfamiliar with the city. I wish I’d read a straightforward review before booking. I strongly suggest looking elsewhere.

I haven’t stayed here yet, so I can’t rate the rooms. I stopped in for work today and Marie-Josée, who I believe is the manager, helped me. She was kind, greeted me warmly, and gave excellent service, which feels rare at Ottawa hotels. Based on this visit alone, I’ll choose this place the next time I book downtown.

I was here for a work trip in November of 2025, and the pool was closed for renovations. That didn’t affect my stay, though. The rooms were large, clean, and nice, and housekeeping reset mine every evening. Breakfast hit the spot each morning, with fresh fruit, cereal, oats, a pancake machine, and a full spread that went beyond a basic continental. Five stars for a week of travel.