Rideau Residence University of Ottawa

It’s right downtown and within walking distance of almost all the attractions, including Byward Market, Rideau Canal and Parliament Hill. For the location, I thought the price was decent. It’s mainly for students, as the name suggests. I’d read reviews complaining about shabby rooms and dirty bathtubs, but my room was pretty clean and had a good downtown view from the 18th floor. It had two beds, a microwave, fridge, TV and essential toiletries. They’re strict about check-in time: we arrived an hour early and had to wait for our rooms. Parking was the downside. The hotel has none of its own, and reception didn’t even suggest a place for guests to park.

I’m grateful that the University of Ottawa let me live in one of its residences, Rideau Residence 2024/2025. Thank you for all your services. I’ll miss you, uOttawa.

It’s mainly meant for students, so it may not be the kind of hotel you expect. The price is decent, and almost all attractions are within walking distance. The area was another matter, though. There were lots of people who seemed to be “on something,” and I didn’t feel safe walking around, especially at night.

I’m a first-year student. I moved to Rideau after an uncomfortable situation at LeBlanc residence, where the walls looked like they could collapse at any moment and the washrooms were communal. It’s so much nicer here. My room has working air conditioning and heating, the building and rooms are very clean, and I get my own private washroom. Laundry is free, and the location is close to downtown Ottawa spots like Byward market, Rideau Mall and Parliament, straight down the street. The two downsides are the lack of human contact, since it’s basically a renovated hotel, and that it’s a moderate distance from the main campus.