The Westin Ottawa

Stayed here for two nights in May for the tulip festival. I chose the Westin primarily for its location, very convenient to the sites we were visiting, and we appreciated the direct interior access to the Rideau Centre mall. The staff were attentive and friendly, but overall, I was left feeling disappointed as the room didn’t deliver on expectations. We booked a standard double and they kindly upgraded us to a Parliament view room which was much appreciated. The room was spacious and bright, however there was a real lack of storage. There were no drawers for clothing – just the closet for hanging items, so we couldn’t properly unpack. From pictures I see other rooms have storage drawers below the TV unit or beside the fridge, but we had none. Zilch. So, clothes were strewn everywhere. We used the single luggage valet for one suitcase, then dragged out the seating bench as a ‘table’ for the other suitcase. Let’s talk about the world’s most ineffective toilet. From the sound and force of water that thing emitted, you’d think it would suck up anything that came within 5 feet of it but….no. You constantly had to flush at least three times for it to ‘clear’ and I’m taking even if there was barely anything for it to deal with. It was so amazingly frustrating that it became a running joke during our trip and we’re still laughing about it! (Westin folks, if you’re reading this, please service the toilet in #1325). There were no robes provided (despite the website description) and mid-shower is when I discovered that the body wash bottle was empty – very inconvenient, and something I would have thought housekeeping would check for regularly. I called down the next morning to let them know, and it did get filled that day, but disappointed I was the one that noticed it was empty. Speaking of housekeeping, our tea and water were not replenished. The coffee maker had 2010 technology, so we didn’t even try as I assumed the coffee would be terrible. We did run the cycle once to get some hot water for tea as a kettle was not provided. Tea selection was limited – one chamomile, one English Breakfast. The mini fridge was convenient. There was no automatic turndown provided, I’m assuming you would need to request. Lighting was OK but everything was manual so a lot of clicking and unclicking of individual lamps; first world problem, I know, but this minor inconvenience reinforced how outdated the room set-up was. Very nice view but windows only had blackout curtains – no sheers, so you were either fully exposed to the street or fully in the dark. Oh, and I forgot to mention the 13th floor hallway that smelled terrible, almost sewage-like. Luckily the odour didn’t seep too much into our room. The room was showing its age and in need of additional repair and cleaning in many areas. Zac’s Express had great breakfast sandwiches and Starbucks coffee that we enjoyed in the café seating area. I appreciated the security features of the elevator to keep non-guests from entering. Valet was efficient. Beds comfy. This Westin is very much a corporate “conference” hotel, with its main benefit for tourists being the convenient location. Would I return? Probably not. If budget was more forgiving, I would go back to the Chateau Laurier for the charm and attention to detail (and where I have had two great stays). But for the Westin price point you can choose from most 4-star properties downtown, so I think better value could be had elsewhere, depending on your specific needs.

Very comfy bed, quiet room, very pleasant and helpful staff

This hotel is ... fine. Location is good - right on canal, connected to Rideau shopping centre (though around the corner the neighbourhood is a bit run down). Have been there a few times over the years for both business and personal. Rooms could use a refresh - dated carpet etc. There were some renos happening so maybe this is already in progress. All in all this is a reasonably safe bet but not luxurious.

The Westin is one of my first picks for a place to stay when in Ottawa. Yes, it is a bit pricey, but can't be the location, on site amenities and service. Very convenient to Parliament Hill, the Senate, downtown offices and ByWard Marker, it is the perfect location. Great bar and restaurant on site and attended to Roger's Centre and Rideau Shopping Plaza. The staff here are amazing. Big shout out to Jackie at the front desk for getting me a room early after a red-eye flight. Can't wait to come back!!

Location & exceptional staff

The people. The location, the breakfast buffet

Location is excellent and service was great!

Rooms a bit dated