You might not expect to find a resort-style hotel in Ottawa, Canada’s national capital.
But if you’re willing to stay outside the city center, you can pair your capital city touring with lots of family-friendly resort amenities at the independently owned Brookstreet Hotel Ottawa.
Here’s the scoop:
Brookstreet Hotel Ottawa
Owned by a local billionaire and tech entrepreneur, the 18-story Brookstreet Hotel is located on Ottawa’s west side in a district where technology companies dominate. Apple, Amazon, Nokia, and numerous smaller ventures all have offices nearby.
Not surprisingly, the hotel, which was built in 2003, draws a business clientele during the week and offers a range of business-friendly amenities. Yet on the weekends, in the summer, and during holiday periods, families and leisure travelers take advantage of the property’s extensive recreational facilities.
Facilities and Services
The Brookstreet’s recreational facilities are big draw for road warriors and holiday makers alike.
Activities range from outdoor and indoor saltwater pools (the latter features a separate area for the kids), a hot tub, sauna, and whirlpool, to a golf course, bikes for guest use, an outdoor ping pong table, and a pond for ice-skating in the winter. You can arrange a massage or other service in the spacious spa, which has 13 treatment rooms, including a couples room.
The large, well-equipped fitness center, which is open to the community as well as hotel guests, offers drop-in yoga and fitness classes. Hotel guests can book a workout appointment with one of the center’s personal trainers.
Many kids will gravitate to the lobby-level games room, where a “Wii” and other electronic games, a mini theatre, and a play structure for the littlest youngsters provide plenty of entertainment.
The hotel’s restaurant serves a solid breakfast buffet, adding smoked fish, charcuterie, cheeses, pancakes, and waffles, to the more typical hotel spread of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, oatmeal, pastries, yogurt, and fresh fruits.
With a circular bar and a fireplace, Options Lounge gives you options for cocktails and light meals, with live jazz nightly.
Guest Rooms and Amenities
Brookstreet’s 276 contemporary guest rooms are outfitted with work desks, bedside outlets, one-cup coffeemakers, and tea kettles.
The majority have either one king or two queen beds. Larger junior suites have a sitting area with a pullout sofa in addition to the sleeping area.
Students from a local high school created the art work that’s displayed throughout the hotel, in both the guest rooms and the public spaces — a nice touch.
- Get a Car Rental
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Search for Great Tours HERE
Hockey fans, take note: Brookstreet is located close to the Canadian Tire Centre, which hosts the Ottawa Senators’ NHL hockey games, as well as big-name concerts. On event nights, the hotel runs a free shuttle for guests heading to the arena.
Rates
Overall, the Brookstreet Hotel Ottawa is a good option for business travelers and families who don’t need or want to be right downtown. Double room rates start at CAD$169-209/night and include Wi-Fi. Overnight parking in the hotel’s underground garage is $13. You can also compare rates at Expedia, Hotels.com or other booking sites.
Hotel feature by Vancouver-based travel, food, and feature writer Carolyn B. Heller, author of the new travel guide, Moon Toronto + Ontario. Photos © Carolyn B. Heller. Brookstreet Hotel Ottawa and Ottawa Tourism arranged my stay for review purposes.
