First of all, the location is truly perfect. You are a few blocks away from everything. We stayed for over a week and the breakfasts started to get boring, but overall, were well prepared. The snacks/dinner provided in early evening were excellent. The rooms are moderately large. The issue I had was with cleanliness. The hot tub was frequently filthy (brown scaly foam- no kidding) although the staff were quick to shut it down and clean it when told (but they shouldn't have to be told...) The cleaning staff in the room varied with weekend staff being much better than weekday. Found a pair of men's underwear on the floor when we arrived. Desk staff also varied in helpfulness-- do not direct a family with two little kids to a 5 star restaurant when asked for a family restaurant. Duh. Pool great (and warm!). Recommend, but hope you aren't squemish.

We booked a Studio Room with a Queen bed through the hotel's website. As it was for the Victoria Day long weekend and we booked the room 1 week before our arrival, the rate was bit expensive CAD$140 with breakfast for 2 adults and 2 kids. Parking fee was $10 for Sat. and $15 for Sun. Although the room has 1 queen bed and 1 queen-size sofa bed, the girl at the front desk still felt that the room couldn't fit 4 people. She upgraded us to an Exception Suite on the top floor with 2 double beds, 1 queen-size sofa bed and a full kitchen. It is very spacious and just looks like a one-bedroom apartment. All staff we dealt with there were very friendly and helpful. My wife forgot to bring her comb and phoned the front desk just to see if they have any available there. A bellman delivered a comb right to our room in 5 minutes. We were impressed. The breakfast is the standard breakfast that provides bread, bagles, cereal, milk, yogurt, scrambled egg, sausages, hash brown, waffle, french toast, coffee/tea.The location is convenient. 15 minutes walk to Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal and War Memorial. We will definitely stay in this hotel again.

Stayed at this property November 23-27, 2006. After faxing property welcome letter advising of late arrival, arrived at midnight. Hotel had pre-blocked a corner jacuzzi room (1307) on 13th floor overlooking future Hotel Indigo and Laurier Avenue. Large suite, aproximately 850sq. ft., with full kitchen, seperate bedroom. Received small elite ammenity upon check-in. Room in excellent condition.

Observations:
Check-in is on 4th floor, as noted. Plan on handling your own luggage (not a problem for us).

Elevators are fast, but there was short wait during busy times. We were never inconvenienced and were on the next to top floor.

Breakfast was decent but not exemplary. Instant eggs, sausage, french toast, pancakes and waffles were consistent hot offerings. Great croissants. Due to time of stay, evening snacks were not offered. Closest grocery store is Goldsteins on Elgin, about 1/3 mile away. Easy walk, reasonable prices and good stock.

Staff and housekeeping polite and friendly. Room was tidied and dishes washed each day. Basic supplies (coffee, filters, creamer, sugar, etc) replenished daily. No matter when we stepped out, things were clean and the dishwasher running when we got back.

I would rate this property and room as one of the best we've experienced at the dozen or so Residence Inns we've stayed at.

As the title notes, this is a business district hotel, amongst many commercial office blocks. Not many restaurants, especially on weekends. One can find shopping and restaurants at Rideau Centre (an enclosed mall), a short 10 minute walk up Elgin and across the river. A short distance further is the ByWard Market district, host to many shops and restaurants. We had no trouble walking, with our luggage, from the Residence Inn, to the Courtyard on Dalhousie (in this district) where this review is being posted.

There are many museums in the area around the Residence Inn, as well as beautiful churches and government buildings. Signage is good and it's hard to get lost. Bus service is frequent and reasonable. Taxi service from the airport was around 25.00 CAD; there is also bus service and a shuttle.

I definitely recommend the Residence Inn to anyone wishing to spend a number of days in Ottawa. We'll be back.

I stayed in this hotel for 3 nights over Labour Day wkd in 2006 with my wife and 2 month old daughter. We needed a place with a kitchenette to prepare my daughter's food. The place overall was decent - clean, spacious, decent bed, kitchen was clean, bathroom was decent size and clean...that said, the hotel just lacked a bit...was not overly impressed with the room on first impression, the couch seemed a little dowdy, the TV is tiny for the room (20 inch, which is standard for most hotels, I think)...I only paid $107 through a Marriott promotion, so I really shouldnt complain, but I just expected a bit more. That said, the location is superb, the staff is great (extremely helpful and friendly), and you could easily sleep 4 per room.