Cartier Place Suite Hotel

Family owned and operated since 1974, this hotel has a friendly and homey vibe. Given its residence-style suites and downtown location, it attracts a diverse mix of guests, from business professionals and government workers on extended stays to vacationing families who need the extra space and kitchen facilities. The modest lobby is a bit dated but pleasant, with tan marble floors and a cluster of brown leather furniture next to a gas fireplace. But the hotel is mostly quiet and relaxed, and the fitness center and indoor pool aren't crowded. The hotel is attached to a senior living center, and residents come and go in the property's public spaces.

Cartier Place is located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, a one-minute walk from the shops and restaurants on Elgin Street. A Sobeys Urban Fresh grocery store is five minutes on foot, and it’s a six-minute walk to Ottawa City Hall. Confederation Park and Rideau Canal are about seven-minute walks, and Parliament Hill, Rideau Centre, and the Shaw Centre (formerly the Ottawa Convention Centre) are 14 minutes on foot. Depending on traffic, it takes approximately 20 minutes by car to reach Ottawa International Airport and the Canadian Tire Centre, home of pro hockey’s Ottawa Senators.

There’s no denying that the decor is dated, but units are clean and well-equipped for a comfortable stay. Expect synthetic bedspreads, industrial-grade carpeting, aged furniture, and cookie-cutter prints on walls. But kitchens are packed with amenities, including full-size fridges, ovens with cooktops, microwaves, dishwashers, coffeemakers, tea kettles, and utensils. Small dining tables with at least four chairs are included, as are desks, and separate living rooms have sleeper sofas. Flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and private balconies with city views are standard amenities. Bathrooms are also dated, but they're generally tidy and have shower/tub combos and hairdryers.

One- and Two-Bedroom Suites are available, and VIP Suites come with whirlpool tubs. The Penthouse Hospitality Suite is much larger than the other suites and has a separate whirlpool tub and small walk-in shower.

Fitness and relaxation are a focus here, and there's a well-equipped gym, and a heated indoor pool, whirlpool, and sauna. The family-friendly property includes a game room for teens and adults and an indoor play area for smaller children with slides and toys. A small outdoor playground also is part of a lovely courtyard with nice landscaping and covered tables and chairs.

There's a guest laundry room, but it only has one washer/dryer. There's a computer and printer that serve as the business center, and meeting space for up to 195 people. Parking is available in the hotel’s underground garage, but it’s a bit expensive. Pets are welcome with a surcharge, and Wi-Fi is free, but many past guests have said that it's slow and spotty.