Ottawa Marriott Hotel

Given its ample meeting space and its proximity to government buildings, this busy hotel is popular with business travelers. Families vacationing with young children in the capital city also choose to stay here for its convenient location and its kid-focused amenities. The reception area's warm lighting and the lounge's cozy autumnal motif make the lobby inviting, and there's a dining table with high-back chairs set in front of a flat-screen TV. But it generally isn't a place where guests linger, although the business center sees some traffic -- including kids getting in screen time. The busier spots on-site tend to be the hotel's restaurant, "Spin” Kitchen & Bar, and Starbucks, both of which are on street level. 

The Marriott is housed in a 29-story building located in downtown Ottawa, in an area with several government buildings. There's a pharmacy across the street from the hotel, and a few restaurants that are less than three minutes on foot. But the property isn't within walking distance of major sights, with the exception of Parliament Hill, which is an eight-minute walk.

For convention attendees, the Shaw Centre (formerly the Ottawa Convention Centre) takes about 10 minutes via public transit, and its about the same amount of time to reach Rideau Centre, a shopping mall with more than 170 retailers and restaurants. Depending on traffic, it takes approximately 20 minutes by car to get to Ottawa International Airport, and it's a 27-minute drive to Canadian Tire Centre, home of pro hockey’s Ottawa Senators.

Guest rooms at Ottawa Marriott Hotel have a warm ambience and attractive accents that add polish. The matching wood furniture has an upscale, reddish-brown finish, and pieces are topped with sleek black granite. Shades of gold, orange, and brown are used throughout, and the wavy, patterned carpet provides an energetic focal point. The bright, white duvets, and frosted-glass lamps with drum shades that flank beds lend a calming effect. 

All units have roomy desks, with plug-in panels for several types of electronics. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, robes, irons and ironing boards, and free Wi-Fi, but expect to get charged for bottled water. Bathrooms have wide, marble vanities, with standard shower/tub combos, plus hair dryers and Bath & Bodyworks products.

Units offer plenty of space for comfort, and Deluxe and Executive Corner Rooms feature approximately 130 more square feet than Standard Kings or Doubles. Views of the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill can be impressive from many of the rooms. Executives include balconies, while Deluxe rooms feature sleeper sofas. Concierge-level rooms come in two sizes as well, and both offer access to the Concierge Lounge, where there's a free continental breakfast and snacks throughout the day. Rooms are generally quiet for a downtown property. 

This Marriott offers an extensive lineup of amenities for business travelers and activities that are attractive to families with kids in tow. 

“Spin” Kitchen and Bar serves breakfast for a fee, and classic comfort food for lunch and dinner, plus there are happy hour specials. There's also an on-site Starbucks, and the hotel offers room service. 

There's a heated indoor pool and a sauna, and fitness buffs will appreciate the spacious gym, which has an excellent selection of cardio and weight-training machines. 

The business center in the lobby has multiple computers and printers, and there's 36,000 square feet of meeting space, including the Victoria Ballroom, which can host functions for up to 600 people.

For teens, there's a game room with billiards and air hockey tables, and Wii consoles, and The Kids Zone is designed for younger children, with various toys, play areas, and video games.

Valet and self-parking are available for an extra charge, and guests can do their own laundry on-site, or visit the concierge to arrange valet dry cleaning and laundry services. The hotel has a gift shop, and it's pet-friendly. Wi-Fi is free throughout.