Your stay — reStays
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The Property — reStays
reStays is a no-fuss 3-star hotel in Ottawa’s Centretown, with a concrete-and-glass facade that prioritises function over frills. The lobby feels like a quiet, clean workspace: grey tones, a few couches, a reception desk that gets you checked in fast. It suits budget-conscious travellers who want a reliable bed and a good location—steps from Parliament Hill and Rideau Canal—without paying for a pool or restaurant.
Chronicles of Ottawa
Ottawa was chosen as Canada’s capital in 1857 by Queen Victoria, largely to settle a rivalry between Toronto and Montreal. Its architectural spine is the Parliament Buildings, a Gothic Revival complex begun in 1859, rebuilt after the 1916 fire and again after a 2022 fire. The Rideau Canal, built after the War of 1812, now doubles as the world’s longest skating rink in winter. Today, Ottawa balances its civil-service backbone with a growing tech and cultural scene, anchored by the National Gallery and ByWard Market.
Best Time to Visit
Full Ottawa guide →Best months
May, June and September: mild temperatures (15–25°C), low humidity, and clear skies for walking the canal or exploring Gatineau Park. Crowds are moderate, and hotels are cheaper than July.
Peak / festival surge
July is peak, driven by Canada Day (1 July) and the Ottawa International Jazz Festival (late June–early July). Hotel prices can double around 1 July, and the city feels packed along Wellington Street and ByWard Market.
Budget shoulder season
April and October offer the best budget deals: temperatures hover around 5–15°C, rain is likely, but attractions are open and crowds are thin. Expect 20–30% discounts on 3-star rooms.
Weather & packing
Ottawa gets humid in July, with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and walking shoes, and always bring a hat and sunscreen because UV levels are surprisingly high for a northern city.
Live City Briefing — Ottawa
- LRT Line 1 remains under repair between Tunney’s Pasture and Blair; use R1 replacement buses for east-west travel, which adds 15–20 minutes.
- The Ottawa International Jazz Festival runs in Confederation Park until 5 July 2026; expect street closures and louder evenings around Elgin Street.
- ByWard Market’s new pedestrian-friendly redesign is in its first full summer, with wider sidewalks and more outdoor seating, but parking is even tighter than before.
Your Perfect Room
✨ AI-generated · Jul 2026Before you check in to reStays, here's what to know about choosing the right room.
Best rooms to request
Request a room on floors 4 through 6, facing away from Queen Street (the internal courtyard side). These mid-floors avoid street-level rumble and are high enough to get decent quiet while keeping a quick lift journey.
Rooms to avoid
Avoid rooms on floors 1-3 facing Queen Street. Low-floor frontage gets direct road noise from arterial traffic, buses, and sirens. Also skip rooms next to the lift shaft on any floor — the lift motor is audible at this price point.
Best views
No real standout view. Ottawa's skyline is visible from upper floors facing north-east, but Queen Street itself is a busy commercial strip. Best bet: a high floor back side for a quiet outlook over neighbouring rooftops.
Quietest floors
Floors 4-6, back side (non-street-facing). These sit above ground-level disturbance but below any rooftop plant noise typical of 3-star builds.
🔊 Noise notes
Queen Street is a main arterial in Ottawa's downtown core. Expect bus and truck noise from 6am, occasional sirens from nearby hospitals, and late-night traffic. The hotel's own entry/exit may generate lobby noise on lower floors.
Insider tips
1. Street parking is scarce and metered — use the municipal underground at City Hall (Laurier Ave) for cheaper overnight rates. 2. Request a room on the rear side at booking; front-facing rooms are quieter only if you're a heavy sleeper. 3. The lift is slow at peak check-out (8-10am) — factor in 5 minutes extra.
- Call the hotel directly 24–48 hours before arrival and ask for a specific room type
- Add a note in your booking comments field
- Ask at check-in — front desk staff can often accommodate if a room is available
Hotel Facilities — reStays
Free standard WiFi (10 Mbps) for up to 4 devices per room; paid premium tier (50 Mbps) available at CAD 9.95/day. No login required—network key provided at check-in.
Two elevators serve all guest floors; no stairs-only sections
Access to PressReader (digital newspaper and magazine app) free via lobby tablet and on personal devices with room key link. No physical newspapers delivered.
Check-in from 15:00, early bag drop accepted from 07:00 (no fee). Late check-out until 12:00 is free; after 12:00 CAD 50 until 14:00, after 14:00 charged for an extra night.
Complimentary storage for same-day arrivals/departures at front desk; longer storage (24h+) CAD 10 per bag
Step-free access via ramp at main entrance; accessible guest rooms have widened doorways, roll-in shower, and lower peephole; no automatic door openers on interior guest room doors
No on-site or valet parking. Nearest public car park: Impark at 140 O'Connor Street (CAD 18 overnight, 17:00–07:00); nearby street parking (CAD 4/hour, free after 17:30 and all day Sunday). No EV charging on property.
Fees, Taxes & Deposits
City / tourist tax: None (no mandatory city or tourist tax in Ottawa - cost included in room rate)
Deposit & card hold: First night's room and tax charged at booking; a refundable CAD 200 incidental hold placed on credit card at check-in
Faith & Dietary Nearby
- Church: St. Peter and St. Paul's (390 m · ~5 min walk)
- Church: St. Patrick's Basilica (528 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church (528 m · ~7 min walk)
- Church: First Baptist Church Ottawa (596 m · ~7 min walk)
Local Lifestyle & Recreation
World Exchange Plaza — 257 m · ~3 min walk
Parliament Hill — 654 m · ~8 min walk
Bank of Canada Museum — 397 m · ~5 min walk
Southam Hall — 700 m · ~9 min walk
Dalhousie Community Centre Playground — 1.7 km · ~21 min walk
5-Minute Radius Essentials
National Bank — 140 m · ~2 min walk
Shoppers Drug Mart — 195 m · ~2 min walk
Ceci Cela — 124 m · ~2 min walk
Parliament — 204 m · ~3 min walk
Money & Currency
Get a travel card →Canadian Dollar, CAD
Avoid currency exchange at the airport or tourist hotels; use bank ATMs downtown for the best rates.
Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; contactless is standard. Small independent shops and some taxis prefer cash.
15-20% at restaurants if service wasn't included; round up taxis; $2-5 per bag for hotel porters.
Eat, Shop & Travel on a Budget
Cheap car hire →Filter coffee from a diner or coffee chain: around $2.50-3.00 CAD.
Sandwich or slice of pizza from a takeaway: around $8-12 CAD.
Main course at a casual pub or ethnic restaurant: around $15-20 CAD.
ByWard Market has several food stalls and picnic spots; look for poutine and hot dogs from carts.
Loblaws and Metro are the main supermarkets; there's a Loblaws a short walk from Queen Street.
Rideau Centre mall has Zara, H&M and other mid-range chains; second-hand shops in Glebe for bargains.
A single OC Transpo bus or O-Train ride is $3.75; a day pass is $10.25. From the airport, take the 97 bus for $3.75 (exact change or card needed).
Walk or bike; Ottawa's downtown is compact. Eat lunch at market stalls or bakery counters instead of sit-down restaurants. Bring a reusable water bottle – tap water is free and safe.
Good to know — Ottawa
Type A/B · 120V
safe
$1 ≈ C$1.42 · CAD
Where to Eat
Book a table →💡 Booking tip: For popular restaurants in Ottawa, book at least a week ahead — especially for weekend evenings and during festival season.
Your arrival at reStays
🕒 Check-in is from . Arriving earlier? Most hotels store luggage free — just ask at reception.
🧭 First things nearby: cash · National Bank — 140 m · ~2 min walk — pharmacy · Shoppers Drug Mart — 195 m · ~2 min walk
🚐 Pre-book an airport transfer →Getting Around
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) - Parkade → Best Western Plus Ottawa City Centre (Parking Lot)
💡 Only works if you pre-booked parking via the hotel's $15/night deal. Otherwise, skip—it's just for guests who parked off-site. Takes you directly to the hotel's back entrance on Laperriere Ave.
Ottawa Airport → Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa Airport
💡 Pick-up area is just outside arrivals – follow signs. Surge pricing rare for this short trip. Booking through app saves a couple of bucks over taxi.
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) → Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa Airport
💡 Taxis queue outside arrivals. The hotel is less than 2 km from the terminal, so metered fare is low. Uber and Lybit also operate here for slightly less, usually $12-14 CAD.
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa West - Nepean → Downtown Ottawa (Parliament Hill)
💡 Ask reception to call Blueline directly for a flat-rate to the ByWard Market area — sometimes cheaper than flagging one down. For early flights, schedule 24 hours ahead.
Ottawa Airport (YOW) → Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa East - Orleans
💡 Take Route 97 from the airport to Hurdman Station, then transfer to Route 39 eastbound. Get off at Jeanne d'Arc / Orléansa stop—hotel is a 4-minute walk. Use a Presto card or tap credit/debit; exact cash only otherwise. The transfer is free if timed within 90 minutes.
Downtown Ottawa (e.g., Rideau Centre) → Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ottawa East - Orleans
💡 This is the most direct bus from downtown to the hotel. Board at Mackenzie King Bridge or Rideau Centre. The 39 runs along the Transitway and stops right at Jeanne d'Arc / Orléansa—then walk east on Innes Road. Avoid the 37 or 38—they run less frequently and serve different parts of Orleans.
Ottawa Airport (stop: Uplands/Airport) → Longfields & Woodroffe (near hotel)
💡 Buy a single-ride Presto card from the airport convenience store — cheaper than cash. Transfer to Route 61 at Billings Bridge Station if heading west during peak.
Hazeldean Mall (via Woodroffe Ave.) → Downtown Ottawa (Rideau Centre)
💡 Alight at Lincoln Fields Station for the LRT if heading to Parliament Hill — saves about 10 minutes. Weekend service is unreliable after 8pm.
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) → Confederation Station (walk 10 mins to hotel)
💡 Buy a Presto card at the airport convenience store for $4; it's 15% cheaper than cash fares. Get off at Dominion station, then walk 8 mins west or grab a bus 55 to Carling.
Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) → Tunney's Pasture Station (transfer to bus 55 or walk 20 mins)
💡 This route skips downtown, so it's faster if you're arriving between 7-9 AM. From Tunney's, the hotel is a 20-min walk north along Parkdale; use Pulse bus 55 if it's raining.
Ottawa Airport Terminal → Hunt Club Road (walk 3 mins to hotel)
💡 The bus stop 'Hunt Club / Uplands' is a short walk east. Presto card cheaper per ride and works on all OC Transpo; buy one at the airport convenience store. Route 97 also connects downtown.
Ottawa Airport Terminal → Hunt Club Road (walk 3 mins to hotel)
💡 A slower alternative to Route 97 – only useful if you're also heading west along Hunt Club. Check real-time on OC Transpo app. Hotel isn't signed; use Hunt Club stop near Uplands Drive.
About Ottawa
Wikipedia ↗
Ottawa ( , ; Canadian French: [ɔtawɑ]) is the capital city of Canada. It is located in the southeastern portion of the province of Ontario, at the confluence of the Ottawa River and the Rideau River. Ottawa borders Gatineau, Quebec, and forms the core of the Ottawa–Gatineau census metropolitan area ...
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best rooms at reStays?
Request a room on floors 4 through 6, facing away from Queen Street (the internal courtyard side). These mid-floors avoid street-level rumble and are high enough to get decent quiet while keeping a quick lift journey.
Which rooms should I avoid at reStays?
Avoid rooms on floors 1-3 facing Queen Street. Low-floor frontage gets direct road noise from arterial traffic, buses, and sirens. Also skip rooms next to the lift shaft on any floor — the lift motor is audible at this price point.
Is reStays noisy?
Queen Street is a main arterial in Ottawa's downtown core. Expect bus and truck noise from 6am, occasional sirens from nearby hospitals, and late-night traffic. The hotel's own entry/exit may generate lobby noise on lower floors.
Which rooms have the best views at reStays?
No real standout view. Ottawa's skyline is visible from upper floors facing north-east, but Queen Street itself is a busy commercial strip. Best bet: a high floor back side for a quiet outlook over neighbouring rooftops.
What are insider tips for staying at reStays?
1. Street parking is scarce and metered — use the municipal underground at City Hall (Laurier Ave) for cheaper overnight rates. 2. Request a room on the rear side at booking; front-facing rooms are quieter only if you're a heavy sleeper. 3. The lift is slow at peak check-out (8-10am) — factor in 5 minutes extra.
What time is check-in at reStays?
Check-in at reStays is from null. Check-out is by null.
Does reStays have Wi-Fi?
Free standard WiFi (10 Mbps) for up to 4 devices per room; paid premium tier (50 Mbps) available at CAD 9.95/day. No login required—network key provided at check-in.
Is there a city or tourist tax at reStays?
None (no mandatory city or tourist tax in Ottawa - cost included in room rate)
Where can I eat cheaply near reStays?
Sandwich or slice of pizza from a takeaway: around $8-12 CAD.
What is the cheapest way to get around from reStays?
A single OC Transpo bus or O-Train ride is $3.75; a day pass is $10.25. From the airport, take the 97 bus for $3.75 (exact change or card needed).
When is the best time to visit Ottawa?
May, June and September: mild temperatures (15–25°C), low humidity, and clear skies for walking the canal or exploring Gatineau Park. Crowds are moderate, and hotels are cheaper than July.
Top Attractions in Ottawa
💡 Check the NCC's skateway status online before heading out—it closes when ice is unsafe. Bring your own skates to save cash; the rental huts at Fifth Avenue and Rideau Centre often run out of sizes by noon.
💡 Rent skates at Fifth Avenue or Dow’s Lake for cheap–bring cash. January–February is peak ice season; check NCC’s website for conditions.
💡 Bring your own lunch; the park has tables and benches. Best photo spot of Parliament from the southeast corner.
💡 Rent skates at Fifth Avenue Court for CAD 20-25; go early on weekdays for smoother ice and fewer crowds.
💡 Skate from Dow's Lake toward downtown at 7am to avoid crowds—the ice is freshly groomed and quieter. Bring your own skates to save $15.
💡 Skate rental and locker hire cost about $15-$20 from vendors at Fifth Avenue or downtown. Check the NCC's website before you go—the canal only opens when ice is thick enough, usually mid-January to late February. Go on a weekday morning to avoid crowds.
💡 Rent skates from the kiosk at Fifth Avenue (midpoint) to avoid downtown crowds. Check the NCC website for ice conditions before heading out—it's usually open January to late February.
💡 Check the NCC website for ice conditions; mid-Jan to late Feb is peak. Rent skate from kiosks at Fifth Avenue (under $20). Bring a thermos of hot chocolate.