Ottawa, the capital of Canada, is a charming blend of nature, culture, and history. While there are many places to explore in this city, I was particularly interested in experiencing its vibrant night scene. A key aspect of making my trip memorable was finding the perfect hotel—one that offers comfort, convenience, and a little something extra for a special night out. After much research and several recommendations, I decided to stay at the Andaz Ottawa Byward Market—a sleek and contemporary hotel that sits right in the heart of one of the city’s most dynamic districts.
1. A Perfect Location in Byward Market
The Andaz Ottawa is situated at 325 Dalhousie Street, a prime location for visitors who want to experience Ottawa’s nightlife and cultural attractions without straying too far from the action. Byward Market is the city’s oldest and one of its most bustling neighborhoods. It’s full of cafés, bars, local restaurants, and shops, all within walking distance of the hotel.
What makes this location particularly special is its proximity to the Rideau Canal, Parliament Hill, and the National Gallery of Canada. Whether you’re in town for business or leisure, being in the heart of Ottawa makes it incredibly easy to explore the best the city has to offer.
When I arrived, I couldn’t help but admire the chic and modern design of the hotel. It felt vibrant yet welcoming, a perfect reflection of the surrounding area. The sleek, clean lines of the building, paired with its stylish interior, immediately set the tone for what would be a memorable stay.
2. Booking My Stay
Booking my stay at Andaz Ottawa was a breeze. I used the Hyatt website to make my reservation. After browsing through a few options, I was drawn to the flexibility that the hotel offered, especially considering it was located in such a prime area of Ottawa.
The hotel had a variety of room types, but I opted for a King Suite with a city view. The room was spacious, with large windows that overlooked Dalhousie Street. The suite came equipped with a comfortable king-sized bed, a cozy sitting area, and a sleek, modern bathroom with a rain shower. The room had a contemporary design but maintained a sense of warmth, with earth tones and soft lighting.
At the time of booking, I was able to secure a rate of approximately CAD 300 per night. The price varied slightly depending on the season, but this was the average rate for my stay. I opted for a flexible cancellation option in case my travel plans changed, and I appreciated the ease of the online reservation process.
3. A Stylish, Comfortable Room
The King Suite offered everything I needed for a relaxing night in. As I walked into the room, I was immediately impressed by how spacious and modern it felt. The room featured large windows that let in ample natural light during the day and provided a beautiful view of Byward Market at night.
One of the highlights of the room was the bed. The king-sized bed was extremely comfortable, with soft linens and plush pillows that made it hard to leave once I sank into it. After a busy day exploring the city, there was no better feeling than coming back to this luxurious space.
The suite also had a small sitting area with a comfy sofa, perfect for relaxing with a drink or enjoying a quiet moment after a long day. The room came equipped with a mini-fridge, a Nespresso coffee machine, and even a sound system, making it easy to unwind. The modern bathroom featured a rain shower and high-end toiletries, adding an extra layer of indulgence to the experience.
4. The Hotel’s Amenities
One thing that sets Andaz Ottawa apart is its exceptional amenities. The hotel has a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city skyline. It was one of the main reasons I chose this hotel, as I wanted a place where I could enjoy a drink while taking in the sights of Ottawa at night.
The rooftop bar, called The Rooftop Lounge, offers both indoor and outdoor seating. I visited the bar after dinner one evening, and I was impressed by the lively atmosphere. The drinks were excellent, with a wide selection of craft cocktails, local beers, and wines. The panoramic view of the city from the rooftop was spectacular, especially as the sun began to set and the city lights started to twinkle.
The hotel also offers a fully equipped fitness center, which I used the following morning. It had a range of cardio equipment and free weights, making it easy to squeeze in a workout before heading out for the day. There’s also an on-site restaurant called The Andaz Kitchen, which serves delicious meals throughout the day. I didn’t dine there during my stay, but the menu looked great, with a range of both local and international dishes.
5. Exploring Ottawa’s Nightlife
One of the things I loved most about staying in Byward Market was how easy it was to explore Ottawa’s nightlife. The area is teeming with vibrant bars, pubs, and live music venues. After checking in at Andaz Ottawa, I headed out to explore.
The first stop was The Albion Rooms, a contemporary restaurant and bar located just a short walk from the hotel. I had heard great things about their cocktails, and I wasn’t disappointed. The ambiance was chic and intimate, perfect for unwinding after a busy day of sightseeing.
Later that night, I went to The Whiskey Bar, a cozy little spot with an impressive selection of whiskey and cocktails. The atmosphere was laid-back, and I had the chance to chat with locals who gave me insider tips on other places to check out in Ottawa. It was a great way to experience the city like a local.
If you’re more into live music, Ottawa has a variety of venues to choose from. The House of TARG is a quirky spot that combines live performances with a retro arcade. It’s a fun and unique place to visit, especially if you’re looking for something different to do in the evening.
6. Dining in the Area
Ottawa has an impressive culinary scene, and Byward Market is home to some of the best restaurants in the city. As I was staying at Andaz Ottawa, I was perfectly positioned to explore some of these culinary gems.
One of my favorite meals in the area was at Play Food & Wine, located just around the corner from the hotel. The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and the dishes were bursting with flavor. I had the duck confit with a side of roasted root vegetables, and it was absolutely delicious.
For breakfast the next morning, I stopped by Café My House, a cozy café just a short walk from the hotel. The café serves a range of delicious pastries and breakfast items, and I had a freshly brewed coffee along with a croissant. It was the perfect way to start my day before heading out to explore more of Ottawa.
7. The Final Touches
What really set my stay at Andaz Ottawa apart, however, was the level of service. From the moment I checked in, the staff were friendly, welcoming, and attentive. They were happy to provide recommendations for things to do in Ottawa, and they even helped me arrange a late check-out when I needed it.
The hotel also offers a range of services for guests, including valet parking, luggage storage, and room service. These little touches made my stay even more enjoyable and added to the overall convenience.
The combination of the hotel’s central location, stylish accommodations, and top-notch amenities made it the ideal base for a memorable night out in Ottawa. Staying in Byward Market allowed me to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife while having a peaceful and relaxing place to retreat to at the end of the night.
If you’re planning a trip to Ottawa and want to experience the best of what the city has to offer, Andaz Ottawa Byward Market is definitely worth considering. Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, it provides everything you need for a memorable and enjoyable time in this beautiful city.
