Best Western Plus Gatineau-Ottawa Downtown

This hotel is highly regarded for its prime location near the Ottawa River, offering stunning views of Parliament Hill and easy access to downtown Ottawa via a nearby bridge. Its proximity to major attractions like the Canadian Museum of History makes it an excellent choice for sightseers and families looking to explore the capital region. Many guests appreciate the convenience of walking to various landmarks and the vibrant Byward Market. The hotel also caters well to couples seeking a scenic and accessible getaway. To enhance your stay, consider requesting a room on a higher floor for the best vistas, and be prepared for potential challenges with parking, especially during busy periods.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though guest experiences are mixed. The swimming pool is a notable feature, but many guests report it is often too cold, and some have noted issues with cleanliness or maintenance, such as flickering lights. The elevators are frequently described as slow, often with one out of service, leading to long wait times and crowded rides. A fitness center is available, though some reviews suggest it could benefit from better maintenance and equipment. Most guests appreciate the complimentary coffee machine in the lobby, offering various hot beverages, though it occasionally runs out of supplies or is out of order. Some rooms include a kitchenette or refrigerator, which is a welcome convenience, but the general decor of the hotel is often described as dated or tired, despite some modern updates.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Feedback on cleanliness and room comfort is highly varied. Many guests find their rooms to be clean, spacious, and comfortable, praising the comfortable beds and high-quality linens. However, a significant number of reviews highlight concerns, including persistent smoke smells, musty odors, and visible dirt or stains on carpets and windows. Some guests reported issues with bed bugs, which is a serious concern. Noise is a recurring complaint, with poor soundproofing allowing sounds from hallways, adjacent rooms, and even the air conditioning unit or refrigerator to disrupt sleep. While some bathrooms have been renovated and are clean, others are described as outdated, small, or having low water pressure in the shower. Housekeeping consistency is also a point of contention, with some rooms not being serviced regularly.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel's dining experience, primarily focused on breakfast, receives mixed reviews. Most guests appreciate that breakfast is offered, and some describe it as good, ample, or a gourmet option, especially for the price. However, many others find the breakfast to be mediocre, with limited variety, dry food items, and poor coffee quality. Issues such as food not being replenished promptly or the dining area becoming overcrowded are also mentioned. While the hotel has a restaurant space, detailed feedback on lunch or dinner options is scarce. Some guests note the absence of complimentary breakfast, which is a departure from typical expectations for the brand.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as its strongest asset. It is situated directly across the river from Ottawa, offering easy walking access to major attractions such as Parliament Hill, the Canadian Museum of History, and the Byward Market via a pedestrian bridge. This makes it ideal for exploring the city on foot. While the immediate area is generally considered safe and scenic, some guests have noted the presence of construction or less desirable elements in the surrounding neighborhood. Parking is a frequent point of frustration; while options are available, including an underground garage, it is often limited, difficult to find, and can be expensive if not part of a loyalty program. Some guests resorted to street parking, which led to concerns about security or tickets.

Staff & Service
Guest experiences with staff and service are notably inconsistent. Many reviews praise the staff as friendly, helpful, and accommodating, particularly highlighting their willingness to assist with requests and provide local information. However, a significant number of guests reported negative interactions, describing some staff as rude, unhelpful, or lacking empathy, especially when addressing issues like room cleanliness or noise complaints. The check-in process is often described as slow, with long wait times due to understaffing or system issues. Housekeeping service is a recurring concern, with guests reporting rooms not being cleaned, towels not being replenished, or staff entering rooms without knocking. Overall, while some guests had excellent service, others felt their concerns were not adequately addressed.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several miscellaneous but important details. A significant and recurring concern reported by some guests is the presence of bed bugs, which led to highly negative experiences and dissatisfaction with how these issues were handled by management. The hotel frequently hosts sports teams, particularly youth hockey groups, which can lead to excessive noise in hallways and crowded common areas, impacting the comfort of other guests. Housekeeping policy dictates that rooms are cleaned only every three days, which many guests found inconvenient. Parking can be a challenge, with limited spaces and some guests reporting issues with tickets or vehicle security when forced to park off-site. The hotel does not offer electric vehicle charging facilities.