Staying in Ottawa for a week

[lofidelity]

I am going to Ottawa for the week of June 9, and I am just curious if anyone has experience with hotels in Ottawa as well as nightlife.

I am currently looking at hotels and want one that's not too expensive. I have checked rates and most of the affordable ones range anywhere from $100-130 a night.

Does anyone have experience with the Byward Blue Inn in Byward Market or the Travelodge Doral Inn Ottawa or Embassy Hotel and Suites? Any other suggestions are welcome.

Also which one of these is near the best restaurants and nightlife? I don't want to be cooped up in the hotel all night. Also what's there to do for a guy in his 20s?

Also most of these hotels are 5-10 mins drive away from where I want to commute to in the morning. Is Ottawa rush hour very bad?

[yackulic]

Byward Blue Inn ,the Travelodge are located in the market and will keep you busy.I have not stayed their but seem to be alot better then the embassy suites hotel.

[savingcash]

In terms of places to stay, you might consider staying at one of the university residences, depending on how cheaply you really want to do this. UofO is right downtown, walking distance to most of the fun and I believe they rent out their residences for the summer.

In terms of nightlife, it really depends on how much in to your 20's you are. If you're early 20's then you're probably looking for the By-Ward Market area and even Gatineau bars (formerly known as Hull). The bars there are a lot more 'young' with lots of techno/dance type music. The crowds can be a bit rougher because of the younger crew---it can get quite wild. Here is where you'll generally get folks between 16-24.

However, if you're a bit more mature or are into older 'catches', then you will likely want to hit up Elgin Street away from the By-Ward market. Most of the establishments there tend to cater to a slightly older crowd---still good dancing spots in some locations but not the booze infested/youngin' crowd. Age ranges there are usually between 25-40.

You can't go wrong in either location for some quality fun. Ottawa is a great place to have fun. Its beautiful too.

[phR3d]

Byward Blue Inn is your best bet if you want to be close to the Ottawa nightlife, if there is such thing. You won't have to take your car.

For restaurants, check the Ottawa Xpress best of 2007:
http://www.ottawaxpress.ca/news/news.aspx?iIDArticle=13446

For the nightlife... I like the Zaphod http://www.zaphodbeeblebrox.com and the Rainbow http://www.therainbow.ca, but I usually go out on the Quebec's side. You can walk in the Market and find something to your taste.

[pointofnoreturn]

The Travelodge is definitely not located in the market. It's just outside of LeBreton flats but a VERY short bus ride to the Market on the Transitway route.

Don't pick Embassy Suites (West), especially the one near the Queensway. It's horrible. I stayed there once and it was one of the most uncomfortable nights in my life. It was really dirty and service wasn't all that nice. Plus, it's not really in the best location. I'd go for the Blue Inn or the Doral Inn. Both are pretty good!

[lofidelity]

Just to give an update, I'm staying at the Blue Inn for the week, and it's definately the best value for money. Originally my room didn't have A/C but it was installed after the second night, so it's as comfortable as most hotels I've been to and also has a balcony with patio furniture.

I went to watch The Stills play at Zaphod Tuesday night, and am planning to check out the Rainbow tonight. I would definately consider the Blue Inn again.