1

I'm far from an Ottawa expert, but I have been a tourist there on a couple of occasions. I don't think you could go wrong with any of the options. I'd be less inclined for the Capital Hill because that part of downtown is more, well, "downtown-y" than some of the surrounding areas. That is, there is not much going on there at night or on the weekends. I preferred Elgin St., which is where Embassy is located, and the Byward market, which is where the Days Inn is located. Rideau St, which the Days Inn is on, is a bit scuzzy and very busy...but you do have very quick access to the market. Elgin St is a bit more lived in...nice cafés and restaurants and less touristy.

2

I lived in Ottawa for eight years and worked at NDHQ so know the downtown area pretty well. Downtown isn't that big really and all three hotels are within easy walking distance of the Byward Market and most other attractions down that way. The more scuzzy part of downtown is east of King Edward and a bit north of Rideau and King Edward (around Lowertown). Days Inn is at the corner of King Edward and Rideau, so it's close to the area of dodginess but that intersection is also right next to the market, and everything else you might want. It's also a busy intersection because King Edward leads onto the bridge over to Gatineau. All three of the hotels you listed have been reviewed on tripadvisor.ca so check them out and then decide for yourself which place you might prefer.

3

Thanks people. Don't mind a bit of 'scuzzy' as long as it's handy to stuff - might go with Days Inn.

4

First off - welcome to Ottawa! I live here and work downtown so I'm very familiar with the hotels you are considering. The Days Inn is one I would not recommend as it is in an area of very high vehicle traffic and not very scenic. The Capital Hotel is in a business district and although it is only a couple of blocks from Parliament Hill and the Byward Market, there is little happening around it in the evening. A good place to choose if you want a quiet place to sleep, but it's also across the street from a major transit stop and may be loud in the morning. If the Embassy Hotel is the one on Cartier, then that is the one I would choose. It used to be an apartment building so the spaces are full suites. You're also in an area that has a brisk nightlife, but you're on the edge of a high-end residential area. Safe, clean and a fun area. You are a little further from Parliament Hill and the Byward Market, but still walking distance and you're a short walk from the Rideau Canal which runs through the city.

There are lots of festivals and out-door markets in August. In the downtown core there are stands where you can rent bicycles which can then be dropped off at any other downtown stand, so its convenient and easy to travel. There is a Marriott right on the Byward Market if you want to be right in the thick of things. And if you want to be in an ideal location and cost is not an issue, you could stay at the Westin or Chateau Laurier.

Enjoy your stay!