Holiday Inn Express & Suites Downtown Ottawa East, an IHG Hotel

I recently stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in downtown Ottawa during a business trip from Monday to Thursday. Upon arrival, I noticed the hotel was already bustling with activity. The parking was available at $18, with multiple floors of underground parking.The hotel itself was impressively clean, modern, and incredibly comfortable. The rooms were spacious, and as a platinum club member, I was fortunate to enjoy a larger room. Although I didn't have the chance to visit the gym and pool on the second floor, they were available for use.One of the highlights of the hotel was the complimentary buffet, a characteristic feature of Holiday Inn Express. However, I must mention that breakfast was particularly busy, especially during the summer peak tourist season. Families, tour groups, and kids were abundant, so I recommend arriving early to avoid the crowds. The breakfast spread included pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, toast, yogurt, cinnamon rolls, fruits, and unlimited coffee, tea, and juice.The staff at the hotel were extremely friendly and accommodating. However, I have to acknowledge that the location has its drawbacks. While it's conveniently close to ByWard Market and Parliament Hill, being east of the tourist areas, there's a double-edged sword aspect to it.In terms of safety, it is important to note that the Holiday Inn Express in downtown Ottawa is located near a homeless shelter. This means there are often homeless individuals, drug addicts, and beggars walking and roaming around the vicinity, sometimes close to the hotel and its guests. During my stay, I personally encountered instances of homeless people begging and asking for money while I was walking back to the hotel. There were also occasions where I passed by individuals who appeared to be passed out on the floor, clearly under the influence of drugs or alcohol.Due to these factors, I would strongly advise against walking alone or venturing outside once it gets dark in the area. It may not be a safe environment for children, and it’s advisable to avoid wearing anything expensive that could attract unwanted attention. Guests should be on high alert if they choose to wander outside.On a positive note, the hotel does have a security guard stationed near the front door to ensure that homeless individuals and drug addicts do not enter the premises. Additionally, it is not uncommon to see police and ambulance presence outside the hotel, likely due to addressing drug use and overdose situations in the vicinity.Overall, while the hotel itself maintains security measures, the presence of homelessness, drug use, and associated risks in the area should be taken into consideration by potential guests.

The hotel itself was nice. Beautiful patio to go sit out on, usual, clean room of a holiday inn. The people were also nice.We also had continental breakfast that didn't disappoint.Although the location is close to downtown, it looks to be beside a homeless shelter in what feels like an unsafe area. When we looked out our window, we could see people on the street doing heavy drugs and fighting. It wasn't pleasant. It did not make us feel safe when we were walking downtown.They had security walking around, but the elevators are not locked to eople who have a key card, so anyone can walk in and access any floor. This didn't make us feel safe, either.The parking was also way too much of a hassle. They have limited places, so you may have to go find other parking. We were waiting for our friends so we could all check in and were unable to park our car until we checked in. The parking lot was pure confusion for everyone coming in. They should have more signage.Overall, we had an okay stay, but next time, we will pay a little extra to stay elsewhere.

The hotel was very nice and clean. The view from the top floor was great especially at sunset. There's a lot of security for the guests and vehicles. I felt safe there. I see other reviewers complained about the homeless, yes there were a lot of homeless walking around day and night but where else would you have them go? I think it's a good wake up for people who don't usually see them. The problem is greater than we know. It has nothing to do with this hotel. Parking is expensive. Silly it's not included with the room. We enjoyed our stay!

The air quality in the rooms and probably throughout the hotel is horrible! The vents are filthy and the filters have obviously never been changed!What we breathe in is more important than the superficial cosmetic touches.The location is convenient, but I've never seen as many homeless people in my life!I thought it would be great to walk places, but you can't walk anymore because of all the homelessness. I wondered when I saw the Security in the lobby.

This is clearly a recently renovated hotel in the new IHG style. I asked for a stand up shower and my room was not just big but SO we’ll designed and contemporary practical touches.A clothing area with HOOKS!!! Look at my pictures, a busy day coming and going those hooks were awesome.Fridge and microwave and the entrance area has this nice foyer with a shelf for keys and stuff - can’t stress how much room design makes for a better stay as a frequent business traveller. They had so many USB plugs, desk and next to the bed.And yes this is a three star hotel but add in the free breakfast with so many healthy options and sorry this hotel was nicer and way better value than the expensive four star I stayed at later in the week at double the price.Yes, the area isn’t great if you’re trying to use this as a home base to WALK. But for a short stay or if you have a car and doing things in town you will NOT beat this price (and never with breakfast included)