Albert at Bay Suite Hotel

The 11-story building that houses this downtown hotel looks like an apartment building -- and inside, the lobby's dark wood paneling, granite floors, and inviting seating area with a fireplace has homey appeal. The atmosphere here is quiet, and the families on vacation, government workers, and corporate travelers on extended stays who frequent the hotel tend to keep to themselves. But the rooftop fitness center and adjacent terrace, with loungers and great city views, is a magnet for guests.

This hotel is situated in a relatively quiet part of downtown. It's across the street from a high school, and near several key government buildings. Parliament Hill is about a 15-minute walk away, but the hotel isn't within walking distance of most top sights. There are a handful of restaurants in the immediate area, and there's a large convenience store connected to the property that sells fresh produce and other items. Rideau Centre, the Shaw Centre (formerly the Ottawa Convention Centre), and Dominion Arboretum -- the country's oldest arboretum -- are all roughly an 11-minute drive from the hotel. Depending on traffic, it takes approximately 15 minutes by car to reach Ottawa International Airport, and it's about a 15-minute drive to Canadian Tire Centre, home of pro hockey’s Ottawa Senators. 

Spacious apartment-style suites at Albert at Bay Suite Hotel have contemporary decor and clean lines. Neutral tones are a study of browns, from earthy tan to shimmery copper. Punches of color to draw the eye's attention are absent, but the look is nonetheless attractive overall. Espresso wood furniture topped with black granite or glass adds polish to spaces, and the sleeper sofas found in all units' living rooms are upholstered in rich velvet.There are also kitchens with full-size fridges and range-top stoves, dishwashers, microwaves, coffeemakers with Seattle's Best coffee, and cookware. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, robes, irons and ironing boards, safes, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are similarly styled, and all have shower/tub combos, wide vanities, and toiletries. Larger suites have two bathrooms, and Luxury suites add whirlpool tubs. Some units have private balconies with city views -- suites that face north on higher floors look out to the Ottawa River. The entry-level Queen One-Bedroom suites are 800 square feet, and Superior Two-Bedrooms are 1,300 square feet. 

The solid selection of features at this residence-style property make for a comfortable stay. There's an on-site restaurant and pub, but it was closed pending new operators during the time of our visit. For preparing meals, there's a convenient 24-hour Quickie mart connected to the hotel, which sells everything from drinks and snacks to fresh produce. The hotel’s most notable feature is its roomy fitness center, which has an outstanding selection of cardio and weight-training machines, including several pieces of Nautilus equipment. It’s on the rooftop, and it's adjacent to a large terrace with loungers and great city views. Other highlights include a 24-hour business center with several computers and printers, and meeting space for up to 300 people. There's also a laundry room with multiple washer/dryers, and valet dry cleaning and laundry services are offered. On-site parking is available in the hotel’s underground garage for a fee, with rates that are in line with other garages in the city. Wi-Fi is free throughout.