Hampton Inn by Hilton Ottawa

Designed for comfort and convenience, the 1999-opened Hampton Inn serves its purpose well. Its somewhat-isolated location near Highway 417 makes for bland scenery, but it's well-placed for travelers with vehicles-- St Laurent mall is a few minutes by car, and a walkway directly connects the hotel to the city's convention center next door (not the Shaw Centre). Red-brick exteriors give way to a classier (albeit still chain-like) lobby with gray-speck tile floors and high ceilings. Sadly, striped-russet and worn-leather seating here are showing their age, although black-and-white city photography has some character. The vibe can turn a bit manic in mornings, when both the lobby and conference rooms are used as overflow breakfast space, although food gets the thumbs-up. Considering the modern gym, indoor pool, and large rooms, the hotel is a solid pick for this price bracket -- all it needs is some updating, decor-wise.

Large roads here reflect the not-so-central location, but downtown Ottawa is 10 minutes by car. A bus stop around the block runs downtown, though a vehicle is recommended for this area (taxis are available too). Offering 195 outlets and a food court, St Laurent mall is a two-minute drive (or 19-minute walk). Ottawa's main hub sits west of the hotel, and drives take a maximum of 14 minutes for the happening Byward Market neighborhood, Parliament Hill and embassies, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Shaw Centre (formerly the Ottawa Convention Centre). Home to pro hockey's Ottawa Senators, The Canadian Tire Centre is a 25-minute drive. Ottawa railway station is 12 minutes on foot. Ottawa International Airport is a 21-minute drive.

Rooms are dated, but they're large and clean, although highway and building views here aren't inspiring. The largely forest-green palette from carpeting and drapes contrasts mahoganies in headboards, desks, and kitchenette units, and the chain's white beds are comfortable. Amenities include phones, desks, flat-screen cable TVs with pay-per-view movies, kitchenettes with mini-fridges, microwaves, sinks, and coffeemakers, and ironing facilities. Hairdryers and free weekday newspapers are also standard. There are no in-room safes, but reception can store valuables. Upgraded "Study" rooms with ergonomic work spaces and pullout beds are available, as are Suites with living rooms. Beige and white bathrooms are big, equipped with shower/tub combos, large mirrors, and Neutrogena toiletries. Rooms can be fitted with cribs. 

The breakfast room's communal seating in faux red leather and woods aren't the most inspiring, but guests come here for the free morning spread. Scrambled eggs and sausages accompany waffles, muffins, a good range of cereals, and fresh fruit, plus tea, coffee, and juice. Despite some guests opting for On The Run bags, the space fills up fast, and it's not uncommon to see morning diners seated in the lobby or conference rooms. Tea and coffee are free 24/7 in the lobby, alongside apples. No other meals are served, although the hotel next door has a restaurant. Open 24 hours, the fitness center is a bright space with modern cardio machines, free weights, large mirrors, a water cooler, and towels. Terra-cotta tiling around the indoor pool is tired-looking, but waters are heated, and the adjacent hot tub is a nice perk. A few loungers and parasol-shaded tables and chairs offer relaxation space, but they look out of place indoors, and there's no outdoor terrace. The hotel has two meeting rooms, plus a free-to-use lobby PC and printer. On-site washer/dryers are coin-operated. Pets are not permitted. Secure underground and outdoor parking are free, as is Wi-Fi throughout.