Ottawa, Ontario, Canada boasts a dozen golf courses within 10 miles of downtown and an abundance of sites to see, including world-class dining and unique shops. The area is an excellent place to spend a week during the warmer months, exploring the city and honing the golf game. Too often, however, what to do with the dog while you're away comes in the play. Fortunately, there are several pet-friendly hotels in downtown Ottawa--some without even charging you a fee.
Ottawa Marriott Hotel
The Ottawa Marriott Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Ottawa, adjacent to the capital buildings. Not only does management accept pets, but they have no restrictions on the size of the dog. Only one animal is allowed in the room, and they do not accept puppies. The lawn in front of the Supreme Court building across the way makes for an excellent walking and constitutional area for your pet. You have to sign a damage waiver upon check-in but there are no other fees associated with your pet, as long as it is quiet and well-behaved. The hotel offers 472 rooms, a health club, an indoor pool, two restaurants and a Starbucks. Capital Golf Course is less than two miles from the hotel and has 18 holes of championship golf.
Ottawa Marriott Hotel
100 Kent St.
Ottawa, ON K1P 5R7, Canada
(613) 238-1122
www.marriott.com
Fairmont Château Laurier
The Fairmont Château Laurier appears from the outside, and the inside, to be the sort of castle you'd find in France. Surprisingly, these regal surroundings accept dogs with a mere $25 one-time cleaning fee. You must also sign a damage and noise waiver that could result in higher billing should your pet be unruly or stain the carpets and furnishings. There's a walking path that runs along the banks of the Rideau Canal that's a perfect place to take the pooch for some exercise along with a potty break (be prepared to clean up the mess). The hotel recommends that you don't leave the pet in the room unattended and you can walk any animals around the common areas of the hotel providing that they are on a leash. The hotel has 429 four-star rooms, a health club, a spa, world-class dining, a lounge and is also within a couple miles of the Capital Golf Course.
Fairmont Château Laurier
1 Rideau St.
Ottawa, ON K1N 8S7, Canada
(613) 241-1414
fairmont.com
Sheraton Ottawa Hotel
Another of the downtown Ottawa hotels, the Sheraton Ottawa Hotel has no fee for those wishing to bring their pooch along for the fun. They do, however, limit the size of your dog to 20 pounds or under, with limitations on the amount as well--only two are allowed. Guests with pets are kept on the lower level of this 236 room hotel and you're not supposed to leave your dog unattended in the room. There's a nice park about three blocks from the hotel for walking animals and the grounds offer an indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, a sauna, a gift shop, a grill, a bar and a coffee shop.
Sheraton Ottawa Hotel
150 Albert St.
Ottawa, ON K1P 5G2, Canada
(613) 238-1500
starwoodhotels.com
About The Author
Patrick Cameron is a freelance writer with 10 years of diverse experience in consumer goods branding, promotions and retail communications. He works out of his home in Denver, Colo. He received his Bachelor of Arts in mass communication from the University of Minnesota.
