HOTELS
Ottawa: The Andaz
Canada’s first Andaz hotel opened in late 2016, fittingly in the nation’s capital, glamming up what was once a nondescript office building. With subtle, landscape-inspired artistic gestures, sparkling cuisine and warm hospitality, every inch of its 16 floors highlights the essence of Canadiana.
Vibe: Entering the Andaz ByWard Market is like stepping into the living room of a relaxed, very modern home. Unreservedly hospitable service is no-nonsense Canadian—unstuffy and unfussy, and in two languages. Each floor takes on a persona of a Canadian province or territory, with art curated by the Canadian Council Art Bank. Signature Andaz Salon events—lectures, exhibitions, live performances—connect guests to local cultural experiences.
Rooms: Two hundred residentially styled rooms champion Canadian design, materials and motifs. White walls, ceilings and linens, plus oatmeal curtains and carpets lend a fresh feel. Woolen and felt upholstery, moulded wood furniture, leather drawer pulls, and walk-in closets are simple yet sumptuous. Fun copper light fixtures do double duty as installation art. What looks like herringbone-patterned wooden flooring is actually tiling.
F&B: The hotel’s destination restaurant Feast + Revel showcases uniquely Canadian items like bison skewers, lamb poutine, Arctic char, scallops with smoked bacon and a varied duck platter that serves four. Besides a breakfast buffet, top morning items include a Vegetarian Breakfast with smoked vegan sausage and roasted mushrooms, and a Breakfast Poutine loaded with duck confit, kale, caramelized onions, cheese curds and rich gravy. Copper Spirits & Sights, the rooftop bar, boasts amazing views and is poised to become the new It spot for the city’s chic-seekers, with a patio that features banquette seating and open fire pits.
Extras: The 24-hour fitness centre on the 16th floor sports floor-to-ceiling windows for an optimum view while you work out.
Off-Site: The hotel is right in the thick of things, anchoring the east end of Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market area with its multitude of shops, restaurants and bars. It’s walking distance from Parliament Hill, all the major national museums and galleries, and Gatineau, Quebec.
Rate: $$$
