Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel served as a maximum security facility until 1972. The gallows of the jail remain as well as the cells that have been turned into guest rooms.
Summary of reviews
The Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel garners positive reviews across multiple categories, making it a favored choice for travelers visiting Ottawa. Situated in the city's heart, the hostel’s location is a standout feature. Its proximity to major attractions such as Rideau Centre, ByWard Market and Parliament Hill allows guests to easily explore Ottawa on foot. Visitors appreciate the variety of nearby restaurants, shops and public transport options, enhancing its appeal as a centrally located base for sightseeing.
The hostel offers a complimentary breakfast that guests find satisfactory and valuable. The breakfast spread typically includes bagels, fruits, cereals, coffee and hot chocolate, described as hearty and filling despite being simple. The quick replenishment of items and the freshness of the food contribute positively to the overall experience.
Staying at the hostel provides a unique and memorable experience due to its historic setting within a former jail. Rooms converted from jail cells add to the intrigue, maintaining an authentic ambiance. Though some private rooms are cozy and lack windows, the dormitories offer more space. Visitors commend the cleanliness of both private and shared spaces, noting that all facilities are well-maintained.
Exceptional staff is another highlight with reviews frequently praising their friendliness and helpfulness. The team is described as welcoming and attentive, contributing to a warm and supportive atmosphere from check-in to check-out.
The hostel provides free Wi-Fi, which is generally reliable and strong throughout the building. Although some guests mention occasional connectivity issues, the overall service is satisfactory for most travelers. On-site parking is available at an extra cost and is considered convenient and secure despite some guests feeling the additional charge is inconvenient.
Comfortable and clean beds, equipped with cozy linens, are often highlighted as a plus. Privacy curtains in some dormitories enhance the sleep experience, though a few minor issues like noisy beds and the lack of curtains in some rooms are noted. Overall, the beds contribute significantly to a pleasant stay.
The historic aspect of the hostel with its detailed preservation of the jail's history, is a major attraction. Free guided tours shedding light on the building's past, including areas like solitary confinement and death row, deepen guests' appreciation of the fascinating history. This blend of history and comfort provides an extraordinary experience, making the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel a unique place to stay that is well-maintained, clean and rich in character.
In summary, the Saintlo Ottawa Jail Hostel combines a prime location, unique historical ambiance, clean and comfortable accommodations and exceptional staff service, creating a distinctive and highly recommended lodging option in Ottawa.
Fairmont Chateau Laurier, a historic gem in the heart of Ottawa, is renowned for its central and convenient location. Perfectly positioned near Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal and Byward Market, the hotel offers guests easy access to major attractions, museums, markets and restaurants. The property's rich history, coupled with its classic architecture, adds to its charm with many visitors appreciating the stunning views and the hotel's overall aesthetic.
Guests frequently praise the breakfast offerings, emphasizing the quality and deliciousness of the food with favorites like omelette buffets and breakfast bread enhancing the experience. The friendly and entertaining service further elevates breakfast time. However, the high cost of breakfast and the limited buffet selection are notable drawbacks.
Dinner experiences at Fairmont Chateau Laurier receive mixed feedback. While some guests enjoy the exceptional food and beautiful views, especially from the terrace, others are disappointed by the limited menu variety and high prices. The impeccable service and enjoyable offerings at Zoey’s are positively highlighted, but securing a table can be challenging due to high demand.
The rooms at the hotel have both admirers and critics. Positively, they are described as clean, spacious and possessing historical charm with fantastic views of landmarks. Nonetheless, many guests feel the rooms are dated and in need of renovation with issues such as small size, inadequate storage and occasional maintenance problems detracting from the experience.
Cleanliness is generally praised with many guests commenting on the clean and comfortable accommodations and excellent housekeeping services. However, there are sporadic lapses in maintaining this standard with certain areas and rooms falling short of expectations.
The staff at Fairmont Chateau Laurier is often highlighted as a standout feature, described as friendly, professional and accommodating. Their attentiveness and warm service contribute significantly to the hotel’s welcoming atmosphere, though occasional issues such as short-staffing and unhelpful receptionists are noted.
One major inconvenience for modern travelers is the lack of complimentary Wi-Fi, which many guests find surprising and frustrating. The additional charges for internet access are seen as inappropriate for a hotel of this caliber.
The pool area offers an impressive size and architectural beauty, making it a pleasant spot when accessible. Nevertheless, problems like cold water, murky conditions and the need for renovations are common complaints.
Parking is another contentious point with many guests citing high costs, limited spaces and logistical difficulties. Despite the valet staff's exceptional service, the overall parking experience is often described as chaotic and inconvenient.
Families find the Fairmont Chateau Laurier to be a good fit with spacious rooms and a welcoming atmosphere for both children and pets. Its prime location simplifies visiting nearby attractions, though some noise concerns and issues with certain room features, such as sofa beds, are mentioned.
In conclusion, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier is celebrated for its central location, historical charm and friendly staff, making it a recommended choice for those looking to explore Ottawa. However, potential guests should be aware of possible drawbacks related to dining options, room conditions, additional Wi-Fi and parking costs.
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