Swiss Hotel

This is one of the best places I’ve ever stayed — from the amazing rooms to the delicious breakfast, to the off-​the-​charts hospitality.

I adore the Swiss Hotel! While some people in the city might refer to it as a bed and breakfast and I can see why (they have a shared computer and kitchen area and I saw people checking out that had stayed for a whole month!) I think of it more as traditional hotel.
The rooms have a touch of modern design and furniture, with hard wood floors, cozy fireplaces, and pops of bright color everywhere. And most importantly the bed was super comfy. While they are a bit on the smaller side I didn’t feel squeezed for space and I’ve definitely had plenty of rooms that were smaller than this one.
Internet is free, the staff is so very friendly, and the rates are reasonable. I’d easily stay at Swiss Hotel next time I’m in Ottawa.

stayed six nights on an extended business trip and was happy to have chosen this small, European style hotel. Just a bit way from the hustle and bustle, but with so much practically just outside the door, this was a wonderful to spend my time in Ottawa.
Bed was sublime, service was wonderful and breakfast on the lovely patio started each day just right. A little noise on the weekend nights from the college students out partying, but this was inconsequential to my visit. Byward a couple blocks away in one direction, shops and stores supporting Univ. of Ottawa a couple blocks in the other direction and the convention center/​Rideaux a couple blocks the other way; perfect.

We were forced to cancel our room reservation in June when bad weather on the East Coast forced Porter Airlines to cancel our flights from Washington DC to Ottawa via Toronto. We called the SwissHotel to cancel as soon as we heard about our flights, first thing on the morning of our hoped-​for arrival. Even though our inability to keep the reservation was completely beyond our control, the hotel applied its 48-​hour cancellation policy anyway forcing us to pay room fee plus taxes for a room reservation we could not keep.
We were able to reschedule our trip with Porter for a date only a few weeks later and would have stayed at the Swiss but for their very customer unfriendly policy. We had a fabulous stay at a close-​by yet different Ottawa hotel who treated us extremely well throughout. It is unfortunate that the SwissHotel did not value our business enough to make an exception to its rule in these circumstances — they lost two customers and the rebooking.

Quaint, small, B&B style hotel. We stayed in room 104, queen standard. Room was cozy but a little cluttered. Three sitting chairs, a desk, and a free standing closet seemed like a bit much for such a small room. Orange walls behind bed, hardwood floors and shag area rug are a warm touch. Bed and pillows were very comfortable. TV is good size and mounted out of the way. Coffee maker in room. Rooms come with Ipod/​Iphone dock alarm clock and your own personal iPad which can come in handy. Rooms even have candles to burn. Bathroom was not large but still adequate. Shower stall (no tub) with rainfall shower head with plenty of water pressure. NIce fixtures, rustic tile floor and fire engine red tile in the shower. A/​C was very weak but I’m not sure it was turned on yet as we were there during the spring when it was still a bit chilly out, the windows open though. Location is great, or not so great depending on your perspective. Hotel is tucked away in a residential area extremely close to Byward Market, which is good for those who want to be close to many nightlife options. Unfortunately it also means that on weekend nights people may or may not be wandering around till the wee hours of the morning. From our room the noise seemed to be minimal from the outside. Noise from inside the hotel can be a slight problem since it’s an older building (creaking floors, noise from rooms above yours). Parking at hotel is limited and fills up fast at $ 12 a day. Staff couldn’t have been nicer, made us feel right at home and since it’s a small hotel you get more personalized attention. Overall I was more than satisfied, but some more high maintenance people may have some issues.

Sviss. Swiss. Suiss. However you spell it or say it, it rolls off the tongue pretty sweet. And the Swiss Hotel is no exception to this sweetness. Let’s roll down the attributes, shall we?
Staff: I think I have a toothache from the sweetness of Sabina. She is exceptionally warm and welcoming… way beyond the traditional innkeeper!
Room: Was small but nicely appointed. Same goes with the shower. The space it limited but has just what I needed to relax and get some work done. There’s even a iPad on your in room desk for use if you need it! Extra snaps for super strong wireless throughout the hotel.
Price: Quite affordable considering the lovely location! Also, breakfast will run you $ 15 per person and the spread looked very impressive. You’ll have to book the night prior if you want to indulge.
While some may prefer the additional luxuries of a big box hotel (workout area, mini fridge, honor bar, etc), the Swiss Hotel is a gem all on its own. Hopefully during my next Ottawa visit I can relax on their adorable patio.

On commence par quoi? Ah oui, j’étais invité par un organisme gouvernemental, donc on m’avait suggéré cet hôtel car on pouvait y obtenir un taux préférentiel. Une fois arrivé sur place, me voilà vertement engueulé par la propriétaire car je n’avais pas de pièce d’identité gouvernementale, j’allais donc par cette incompréhension lui faire perdre son permis et être le principal responsable de la chute de notre civilisation occidentale.
Quand j’ai rappelé la propriétaire à l’ordre, histoire d’être plus aimable, elle acquiesça d’un sourire embarrassé et me fit payer le plein tarif, ce qui né fut jamais un problème comme convenu lors d’un échange de courriers précédents… Passons. Me voilà donc dans ma chambre.
Les plus: lit confortable, quatre oreillers, un iPad à disposition des invités, la WiFi, une salle de bain complète, situé au centre-​ville d’Ottawa, à deux pas du centre Rideau, du quartier du marché, un espace dédié pour garer sa voiture.
Les moins: une douche très étroite, une chaleur torride venant des radiateurs, un étrange deuxième placard à la John Malkovich, un petit déjeuner uniquement sur réservation dont on apprendra les modalités que si on lit la documentation dans la chambre et l’accueil …

Having arrived into Ottawa in blazing heat, arriving into the Swiss Hotel was a treat. Throughout our stay the staff were singularly delightful (Sabina in particular) and we found little else to complain about. Our room was a superior queen, which was huge. The bed required a bit of a jump to get into and provided some of the best sleep I’ve had in years. Everything about the room was spotless and the hardwood floors added to the quirky décor.
The breakfast is pricy but entirely worth it. The 8+ cheeses, the muesli and the French toast are a great start to the day, especially if you manage to get a seat outside. Eating by the herb bath (keep an eye out for it!) as the sun came up on a 30 °C day was wonderful.
The hotel isn’t the cheapest but is still pretty reasonable compared to other hotels in Ottawa and the location is pretty good. The various idiosyncrasies of the place make it more than worth it.

It might seem odd that I’ve visited this amazing little place a few times, considering it’s only about a 20 minute bus ride from my doorstep, but it’s one of those places that reminds you how wonderful Ottawa is, and how many interesting people live in it.
I spent New Year’s Eve here a few years ago and it was simply magical. The price was very fair, the room was adorable and the staff delightful. There are 22 rooms in this beautiful 1892 building. Darren was totally right in saying there’s a truly European vibe to the place. They have thoughtful amenities including free wi-​fi, an iPad in every room and luxurious bedding… ahhh cotton sheets and fluffy duvet!
There’s a beautiful garden patio to enjoy in the summer, which is the perfect place to enjoy their superb breakfast that actually has healthy, filling options. Their location is perfect — a short walk to the Market and the canal.
I’d love to hold a meeting here — they have a gorgeous room with a lovely fireplace for conferences. I have to say, I’m a fan of it being adult-​only as well. Kids are great, but give me a quiet, peaceful bed and breakfast and I’m a happy girl!
If you’re looking for an affordable, relaxing place to stay at while you’re visiting, or if you’re like me and just want to get away from things, it’s a charming oasis with kind service and a delicious breakfast. Either way — don’t pass this place up!

Came to Ottawa to do some skating on the canal in 1999 and happened upon the then Gasthaus Switzerland (now Swiss Hotel) on Daly Ave. Even though the name has changed over the years, the impeccable service has not.
When we come to Ottawa whether its for skating on the canal in the winter or touring the city in the warmer weather, Swiss Hotel is our place of choice. You can’t beat the location (remember the chant — location… location…location!). The rooms are clean and comfortable. You can choose to park your car on the property for a very reasonable fee if you don’t want to find parking on the street. The optional breakfast buffet is the best I’ve ever had anywhere!
The owners are some of the most friendly hosts I’ve encountered in my travels (and I’ve stayed at many a hotel all through Europe). They are extremely accommodating and willing to make your stay more enjoyable all the time.
I love that they have free WiFi plus an IPad in every room. The décor of the rooms is modern and tastefully done. You don’t have to bring your hair dryer and they supply toiletries in each bathroom.
They also own Barefoot Hostel next door. We took a short tour of it and it looks to have the same cleanliness as the larger hotel they own here at a lower rate. You sleep 4 to a room and the common area is very inviting.
All in all, the experience here has been wonderful each time we visit Ottawa from the States! Thank you Sabina and Josef!

The beds are completely heavenly and your room is nicely furnished so what about the second half of this place, the breakfast? They put on a great spread and if you’re there in the summer time you can enjoy it outside in their courtyard.