If you’re looking for a relaxing place where you can unwind and take in fantastic views of Ottawa at the same time, look no further than the new Hyatt Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market hotel.
Officially opened on Aug. 22, 2016, the Andaz is a luxury hotel, offering a simple and modern décor. But what sets this hotel apart from other Ottawa establishments are the spectacular views it offers of Ottawa and the surrounding ByWard Market neighbourhood. If you want to see what’s going on in the city from the comfort of your room, this is where you want to stay. The amazing views however, are not only reserved for Andaz guests.
On the hotel’s top floor, you’ll find Copper Spirits & Sights Rooftop Lounge; a public lounge and bar that is housed in an area featuring wall to wall windows. Have you had a long conference day, a full day of meetings or even sightseeing? Then this is where you want to go to relax. Opt to pull up a chair to one of the black marble tables and watch the comings and goings of people in the ByWard Market and beyond. From this raised vantage point, you can see other iconic Ottawa landmarks such as the National Gallery of Canada, the Parliament Buildings and the Canadian Museum of History, among others. You can even see a large part of the Ottawa River, which was recently designated as a Canadian Heritage River.
If it’s nice outside, opt to enjoy your drink on Andaz’s chic rooftop patio. Here, you’ll find a few tables along with cozy, cabana-like seating areas. Grab a drink and enjoy your evening by a warm fire pit as you take in stunning views of Canada’s Capital. This is surely a place you’ll want to enjoy this fall!
Wondering what kind of drink you should order? Opt to try an ‘NCC.’ Andaz’s National Capital Caesar is a classic drink with a uniquely Canadian twist. The drink itself is mixed with organic Walter Caesar Mix from British Columbia and then, the glass is rimmed with spices, seaweed from Canada’s East Coast and… Ketchup chips. Believe it or not, ketchup is a typically Canadian chip flavour. You won’t be able to find it in the United States.
Continuing on a Canadian theme, throughout the hotel, you’ll find elements that represent all of Canada’s provinces. On each floor, you’ll find artwork from each province. For example, the Andaz’s tenth floor features artwork from Saskatchewan. Also, stretching from the hotel’s lobby to the top floor, you’ll find a varnished tree upon which each floor number is carved.
In terms of the Andaz’s 200 rooms, they are bright, modern, simplistic and feature copper décor items; a natural element that is widely found in Canada. Also, in each room, a different local artist is featured and, you’ll find a book featuring all sorts of staff recommendations for great local shops, restaurants and more. And perhaps best of all, you’ll also find a complimentary mini bar stocked with non-alcoholic drinks as well as various locally-made snacks. The mini bar is also replenished daily, which makes it easy for guests to grab a snack and a bottle of water on the go. Additionally, in each guest room, at least one window opens, which allows guests to get a bit of fresh air during their stay.
The Andaz also offers a unique security feature. On each floor, the rooms are separated into different cubbies that almost act as smaller lobbies. So in the rare chance that anyone is following you, they won’t necessarily know what room you’ve walked into.
Now, if you get hungry, the Andaz has you covered there as well. Just beside the hotel’s great coffee bar, you’ll find feast + revel. Run by Chef Stephen La Salle, this bright and airy restaurant offers three meals a day that feature flavours from across the country. “We tell a pan-Canadian story with food,” La Salle said during an Ottawa Tourism Instagram event. “It’s inspired by places all over the country.” He added that feast + revel offers new Canadian cuisine and only uses fish from Canada.
Want a delicious breakfast? Opt to try La Salle’s Deli Eggs. The dish features poached eggs, homemade bagels, Acadian sturgeon caviar, house B.C. cured salmon, chives and mini Yukons. It doesn’t get more Canadian than that. Also, if you’d like a glimpse of the inner workings of La Salle’s kitchen, opt to sit at the open kitchen bar. Here, you’ll see La Salle and all of his staff hard at work.
Other delicious menu items include a 72 hour-cooked Elk Ranch elk rib, a lamb poutine and Pacific halibut with P.E.I. mussels, tomato sauce, blistered tomatoes, braised romaine and caper berry. Whether you go to feast + revel for breakfast, lunch or dinner, you’ll be sure to find interesting meals featuring local ingredients whenever possible.
Planning on visiting Ottawa in 2017 for Canada’s 150th anniversary year? If you’re attending a conference or a meeting during the year or simply doing some sightseeing, why not consider staying at the new Andaz? You’ll be sure to have a bird’s eye view of all the festivities.
Ottawa however, has many hotels for you to choose from; from luxurious establishments to more economic options. Visit our Stay page to learn more about available accommodations.