by
Linda Aksomitis
Some
hotels have a great atmosphere-and some have a great location The Radisson Hotel
Ottawa Parliament Hill has both! Like
many women, I often travel alone for business reasons and I know what I want and
need in a hotel. My last trip to Ottawa, to speak at a conference, fell into that
category. Plus, to make my choice of hotels even more challenging, I wanted to
make sure I'd get the full experience of Ottawa's annual Tulip Festival, since
I'd be there during its last weekend in May. The
conference at which I was speaking was held at the National Library of Canada
so my mission was to find accommodations within walking distance. Besides ensuring
I'd get my daily exercise it also would save the time, hassle and expense of a
taxi. One of the central locations of the Tulip Festival was Parliament Hill-the
one tourist site I had to see in Ottawa. So, my research led directly to the Radisson
Hotel Ottawa Parliament Hill, only a block away from everything on my slate of
requirements. Talk about a great location! The
hotel, unlike I expected, wasn't one of the downtown skyscrapers. Instead, it
had a compact design with 176 rooms. That was great-no standing in line for elevators
and friendly faces everywhere. My first impressions in the lobby reinforced that
impression, with a comfortable, friendly atmosphere that immediately made me feel
right at home. Hotel
staff smiled pleasantly behind the lobby desk, checking me in quickly and efficiently.
In minutes I was on my way to the business class floor. Another guest, newspaper
in hand, smiled and stepped into the elevator as the doors opened and I got off.
The
room was well laid out, with a convenient place for everything. Dropping my luggage
I immediately headed for the windows to check the scenery, and was pleasantly
surprised with the panoramic view of the beautiful Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills.
The windows also opened, so I let in some of the warm spring air. Opening windows
are often a tough feature to find in a big city hotel!
Of
course, checking the bed was next-a quick bounce proved it was perfect, and promised
several nights of sound sleep. The décor was light, but still bright with
the shades of beige and the gold bed quilt cover. I always find I can predict
sweet dreams by the quality of the pillow and the Radisson Hotel Ottawa Parliament
Hill's were perfect, no lumps or stiff fillings there! While the king-sized bed
occupied the center of the room, there was ample space around me for nightstands,
the business desk, and television, so I could keep up to the news, if I went that
route instead of utilizing the free Internet hookup in my room.
While
I'd remembered to pack all of my toiletries there was a full range of necessities
on the spacious black marble countertop in the bathroom. (CONTINUE...)
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