Visit The Radisson Ottawa Located on Parliament Hill

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.

A hair dryer, coffee pot with both decaffeinated coffee and tea bags were great accessories. I gazed at the tub, tempted to indulge in a soak and some aromatherapy salts, I always carry, but decided supper came first.

The dining room on the main floor was the Southern Cross Restaurant and Bar. Once again, I'd lucked out, since Mexican food is one of my favorites, and we don't have a restaurant nearby. While it was a beautiful evening, I opted not to eat on the patio, but to relax and soak up the Mexican hacienda décor. Service was swift and it seemed I'd only read a few pages in my novel before my meal arrived. My quesadilla, as I expected, was delicious.

Once I was done I was left with the decision of what to do next: 24-hour fitness center and whirlpool spa, or quick walk before dark fell. Since I love to walk in the evening, the outdoors won out. Joining the throng of tourists along Parliament Hill, I drank in the view of tulips-from bright yellow to reds and purples, they were an incredible sight. Of course the Parliament Buildings took my breath away too, with their incredible architecture and history. It crossed my mind that I felt completely safe walking as night fell, even though I didn't know the city all. Indeed, I was very pleased with my choice of the Radisson Hotel Ottawa Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

MORE INFORMATION:
Radisson Hotel Ottawa Parliament Hill
402 Queen Street
Ottawa, ON KIR 5A7
Reservations: (800) 333-3333 Toll Free
Telephone: (613) 236-1133 Fax: (613) 236-2317

Online visit: www.radisson.com/ottawaca