The Metcalfe Hotel by Gray Collection

Rooms and decor

The Metcalfe Hotel sits at 123 Metcalfe Street in the heart of Downtown. It first opened as a Lord Elgin annex in 1955 and was fully gut-renovated in 2022 under the Gray Collection brand, in an 8-floor mid-century modern building. There are 108 rooms — the most boutique option in the CA$170-250 band — starting with the Classic Queen at 24 sqm, rising to the Deluxe King at 32 sqm and the Junior Suite at 45 sqm. The look is mid-century in mint-green, gold and white, mixing Eames furniture with Canadian art. Beds are pillowtop with goose-down duvets, Wi-Fi is fast, and every room has a 50-inch Smart TV, a Nespresso machine, a marble bathroom with a rain shower, and Naturepedic and Aveda touches. Real reviews give it 9.4/10 on Trip.com, 9.0 on Agoda and 9.0 on Booking — that 9.4 is the highest score in Ottawa. Most guests call out the brand-new rooms, the friendly staff and the food at Cocotte.

Food and amenities

The heart of the Metcalfe is Cocotte Bistro — a French bistro in the building that opened in 2022 with the hotel. It serves classic escargot, steak frites and coq au vin from chef Patrick Garland, using Quebec and Ontario ingredients, with mains CA$28-45 and breakfast CA$15-22 (the croissants come fresh from the oven). It holds a 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor and draws tourists and locals alike. The Lobby Lounge pours cocktails and snacks in a mid-century setting, and the 24-hour fitness room is well kitted out with Peloton bikes. There is no pool or spa on site — instead there is a partner deal with Movati Athletic Club nearby at CA$20/day for the pool and classes. The concierge lends out free bikes, and it is a 3-minute ride to the Rideau Canal. The concierge team remembers guests by name, and reviews highlight how warm they are and how they help book the city's best restaurants. The overall score is 9.3/10.

Location and getting there

The Metcalfe sits at 123 Metcalfe Street in a well-placed central Downtown spot. Parliament Hill is a 5-minute walk, the Rideau Canal 7 minutes, the ByWard Market 10 minutes, the Rideau Centre 6 minutes, the National Gallery 10 minutes and Confederation Park, the city-center green, just 3 minutes. The Parliament O-Train station is a 5-minute walk and the Confederation Line goes everywhere in the city. The Canadian War Museum is an 8-minute taxi, Gatineau Park a 15-minute drive, and YOW Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier Airport is 15 km out — a 20-minute taxi at CA$35-45, or bus 97 from Hurdman in 25 minutes for CA$3.75.

Things to know before booking

Straight talk to help you decide. First, there is no pool — the heritage building has no space for one. If you need a pool for the kids, the Westin Ottawa, Lord Elgin or Cartier Place Suite have indoor ones; the Metcalfe instead gives a CA$20/day partner rate at Movati Athletic Club. Second, the Classic Queen at 24 sqm runs small — if you want more room, ask for the Deluxe King at 32 sqm when you book; it is only CA$25-40 more a night and well worth it. Third, parking is limited at CA$35/night with a garage of just 30 spaces, so book it ahead — if you miss out, the nearby Centre Block parking is CA$22/night. Fourth, Cocotte is hard to book for Friday and Saturday dinner — reserve 3-5 days ahead, especially on nights with events at Parliament.

Our take

The Metcalfe Hotel is the sharpest pick in Ottawa for couples aged 25-40 and design lovers who want a fresh boutique — a 2022 gut-renovation under the Gray Collection, with mid-century design across 108 rooms, pillowtop beds and goose-down duvets, the in-house Cocotte bistro, and a 5-minute walk to Parliament Hill. Its 9.4 Trip.com score is the highest in Ottawa, and rooms start around $145. If the trip in your head is a couple after a brand-new boutique, a foodie who loves a French bistro, or someone who wants to walk everywhere Downtown, this is the most complete answer. But if you need a pool or heritage charm, the Westin or the Chateau Laurier will suit you better. Overall we give it 9.3/10 — best for couples aged 25-40, design lovers and foodies who love a French bistro.