For those not aware of Canadian geography, Gatineau is across the Ottawa river from downtown Ottawa, Ontario in the province of Quebec. So basically Hull, Gatineau and Ottawa are the same city with taxi and bus service operated by the same parties to all three cities making getting around very easy.

I chose this hotel based on its proximity to downtown Ottawa with a 15 minute walk to the Byward Market which was our destination very simple. The Alexandra bridge links Gatineau and Ottawa with the Museum of Civilization at one end and the National Gallery of Canada at the other. The view from the bridge of Parliament Hill and downtown Ottawa is spectacular and even if you aren't needing to, the walk across the bridge is fantastic. The pedestrian lane is as wide as a car lane, and as it is an older metal framed bridge, the pedestrian lane is actually wood-planked.

We had booked two rooms at this hotel, one with a king-size bed and one with two doubles. When we arrived we were met outside by the bellman who was more than happy to grab a luggage cart for us. I declined his offer of helping with the bags to the room.

I inquired at check-in about having connecting rooms, or at least rooms in close proximity. I was told this was not possible as I had booked a smoking and a non-smoking room. I indicated that I had indeed booked two non-smoking rooms, as three people who were traveling with me were allergic. The manager came over and said, no you booked smoking. Now I was sure during the booking process that I had indeed booked non-smoking rooms because I triple-checked three times... So this yes you did, no I didn't discussion went on for about a minute. When finally the manager huffily checked the computer and said that one of the rooms could be moved to the third floor.

That is all I wanted. The king-sized bedded room on the third floor was available now, but the room with the two doubles was not ready yet on the 7th floor. No problem again, as it was only noon and we did not need the rooms now anyway. So we took the bags up to the third floor, but were suprised when the key did not work in the door. A quick trip down to the front desk indicated that they were not programmed for this room.

On my way down in the elevator, I was looking at the little piece of paper placed in the folder with my keys, it indicated that the rate for local calls was $1.00 however again I was sure that my booking of the Deluxe Room indicated local calls were included. I went to the front desk to confirm this and was told that because the room was changed to a non-smoking room and the rate had been for a smoking room, that I would indeed be charged for local calls. I was starting to get a little angry. I knew I booked Non-smoking rooms, and irregardless of what room I was put in, I was still paying the rate I booked and was subject to those terms and conditions, which were free local calls. After arguing this point for a couple of minutes the manager once again came over and said, yes you will get local calls free. But it should not require a manager to make these decisions. Common sense should.

Going back to the room with my newly programmed keys, I found a nice-sized corner room with a nice view of the Museum of Civilization across the street and if you leaned a little, a great view of Parliament Hill and the Parliamentary Library.

The room itself was a little out of date and very humid, but not bad for an older hotel in Hull - Gatineau. And the A/C really cooled things off quick.

Tried to make a few phone calls, but all we could get was an immediate busy signal. Called down to the front desk to ask if the phone needed to be activated, and was rudely met by the same attendant who checked us in. She connected us to the number we were calling, and we later found out there is now 10 digit dialing in the area, but with no signs in the room how was I to know. I think that is also something the front desk should know about.

The second room that we later got on the 7th floor which has keyed access in the elevator was again rather large and in need of a freshening, but overall wasn't that bad.

Parking is $10 and provides in and out privileges until 5:00 pm the next day, so is very reasonable for the area, and there is no valet service available. There is a surface and an underground lot available.

We did not eat in the hotel, but did go to the lounge for a beer. The lounge and the restaurant are both very small. The lounge was unbelievably filthy, with stains on the chairs and couches being actually quite revolting. Service in the lounge was sub-par and drinks were the same price as at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier across the river the night before, which has a far nicer ambiance.

Once we got back to the room and spent some time in the room, it became apparent that the King Size bedded room on the third floor had an awful stench of urine in the bathroom. It was however past midnight so it would have to be dealt with in the morning.

Getting a late checkout at this hotel was like pulling teeth. Initially they offered me 12:30 which was really only a half hour extra. Then I talked them into giving me 1 pm, which still wasn't good enough until once again the manager got involved and I was given a 4 pm checkout.

When we did finally check out the evening staff was much friendlier and indicated that they were not close to full that night, so I shouldn't have had such a hassle getting the late checkout. You either have the rooms or you don't, and they clearly did.

Overall the location of this hotel is good if you are planning on going to Ottawa, however there is not a lot around in the way of restaurants or bars, so a trip to Ottawa is required. Hotel was decent but could use a little facelift, but the beds and pillows were very comfortable and the shower had great pressure. This hotel was also very reasonably priced at about half of what the Ottawa Sheraton and a third of what the Ottawa Westin go for. Overall good value for the money, but the staff should receive some customer service training.

Review submitted by Darren M.

Posted at June 19, 2007 2:54 PM