Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Ottawa Airport, an IHG Hotel

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Ottawa Airport, an IHG Hotel Overview

First Impressions

The Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Ottawa Airport, an IHG Hotel sits right where you need it — just minutes from the airport but far enough away that you won’t hear planes all night. I’ll be honest, when I first pulled up to this three-star property on Gibford Drive, I wasn’t expecting much beyond a basic overnight stop. But you know what? This place actually surprised me with how well they’ve thought through the traveler experience.

Location That Actually Works

Here’s the thing about staying near airports — most hotels either stick you in some industrial wasteland or charge you premium prices for the convenience. This spot manages to avoid both traps. You’re technically in Ottawa, but it’s more like being in a quiet pocket that feels removed from the city chaos. The parking situation alone makes this place worth considering — it’s free and private, which honestly saves you a headache if you’re flying out early or coming back late. Couples seem to really get this location (they rate it super high), and I can see why — it’s peaceful but not isolated.

The Room Experience

My room was exactly what I hoped for from Holiday Inn Express — clean, functional, and surprisingly comfortable. The suites here actually give you some breathing room, which matters when you’re dealing with travel stress. The beds are solid (I mean, after a long flight, that’s what counts), and they’ve got the basics covered without trying to be fancy. The Wi-Fi works well, the air conditioning is quiet, and there’s enough space to spread out your stuff without feeling cramped.

Breakfast Worth Getting Up For

I have to say, the breakfast here actually impressed me. They do this American buffet style that hits all the right notes — you’ve got your hot options, fresh fruit, decent coffee, and those little touches that make the difference between grabbing something quick and actually enjoying your morning meal. It’s included, which is always nice, but more importantly, it’s done well. The timing works perfectly if you’re catching an early flight — they start early enough that you won’t be rushing out hungry.

Why Guests Love It

What really sets this place apart is how they’ve nailed the fundamentals without any unnecessary fuss. Recent guests consistently rate the location highly, and after staying here, I get it — you’re close enough to the airport to be practical, but far enough out to feel like you’re in a real place rather than some transit zone. The staff knows their business, check-in is smooth, and everything just works the way it should. It’s not trying to be a destination hotel, and that’s exactly why it succeeds as a smart travel choice.

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Facilities