The Business Inn

The Business Inn Overview

First Impressions

The Business Inn sits quietly on Maclaren Street in one of those neighborhoods that locals know is prime real estate but tourists often stumble upon by happy accident. I’ll be honest — the name doesn’t exactly scream excitement, but that’s actually part of its charm. This three-star property has that understated confidence you find in places that don’t need to oversell themselves because they know they’re in the right spot. The moment you walk in, there’s this sense that you’ve found something the guidebooks might have missed, even though couples consistently rate the location a near-perfect 9.4.

Location & Neighborhood

You know what’s great about staying on Maclaren Street? You’re genuinely in Ottawa’s sweet spot without the tourist chaos. I mean, you can walk to the Rideau Centre in about ten minutes, but you’re also close enough to the ByWard Market that you’ll hear the evening buzz without being kept awake by it. The tree-lined street feels residential enough that you get a sense of how locals actually live, but you’re still within easy reach of Parliament Hill and the canal. It’s the kind of location where you’ll find yourself taking different routes each day just because everything feels walkable and safe.

The Room Experience

Here’s where The Business Inn really delivers — those beds are legitimately comfortable, not just hotel-marketing comfortable. I’ve stayed in places that cost twice as much with mattresses that felt like they were designed by committee, but these actually let you sleep properly. The rooms themselves are clean and functional without trying to be something they’re not. There’s adequate space for your stuff, decent lighting for reading, and — this matters more than you’d think — windows that actually open if you want fresh air instead of recycled hotel atmosphere.

Breakfast & Practical Details

The continental buffet breakfast won’t win any culinary awards, but it gets the job done with fresh coffee, pastries, and the basics you need to start your day exploring Ottawa. What I really appreciate is that they have on-site parking — honestly, finding parking in this part of the city can be a nightmare, so having a guaranteed spot is worth its weight in gold. The staff seems to recognize returning guests (and there are quite a few of them, which tells you something), creating that comfortable familiarity you don’t always get at larger properties.

Why Guests Love It

The Business Inn works because it understands what most travelers actually want — a good night’s sleep in a great location without paying premium prices for amenities they won’t use. The fact that so many guests return speaks volumes about getting the fundamentals right rather than chasing trends. You’re not paying for a rooftop bar or a spa, but you are getting a solid base for exploring Ottawa with the kind of location that makes everything else easier. Sometimes the best travel experiences come from places that simply do their job well, and this three-star gem does exactly that.

To book a hotel in Ottawa during Winterlude, visitors plan ahead to balance ice sculptures with BeaverTail tastings on the canal.

The Business Inn Accommodations

Reviews of The Business Inn

• Ruixin from China (9/10)

  Room is big and clean, nice staff and with breakfast.

• Jerome from France (9/10)

  The apartment was awesome.

• Laura from Canada (9/10)

  The location was perfect for skating on the canal as well as walking to restaurants, the market, mall and parliament buildings.
  Largest hotel room we have ever had. Two king beds plus a pull out sofa. Stove, fridge and plates etc if you wish to use them. Large breakfast selection also.

• Amber from Canada (9/10)

  The staff at the front desk were absolutely so nice and helpful!

• Billy from Canada (9/10)

  Parking is great 👍

• Dolan from United States (9/10)

  breakfast had a great and varied selection. Location was close to canal (for skating) ; lots of nearby dining choices, and short walk to museum, parliament buildings, etc.

• Oleksandra from Ukraine (9/10)

  The location and service are great

• Cárdenas from Canada (8/10)

  Cleaness, location, friendly staff, excellent view.

• Bill from Canada (9/10)

• Chaznyc from United States (9/10)

  Big rooms, fast internet, amazing breakfast — ALL included!! Steps from: Parliament Hill, Sommerville & Sparks Streets, Rideau Canal, Rideau Centre and the Market! By the way, BIG televisions in the rooms, as well as real working computers and printers, air purifiers, full kitchen with stove, microwave and American-sized fridge! YOU WILL BE SURPRISED!

Surroundings

Facilities