Ottawa is fortunate to have two grand chateau hotels gracing its skyline. While the Chateau Laurier is, without doubt, the grander of the two hotels, the Lord Elgin is emerging from a three year program of renovation and expansion. The results are mixed, but the Lord Elgin proves to be a solid hotel and a very good value.

A Brief History

Built during the lean years of World War II, the Lord Elgin dominates Confederation Park with its distinctive profile and steeply pitched copper roof. While not built by a railway, it reflects the architectural heritage of the great railway hotels of Canada. The recent expansion phase has brought matching wings on either side of the main block, mostly conforming to the prevailing architectural style. Only the plain new windows don't quite match, though they are certainly soundproof.

The Lobby

The last phases of the lobby renovation were being completed during my stay. A few grace notes, Art Deco curves and dentils, are still evident, but the Art Deco look is now much more muted. Still, it's a big improvement over the dated 1980's paint job of mauve and green, now finally disappearing under the paint roller as I watched. The new look is much like an airport lounge (possibly a First Class lounge)...simple, clean lines and not much character. While it is a big improvement over the sad state to which the hotel had descended, it doesn't have much personality.

Readers may recall the elevator incident of 1989, when one of the elevators went into free fall and killed an unfortunate guest. Happily, the elevators were replaced completely, but the old "This Car Up" signs still light up above the polished brass doors and Art Deco door frames.

My room wasn't ready when I arrived, so I had to check my luggage. The desk staff were cheerful and friendly, and I was given my room key after returning from lunch.

Room

The desk agent assured me that I was being given one of the best rooms available. Floors 9, 10 and 11 are still under renovation, as are all of the suites. When complete in a few months, these will be the Executive Floors, offering a business lounge and enhanced amenities (bathrobes and such).

My room would be No. 840, a corner room in one of the new wings, affording a good view of Confederation Park and the Chateau Laurier. The furnishings were new and comfortable, even if they didn't have much character. Botanical prints were bolted to the wall, and the flame-retardant bedcovers were uninteresting. Still, the room was spacious and fairly pleasant to be in, with lots of light.

Modern, light wood (maple?), mildly Biedermeier furniture, a sober blue carpet with white dots and tables topped with granite spoke of the new look here. The desk had good lighting and ports for high-speed internet access.

Bath

Fitted out in beige tile and black granite, the bathroom would have been more inviting without the fluorescent lighting. Aside from this, the bath worked well. Towels were plentiful, if not especially large. Soap and shampoo were marked with the hotel's logo, but were nothing too special (conditioning shampoo again), along with a small sewing kit. I didn't care for the admonition about towel use, however environmentally correct this may be. It still suggests thrusting of economy measures upon guests. Maybe the hotel could purchase a more efficient laundry system.

Dining

The Elgin Cafe replaced the old dining room (it was a large glass room on the site of one of the new wings). The interior looks like a coffee shop, however attractive. Though I didn't dine there, I did sit for a while at the outdoor terrace on Elgin Street drinking Stella Artois for a bit in the evening, chatting with tourists from London. They don't have much of a beer selection. Flower boxes added charm as well. Breakfast was included with my room rate, but I had to leave the hotel at 4:30 AM to catch my flight.

Pool and Fitness

The indoor pool is in the basement. While it looks very large in the photo on the web site, it's not really all that big. It was, however, well maintained and had a reasonably hot whirlpool at one end. A skylight at the street level allows the sunshine to fill what would otherwise be a bleak space. The walls have been tiled in a colorful pattern.

The weight machines were all in good order, with the exception of the lateral press. It looked as though someone had deliberately snapped the cables.

Shops

There is a newsstand just off the lobby with prices that were not too high, a nice surprise. A Starbucks had opened the very day I visited (on the other corner of the hotel). The staff were still being trained, so it took some time to get my latte.

Service

The staff here are even friendlier than the staff at the Chateau Laurier. Perhaps this has something to do with being Number Two (or three, or four?) in town. This really made the difference in my stay. Sally at the Front Desk, and Suzanne in the Reservations Office were especially helpful.

Cost

Possibly the best reason to choose this hotel. They were running a special of $116.00 CAD (I paid about $40.00 CAD more for the upgraded room). This special should be running through most of the summer. Rates on the Executive Floor and for the suites may be substantially higher. The posted rate in my room was $290.00 CAD. I paid $156.00 CAD, a very good discount.



The Lord Elgin Hotel

100 Elgin Street (at Queen Street)
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1P5K8


Tel. 613-235-3333

FAX 613-235-3220

Toll free 800-267-4298


www.lordelginhotel.ca


This is part of the Great Hotel Write-Off II, sponsored by jdhauer and Quasar

To join, visit the web page at:

http://www.angelfire.com/trek/greathotel2004/



Recommended: Yes