As an Editor at datenight, I often get asked by friends and family members what my favourite date idea is. I used to think this was a difficult question but I think I’ve found a simple answer – playing tourist in your own city!
Many of my favourite dates have involved packing an overnight bag and checking into a hotel or airbnb in the city for a fun weekend escape. As someone who lives outside of the downtown core, this has been a great way for me to explore more of the city and experience it through a visitor’s eyes.
I recently visited the luxurious Le Germain Hotel in Ottawa and it was the perfect getaway to experience all the best things that Ottawa has to offer. From the beautiful and spacious rooms to the delicious restaurant onsite, here’s everything you need to know to plan your next romantic getaway in Canada’s Capital.
The Hotel
Le Germain Hotel Ottawa is located at 30 Daly Avenue, just a short walk away from the historic ByWard Market.
The service was exceptional from the moment we checked in. The staff members were so kind and welcoming, and we received a complimentary room upgrade to one of their Signature King Rooms which offers breathtaking views over the city and Parliament.
The hotel’s artful design is seen throughout the building with luxurious leather seating in the lobby, beautiful artwork in the hallways, and greenery throughout the space.
A great staycation hotel has fabulous amenities and Le Germain Hotels made sure that we had everything we needed and more to compliment our stay. Added luxurious that you can look forward to include a flexible checkout time (based on availability), free wi-fi, room service, a 24-hour gym, and parking valet service. The hotel is also pet-friendly so you can bring your furry friend along!
The Room
When we first stepped into our Signature Room, there was peaceful classical music playing through the audio system. As we made our way through the room, we found a beautiful handwrittten welcome note from the hotel on the desk, along with a delicious plate of French macarons and fresh fruit. The room was spacious and filled with natural light from the large windows that offer incredible views of the city.
It’s easy to see that guest comfort is top of mind at Le Germain Hotels. Goose-down duvets, feather pillows, and homey accents have all been carefully curated to create a home-away-from-home atmosphere. Each of their Signature Rooms have a Bluetooth speaker, a HD TV with Chromecast, a Nespresso coffee machine, a workstation with an ergonomic chair, and a cozy lounge area.
I’ll admit that I can be a bit of a bathroom snob, but I was really impressed with ours! The glass rainfall shower, soft cotton towels, and cozy cotton bathrobes felt so luxurious. Molton Brown toiletries were stocked on the vanity and there was even a magnifying mirror that was so handy for applying makeup for dinner that night.
Dining
Norca Restaurant & Bar is located onsite at Le Germain Hotel Ottawa and features a carefully crafted menu that highlights Canadian ingredients. Norca’s Chef pays tribute to the region’s most authentic flavours by showcasing their finest products in innovative dishes.
We started off the night with two of their Signature Cocktails. If you’re a fan of gin and enjoy your drink on the sweeter side, I recommend trying the London Fog. My partner enjoys a drink that’s more spirit-forward, so he ordered the L’hotelier and was very impressed.
For appetizers, we tried the Quebec Duck and Cheese Curd Spring Rolls and the Crispy Cauliflower. Both dishes were served hot and crispy, and were full of flavour. In retrospect, ordering both of these appetizers was a bit too filling for us, but we had no regrets. After all, we were just a short elevator ride away from our room!
For mains, we split the Caesar Salad and the Steak-Frites which were both crafted to perfection. The main star of the show was definitely the Campfire Smores Sundae! This decadent dessert features torched marshmallow ice cream, graham crackers, candied peanuts, and chocolate sauce. We also tried the Chili Chocolate Tart which was perfectly sweet with a bit of a kick.
Nearby Attractions
Le Germain Hotel Ottawa is conveniently connected to the Ottawa Art Gallery (OAG) which is free to visit! We grabbed some coffee and a bite at Jackson Café (located inside the OAG) before exploring the art collections. The café features coffee by Café Saint-Henri microroasters and a delicious selection of pasties from Gatineau’s own Maison Oddo bakery. They also serve a fresh selection of soup, sandwiches, snacks, and salads for the perfect light meal. Inside the gallery, there are over 1,000 works to explore that include paintings, sculptures, graphic arts, photographs, and new media.
Other fun date ideas nearby include:
- Parliament Hill – take a free guided tour of the House of Commons and the Senate
- ByWard Market – Ottawa’s number one tourist attraction for shopping, dining, and entertainment
- National Gallery of Canada – home to one of the finest collections of Indigenous and Canadian art in the world
- CF Rideau Centre – Shopping mall that offers hundreds of brand name stores and free events (workshops, live music, and more)
- Royal Canadian Mint – take an interactive guided tour featuring stunning displays and a behind-the-scenes look of the Royal Canadian Mint
Did reading this article give you the travel bug? Click here to explore the top VRBO homes in Canada that are serious travel goals!
