Ottawa: Sheraton or Westin?

[Venusia]

I'm going to Ottawa the weekend of March 10, and will use my SPG Cash and Points to book a room either at the Sheraton or Westin. I don't know which one to choose. We will be going with our two girls, age 4 and 6, so there is not going to be much walking, touring except to the car and back to go to the museums.

TripAdvisor doesn't show clear advantages of one over the other. From what I can tell:

Westin: better location and view, underground walk to shops (not very interesting to us, I never shop in malls), but ordinary rooms and many chargeable items placed in the room which are tempting to young hands.

Sheraton: appears to be renovated with chic decor and lobby, but location is more nondescript. Since we will be spending a bit of time in the rooms (early bedtimes and resting times in the afternoon), a newly decorated hotel is appealing to me.

So far I'm leaning toward the Sheraton, but I'd like to know if anyone has any experience with these two hotels?

[sportsfan99]

I'm going to Ottawa the weekend of March 10, and will use my SPG Cash and Points to book a room either at the Sheraton or Westin. I don't know which one to choose. We will be going with our two girls, age 4 and 6, so there is not going to be much walking, touring except to the car and back to go to the museums.

TripAdvisor doesn't show clear advantages of one over the other. From what I can tell:

Westin: better location and view, underground walk to shops (not very interesting to us, I never shop in malls), but ordinary rooms and many chargeable items placed in the room which are tempting to young hands.

Sheraton: appears to be renovated with chic decor and lobby, but location is more nondescript. Since we will be spending a bit of time in the rooms (early bedtimes and resting times in the afternoon), a newly decorated hotel is appealing to me.

So far I'm leaning toward the Sheraton, but I'd like to know if anyone has any experience with these two hotels?

Sheraton is better for familys.

[Triple_Eh]

Although the Sheraton is better for families, the Westin is better location-wise if you're doing the tourist thing. REALLY close to Parliment, the market, Rideau Canal, NAC, museums, etc.

[djjosee]

Another vote for the Westin ... it's just perfectly located! And if the canal is still open on March the 10th it's right there on your door step. BTW, how many points for these two? It's a category 3 isn't it?

[PC-stuff]

The Westin by a mile!
Great views, super location and excellent lunch at Dalys!

Since its Tripadvisor rating is far higher why R U asking ?

[Venusia]

Because the Sheraton has been renovated since most of the reviews were published, and many of those dealt with construction noise. I was curious to know what the experience was like since then, the new decor is very sharp.

They're both Cat 3, 2700 pts and 45 USD.

[PC-stuff]

Do you have any Marriott points to burn?
If so the Residence Inn is Ottawa would be
a good alternative with kids.
- Roomy suites, Bfast included and an OK pool.

[sportsfan99]

The Westin by a mile!
Great views, super location and excellent lunch at Dalys!

Since its Tripadvisor rating is far higher why R U asking ?

Thw westin is a great hotel just not for familys.

[Bordello]

Thw westin is a great hotel just not for familys.
What does that mean? How is the Westin bad for families? Reading your posts is pretty painful at times. It seems like you spread more misinformation than actual helpful ones.

They're here to enjoy the city, not be cooped up in the hotel room. I'm sure hotel amentities are important, but the two should be pretty much on par with each other. Both are great hotels, not first-class, but still up there. Location-wise, the Westin is better situated.

[sportsfan99]

What does that mean? How is the Westin bad for families? Reading your posts is pretty painful at times. It seems like you spread more misinformation than actual helpful ones.

They're here to enjoy the city, not be cooped up in the hotel room. I'm sure hotel amentities are important, but the two should be pretty much on par with each other. Both are great hotels, not first-class, but still up there. Location-wise, the Westin is better situated.

The westin is not geared to familys to add if the kids are running around they don't put up with that.Where the shearton has tons of familys staying there so if your little ones are running around its no big dea.Have you been to both of those hotel as of late i have and got to give the edge to the sheratin.They have upgraded big time.

[Bordello]

The westin is not geared to familys to add if the kids are running around they don't put up with that.Where the shearton has tons of familys staying there so if your little ones are running around its no big dea.Have you been to both of those hotel as of late i have and got to give the edge to the sheratin.They have upgraded big time.
Oh please. I've been to practically every hotel in downtown for one reason or another. Both hotels are family-friendly, and both are accomodating to young children. I'm sure if the child is not being overly obnoxious, then there's no reason why they wouldn't put up with him/her.

To the OP, take what sportsfan says with a grain of salt, because it's not uncommon for him to be wrong.

[PC-stuff]

Since he's spending the weekend there,
Why not stay one nite in each?

[Venusia]

Thanks for all the advice, I have finally decided to book at the Sheraton. For a few reasons:

- main one is that we just found out that my husband's gig is at the RCAF Officer's Mess that is literally around the corner;

- The room is quite important to me, since I'll be spending part of the afternoon there and come back in early evening while my husband is playing: The Sheraton Ottawa unveiled its three-year makeover in late 2005: urban residential, upscale and stylish. It included the refurbishment of 12 meeting rooms, the lobby, front entrance, front desk, restaurant and bar, and all 236 rooms and suites.

Doesn't that look pretty?
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/en_US/Media/Graphics/Brands/Sheraton/Properties/665/images/na665lo4_md.jpg
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/en_US/Media/Graphics/Brands/Sheraton/Properties/665/images/na665gr3_md.jpg

We stayed at the Arc last summer with the kiddies, and thought the location was fine. We just drove to a few museums and restaurants, had breakfast at the Starbucks, things like that. Tried to walk around and kids were bored out of their minds and complaining so we won't try that this year.

[gleberental]

another benefit to the sheraton is the Empire World Exchange Centre 7 cinemas across the street:
http://ottawa.film-can.com/cgi-bin/main/tview.cgi?TID=WEX

mostly grown-up movies at the moment, but may have some kiddie matinees in march for march break.

cheers,
michael