Andaz Ottawa Byward Market

Hyatt’s Andaz hotels go out of their way to tailor themselves to their locations, and in the case of their first installment in Canada, it’s a big job. The Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market, by virtue of its location in the nation’s capital, takes its design inspiration from the whole country, with each of the sixteen floors dedicated to a particular province or territory.

There’s also art by local artists, minibars stocked with artisanal treats made right here in the nation's capital, and a restaurant specializing in organic New Canadian cuisine. The Andaz may be part of the Hyatt chain, but its ethos is more reminiscent of a boutique hotel, and the Ottawa version has a particularly desirable address, conveniently set among a plethora of cafés, bistros, galleries and adorable shops in the hip and historic ByWard Market neighborhood.

The lobby, with its gray stone floors, low sectional sofas, and cozy patterned rugs, is illuminated by the glow of a lighting installation made of native wood. It’s the perfect place to unwind with a cup of the locals’ pick, Equator coffee, brewed onsite at the hotel’s all-day coffee bar. Meanwhile, upstairs, the guest rooms are sleeker and plusher than you might expect, with copper accents, retro details and geometric patterns adding visual interest to the white, beige and navy color scheme. There’s a large flat-screen TV, and free wi-fi too, and a minibar stocked with Canadian wines and chocolates.

Once you’re done raiding the minibar, head to the sustainably focused feast + revel, the hotel’s signature restaurant, or to Copper Spirits & Sights, the rooftop bar and lounge. Both venues feature fantastic views over the city, equally appealing for an aperitif or a nightcap after hitting the town. Whether or not you learn anything about the difference between Newfoundland and Prince Edward Island, when you’re staying at the Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market, you’re bound to learn something about the capital city.