Andaz Ottawa Byward Market, by Hyatt

Where to begin... first of all, when I made this booking, there was no mention whatsoever of HEAVY DUTY CONSTRUCTION beginning every day at 7 a.m. Naturally upon checking in, I'm informed that there is intense construction happening right next door. And yes, it was brutal. I also SPECIFICALLY booked this hotel because there was an option to reserve now, pay at the hotel. Here are some direct quotes from my booking confirmation email: "You'll need to pay upon check-in at Andaz Ottawa Byward Market, by Hyatt," "Your payment will be handled by Andaz Ottawa Byward Market, by Hyatt," and "Pay at Hotel." Sure enough, I get there, and the money's already been taken out of my credit card and I owe nothing to the hotel upon check-in. (This matters for reimbursement purposes at the company I work for.) Lastly, I was told when I checked in that housekeeping would be visiting every third day -- that was fine by me. But the very first day, I come back to my room after a long day and someone's been there, replacing towels, removing the minimal garbage in there, etc., which I was not at all prepared for given that I was advised the opposite. It made me extremely uncomfortable because all of my personal effects were left throughout the room, not expecting housekeeping given that I was advised no housekeeping would be coming until the third day. I'll be honest, that creeped me out as someone travelling alone. The staff were apologetic but I didn't find their explanation at all sufficient. (The housekeeping manager and front desk attendant completely contradicted each other.) Overall, such a chaotic stay. Oh, and, the heat in my room didn't work. Had to request a space heater... I mean, c'mon.

This is our second time staying here and the experience was really diminished. The worst part of our stay was the intense construction happening adjacent to the hotel. Massive jackhammer sounds started at 9AM on Saturday which were echoing through the entire hotel (apparently it starts at 7AM on weekdays!). ONE pair of ear plugs was provided for us. Luckily we had not intended on sleeping in because this would have been impossible. (This was not disclosed during the booking process!) The check in was less enjoyable than last time, they used to serve a complimentary beverage upon check in and offer a variety of complimentary (and for purchase) snacks and beverages in the room.  Now, no drink upon check in and a sad meagre display in the room. Finally, there had been some type of criminal incident when we arrived, the police were in the lobby collecting statements.  I would not book here again.