Intelligence
Canada hotels record first occupancy decline in three months
After three consecutive months of year-over-year increases, Canada’s hotel industry recorded a decline in occupancy, according to CoStar’s July 2024 data.
News
Ottawa set for major hotel expansion with arrival of four international brands
Ottawa’s hotel landscape is poised for a significant transformation over the next three years with the introduction of four major international hotel brands: AC Marriott, Moxy, Renaissance, and Hard Rock Hotel.
AC Hotels by Marriott Ottawa Downtown. Image courtesy of RIMAP Hospitality.
These additions are set to increase the city’s accommodation capacity, reflecting its growing status as a premier destination for tourism and business.
This expansion comes as Ottawa positions itself as a top-tier location for conferences, business events, and leisure travel. According to Ottawa Tourism, the city welcomed nearly 11 million visitors annually before the pandemic, contributing more than $2.2 billion to the local economy. As international travel recovers, Ottawa Tourism is optimistic about growth in the coming years. "These new hotel developments are a sign of the confidence investors have in Ottawa’s potential as a world-class destination," says Michael Crockatt, president and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. "We’ve long been a capital known for its cultural attractions and governmental presence, but now we’re also becoming a hub for luxury accommodations and unique travel experiences."
AC Hotels by Marriott Ottawa Downtown
The AC Marriott Ottawa is scheduled to open in autumn 2024, featuring 159 guestrooms and five meeting rooms totalling 3,648 square feet of event space. Located in the Byward Market, the hotel will offer a modern design catering to both business and leisure travellers.
Moxy Ottawa
Following in spring 2025, Moxy Ottawa will bring 224 guestrooms and its signature playful, vibrant atmosphere, also in the Byward Market. Known for targeting younger, more adventurous clientele, Moxy will introduce a fresh, dynamic hospitality experience to the city.
Hard Rock Hotel Ottawa
The Hard Rock Hotel Ottawa is slated to open later in 2025. This hotel will offer 150 guestrooms and 22 suites, bringing the iconic Hard Rock aesthetic to the nation’s capital. As part of a larger complex, the Hard Rock development will also include an expanded casino with 1,500 slot machines, 40 live-action table games, and a 1,800-seat Hard Rock Live theatre (2,200 standing capacity). The project is expected to create approximately 1,900 jobs during construction and through ongoing operations.
Renaissance Marriott Ottawa
Opening in 2027, the Renaissance Marriott Ottawa will be part of a 35-storey high-rise in downtown Ottawa at 395 Slater Street. The hotel will feature 230 guestrooms and 6,000 square feet of meeting space. The building will also include 270 rental apartment units, a restaurant, and a bar, making it a multifaceted development in the city’s core.
Economic and event impact
Beyond increasing room availability, these developments are expected to boost Ottawa’s appeal as a host city for major conferences and international events. Each hotel will offer expanded meeting spaces and services tailored to business travellers, enhancing the city's infrastructure for large-scale gatherings. Ottawa's growing reputation as a conference hub is supported by its state-of-the-art conference facilities, cultural attractions, and proximity to political institutions.
Ottawa's tourism industry already plays a vital role in the local economy, with key attractions like Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and a flourishing food scene drawing visitors year-round. The new hotels will support ongoing tourism efforts while creating employment opportunities in hospitality, event management, and related industries. The AC Marriott, Moxy, Hard Rock, and Renaissance hotels are located near major attractions and institutions, including the Rideau Centre, the University of Ottawa, and the Shaw Centre, making them ideal for tourists and conference attendees.
A bright future for Ottawa's hospitality sector
As construction begins and these hotels prepare to open their doors, expectations are high for Ottawa’s already vibrant hospitality sector to reach new heights. Local businesses and stakeholders are optimistic that these international brands will not only bring more visitors but also elevate Ottawa’s global reputation.
"The future looks bright for Ottawa," Crockatt adds. "With this hotel expansion, we're not just meeting demand but setting the stage for new opportunities in business, travel, and tourism."
