We wanted to spend one night in Ottawa and we have chosen for Indigo Hotel. The location is very good for visiting purposes: 5 min walk to the Parliament or the restaurant area. Also the rooms are ok in size and equipment/furniture, but half of them (including mine) have no outside windows (the windows lead to the interior hallway of the hotel).
The bad experience however started when we wanted to check in: they have asked for 350 CAD guarantee although we were spending 1 night and the room was already paid for. I hate to give my credit card for this as they block the money for 1 month. Therefore I wanted to pay in cash but I found the amount ridiculous high (at Marriott chain for example it is about 100 USD to cover the possible extras). Their ATM (from the lobby) was not working, it was night and heavily raining outside and I was coming from a long trip by car. I have told the receptionist that we have around 200 CAD cash and ask her to take this as a guarantee. Now she became very rude and refused to check us in, clearly stating: "I am checking you in if you don't give me 350 CAD guarantee. These are the policies". I said that I would like to check in, then go out to dinner and give her the 150 difference when I come back. She still refused rudely. Therefore, I had to walk out in the heavy rain to find an ATM.
Of course, 8 hours later, she gave the guarantee back so all was for nothing.
Concluding, if you want to stay in the center of Ottawa, but be treated disrespectful and like a criminal, Indigo is for you. If you like to be treated like a customer (for a 150 USD hotel room) try another hotel.
I will not stay here again, as their policies are stupid and the staff I met is rude and inflexible.
- Ottawa Hotel Indigo
