Where Should Government Employees Stay in Ottawa? A Guide to Extended-Stay Accommodation
Ottawa is Canada's national capital and a frequent destination for government employees, public servants, diplomats, consultants, contractors and other professionals travelling for assignments, meetings, training and temporary work placements.
For a short business trip, a traditional hotel may be all you need. But when an assignment lasts several weeks or longer, the accommodation decision becomes different. Having a separate living area, a fully equipped kitchen, in-suite laundry and enough space to work and relax can make a significant difference.
For government travellers looking for accommodation in Ottawa, a professionally managed furnished residence can provide the privacy and functionality of an apartment while retaining the service and convenience of a hotel.
SoHo Residences offers two Ottawa locations designed for different types of government and extended-stay travel: SoHo Residences Ottawa Downtown and SoHo Residences Ottawa Little Italy.
Ottawa, Canada
What Should Government Travellers Look for in Ottawa Accommodation?
The best accommodation depends on the length and purpose of the assignment, but several factors are particularly important for government travellers.
1. Convenient Access to Government Offices
Location can have a major impact on an extended assignment.
Government travellers working in or around downtown Ottawa may benefit from staying close to Parliament Hill, federal government offices, embassies, the Ottawa Convention Centre and downtown business districts.
SoHo Residences Ottawa Downtown is located at 300 Lisgar Street, in the centre of downtown Ottawa, with convenient access to Parliament Hill, government offices, embassies, high commissions as well as other downtown destinations.
SoHo Residences Ottawa Little Italy, at 111 Champagne Avenue South, provides a different setting with convenient access to Natural Resources Canada, Booth Street Complex, Agriculture Canada, Experimental Farm, and the RCMP Headquarters via the 417 Trans-Canada Highway. The Residences are also close to Carleton University, Dow's Lake, and the Carling O-Train station.
2. More Space Than a Traditional Hotel Room
A government assignment can mean spending much more time in your accommodation than you would during a typical leisure trip.
A furnished residence can provide separate areas for sleeping, working, dining and relaxing rather than requiring everything to happen in one hotel room.
SoHo Residences suites include separate living and sleeping areas, with one- and two-bedroom configurations available at the Ottawa properties.
That additional space can be particularly useful when an assignment lasts several weeks, when a spouse or family member is travelling with you, or when you need a comfortable place to work outside the office.
SoHo Residences Little Italy
Why Choose a Furnished Residence for a Government Assignment?
A furnished residence sits between a traditional hotel and a conventional apartment lease.
You receive a furnished living environment without having to purchase furniture, arrange utilities or establish a conventional long-term tenancy.
At the same time, you retain access to hospitality services and amenities.
Fully Equipped Kitchens
One of the biggest advantages of an extended-stay residence is having a real kitchen.
SoHo Residences suites include fully equipped kitchens with appliances, cookware and dinnerware, allowing guests to prepare meals rather than relying exclusively on restaurants or hotel room service.
For someone spending several weeks in Ottawa, that can provide both greater flexibility and a more residential experience.
In-Suite Laundry
In-suite laundry can also make a substantial difference during an extended assignment.
Rather than relying on hotel laundry services or shared facilities, guests can take care of laundry within their own suite.
Both Ottawa residences offer suites with washer and dryer facilities.
Separate Living and Sleeping Areas
Having a separate bedroom and living area allows a guest to maintain a greater distinction between work and personal time.
This can be especially valuable for professionals who need to work from their accommodation after regular office hours or who are travelling with a partner or family member.
Hotel Services and Amenities
A furnished residence does not have to mean giving up hotel-style service.
SoHo Residences combines furnished apartment-style suites with hospitality services and amenities. Depending on the property, these include housekeeping, fitness facilities, parking, lounges and other guest amenities.
Which SoHo Residences Location Is Best for Government Travellers?
There isn't one right answer for every government assignment. The better location depends largely on where you need to work and what type of stay you are planning.
SoHo Residences Ottawa Downtown
Best suited to: Government employees, diplomats, embassy personnel, consultants and business travellers who want a downtown location.
Located at 300 Lisgar Street, SoHo Residences Ottawa Downtown puts guests in the heart of downtown Ottawa.
The residence is convenient to Parliament Hill, federal government offices, embassies, the Ottawa Convention Centre, restaurants and the ByWard Market.
For government travellers whose daily schedule is concentrated in central Ottawa, this location can reduce commuting time while providing the space and amenities of a furnished residence.
SoHo Residences Ottawa Little Italy
Best suited to: Government travellers who prefer a residential neighbourhood, require convenient transportation connections or have assignments extending beyond the downtown core.
Located at 111 Champagne Avenue South, SoHo Residences Ottawa Little Italy is close to the Carling O-Train station and provides access to downtown Ottawa and other areas of the National Capital Region.
The location is also convenient for travellers who may need access to Carleton University, Ottawa Civic Hospital or destinations outside the immediate downtown core.
Government Travel and Extended-Stay Accommodation
Government travellers should always follow their department or organization's current travel and accommodation policies and obtain any required authorization before booking.
Government travel policies can also distinguish between short trips and extended travel. For example, the current CRA Directive on Travel states that employees on extended travel at the same duty travel location must select a corporate residence, apartment, private non-commercial accommodation or government/institutional accommodation when available and cost-effective. The directive also states that alternate accommodation may require approval and that reimbursement is subject to applicable policy and authorization.
This makes it important to understand your organization's rules before choosing accommodation.
SoHo Residences are featured on the Public Works Travel Portal. Government travellers should confirm applicable rates, authorization requirements and reimbursement rules with their department or travel coordinator.
What Makes an Extended Stay More Comfortable?
When you're staying in Ottawa for several weeks or longer, small conveniences become much more important.
Consider looking for:
A separate bedroom and living area
A fully equipped kitchen
In-suite laundry
Reliable high-speed internet
A comfortable workspace
Housekeeping
Fitness facilities
Secure parking where required
Convenient public transportation
Access to restaurants and everyday services
Professional on-site or guest support
SoHo Residences is designed around these longer-stay requirements, with furnished suites that combine residential space with hotel services.
SoHo Residences Ottawa Downtown
Government Accommodation for Short and Extended Assignments
Not every government trip requires a month-long stay.
A furnished residence can also make sense for shorter assignments when additional living space, a kitchen or laundry facilities are important.
SoHo Residences accommodates stays ranging from a few nights to several weeks and longer, depending on the property and rate plan.
For longer stays, the residence format can provide a more comfortable environment for maintaining a normal routine while working temporarily in Ottawa.
Accommodation for Government Employees, Diplomats and Visiting Officials
Government-related travel encompasses more than federal public servants.
Ottawa also welcomes:
Provincial and municipal government employees
Diplomats and embassy personnel
Consular staff
Government contractors
Consultants working on government projects
Visiting officials
Researchers and policy professionals
Employees attending training or meetings
Professionals on temporary assignments
The appropriate residence will depend on the location and duration of the assignment, but the same basic considerations apply: location, space, functionality, service and flexibility.
A Residence Can Feel More Like Home
The biggest difference between a conventional hotel room and a furnished residence is often the ability to maintain a normal routine.
Instead of working, eating and relaxing in one room, you can prepare a meal in your kitchen, work from a dedicated area, close your laptop and move into a separate living space.
For a government employee spending weeks or months away from home, that additional separation can make an extended assignment considerably more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should government employees stay in Ottawa?
The best location depends on the assignment. SoHo Residences Ottawa Downtown is particularly convenient for travellers working near Parliament Hill, federal government offices and Ottawa's diplomatic community. SoHo Residences Ottawa Little Italy provides a residential setting with convenient transportation connections and access to downtown and other areas of Ottawa.
Is SoHo Residences suitable for government travel?
Yes. SoHo Residences offers furnished suites in Ottawa that are designed for both short and extended stays, with kitchens, separate living and sleeping areas, laundry facilities and hotel-style services and amenities.
Can government employees stay for a month in Ottawa?
Yes. SoHo Residences offers extended-stay accommodation for guests staying several weeks or a month or longer, subject to availability and applicable rate plans. Government travellers should confirm their organization's accommodation and reimbursement requirements before booking.
Which SoHo Residences is best for government travellers?
Both Ottawa properties can be suitable. Ottawa Downtown is particularly convenient for government and diplomatic travellers working in central Ottawa, while Ottawa Little Italy offers a more residential setting with convenient access to downtown and public transportation.
Does SoHo Residences offer furnished apartments in Ottawa?
Yes. The Ottawa residences offer fully furnished suites with kitchens, separate living and sleeping areas and laundry facilities, providing an apartment-style alternative to a traditional hotel room.
Planning government travel to Ottawa?
Whether you're travelling to Ottawa for several nights, several weeks or longer, choosing accommodation with the right combination of location, space and services can make your assignment considerably easier.
Explore SoHo Residences Government & Embassy Accommodation in Ottawa to compare the two Ottawa locations and find the residence that best fits your assignment.
