The Rideau Residence at the University of Ottawa offers a compelling option, particularly for those prioritizing affordability and convenience. Having recently stayed there, I can confidently say it delivers on several key fronts, making it a noteworthy choice for short-term visitors in Ottawa.
The Good:
Exceptional value: Without a doubt, one of the biggest draws of the Rideau Residence is its price point. It's genuinely cheap, offering significant savings compared to many other accommodations.
Clean: Despite the budget-friendly rates, the residence maintains a good standard of cleanliness. My room was tidy upon arrival, and common areas appeared well-kept.
Walkability: The location is truly fantastic. It's incredibly walkable to downtown Ottawa, allowing easy access to major attractions like Parliament Hill, the ByWard Market, and various museums. For shoppers, the proximity to Rideau Mall and Rideau Station is a huge favour, making it effortless to get around.
Areas for Improvement:
TV Functionality: While the room included a television, the experience was hampered by a TV remote that didn't work properly. This meant navigating channels was a frustrating ordeal.
Limited Channel Availability: Compounding the remote issue, I found that many channel many channels had no signal.