It is six a.m. In the Sandy Hill neighbourhood of downtown Ottawa, just a fifteen minute walk from Parliament Hill, Byford Market and the celebrated Rideau Canal, former public school teacher Connie McElman moves efficiently in her kitchen preparing yet another gourmet breakfast for her guests.
Through an open window McElman can hear birds encouraging Ottawa denizens to seize the day. The breakfast menu gives strength to that desire, offering relaxed and refreshing fare such as the mixed-fruit crepes, and more substantial dishes such as ham omelettes with back bacon and salsa. A selection of fine teas and coffees accompanied by freshly-baked muffins round out the first meal of the day.
McElman has always treated her guests like royalty – and she has good reason to do so.
In 1987, she transformed her century-old brick house into a quaint bed-and-breakfast. Her passion for providing quality service to the travelling public prompted her to open Ottawa House. McElman’s tender care is reflected in her attention to detail, such as serving breakfast on bone china. Her tasteful selection of art, including exquisite watercolour paintings, echoes the sophistication of the clientele.
Guests can relax and escape the pressures of the workaday world by melting in the comfort and
decadent tranquility of Ottawa House. McElman ensures that business and leisure travellers are equipped with an ample selection of newspapers and magazines, and have access to e-mail through a high-speed Internet connection to reach business associates and family members.
Those interested in opening their own B&B can take her hospitality course through Bed & Breakfast Management Training.
“We make you the host. We make you the guest. You get a taste of the B&B experience from both sides,” says McElman.
The course reflects her more than thirteen years of solid experience in the hospitality industry and is very well-received amongst guests with an interest in starting their own bed-and-breakfast. Many
consumer-driven guides, including the selective
Le Guide du Routard and The Lonely Planet, have
featured McElman’s establishment. Ottawa House is a member of Ottawa Board of Trade and is listed on the Bed & Breakfast Canada Web site. Presently, Ottawa House is developing streaming video on its Web site to better display its facilities to potential guests.
With the class and elegance of yesteryear and digital comforts of today, Ottawa House is truly a unique establisment in Canada’s hospitality industry.
Accommodation, including breakfast, is $70 per night, per room. Credit and debit cards are accepted. Guests can register on-line by visiting www.ottawahouse.com.