The hostel is very cute and fairly clean. It is small but cozy. Why not five stars? There are a few things that could easily be better. First, there are rules everywhere. I am sure that there is no spot in the hostel where you don't see at least one page of rules. They are kind of passive aggressive and it seems like the person that wrote those rules hates sharing bedrooms or even apartments with other people. I felt like there is a lot of stuff I could do wrong. Second, you smell that it is old air and it seems like the windows never get opened. It's not strong but noticable. Because of curtains everywhere it is also kind of dark and gloomy. And all those rules made me unsure if I even am allowed to open the windows (I am serious here). This hostel didn't really welcome me to stay inside and relax a bit, I always felt like I have to get out of there. But it is definitely good for a few nights, especially if you just want to explore Ottawa and be outside all day long!

A clean and quiet place to sleep, located near to all attractions. Supermarket is 2 mins walk away. Overall it feels like staying at a friend’s place, cosy and homey. Provide fresh towel everyday. Toilets are cleaned everyday. Most comfortable blanket in my trip so far. Great ventilation. Basic toiletries provided. I especially appreciate that they don’t try to put everyone in a room while it’s not fully occupied. That gives us so much of space to have our much needed rest. However, note that it only has oven, means it is not possible to cook. Barefoot means you have to take off the shoes. Rooms are all upstairs. Mirrors are plenty but would be better to have a full sized mirror.

I stayed here for 1 night and was very pleased with my stay. It was incredibly clean and cozy, plus you have a full kitchen downstairs and all the bedrooms are upstairs. The lady was very welcoming and sweet. I recommend booking from their own website.

I had a wonderful stay for 3 nights last November at Barefoot hostel, this hostel makes me feel safe, clam and warm. Two washrooms share by each floor, cozy living room and kitchenette. Great location, bus stops, restaurants, grocery store and coffee shop were around. No breakfast.

This is one of my favorite hostels! It is right in downtown Ottawa, women only and very affordable. I stayed twice on different occasions and found the owner to be super friendly and welcoming. The place itself feels more like a holiday home. They always try to give everyone their own room, which is nice (some of the rooms may be a little small when fully booked, but so far, I have never had to share on my winter vacation). The beds are very comfy, everything is very clean and the bathrooms and living room area are the nicest I have seen in a hostel so far. Some smaller things: It would be great if there was a little stove for cooking for people who don't like microwaved food (there are some take-aways nearby though). Also, the shower handle in the bathroom upstairs was a bit loose, so adjusting the water temperature took some time. Otherwise, the hostel is very well-maintained and it feels like they do their best to keep up a high standard. Other travelers were quiet and friendly, too. Absolutely recommend this place!

Stay away. The area is full of drug addicts. Dilapidated bunk bed rooms. The reception is rude and readily leaves a guest on the street when their bus arrived past the checkin time. Good luck even trying to find the reception to begin with: it is at the hotel next door. Wifi is free, that is true. Free from having a reliable signal anywhere except the kitchen.

Lovely, clean hostel in a gorgeous old building. Check-in is at the Swiss Hotel next door. Kitchenette has a full size fridge, microwave, kettle and coffee maker. All bedrooms and a bathroom are upstairs, main floor has kitchinette, living area, and another washroom, with separate toilet and shower. I had to wait a couple minutes this morning to get into the washroom, but nothing too bad. There are a lot of community support organizations near the hostel, so I would recommend sticking to main roads like Cumberland and Rideau if you are anxious about arriving late. All the other guests were very friendly and courteous. Great value for the price. Thanks!

This is a great place to stay in downtown Ottawa! Close to Parliament Hill, Rideau Centre, Byward,…. All the good stuff. Spotlessly clean, functional kitchen with all utensils, dishes, pots/pans, appliances. Comfy beds with even comfier pillows and duvets AND new, clean towels every day! Definitely staying here AGAIN, especially at the low prices.

Rooms are spotless, nice kitchen facilities and the staff are friendly and helpful.😁

My 20 year old daughter only has a debit-visa and the rushed and RUDE front desk person said absolutely not! All I wanted to do was make an online reservation with my visa and leave a note that the payment was for my daughter! How unfortunate that the hostel cannot be accomodating based on circumstances. As for your REPLY: I too, am sorry that you are unable to make policies that would have allowed my daughter to stay in a women's only hostel. (I am also sorry to hear a negative tone suggesting that it was my intention to disrespect your 'house rules.' ) But, don't worry -- just in case the establishment of a women's only hostel was meant for the "security" of your female guests - my 20 year old daughter was NOT stranded overnight after all... Thankfully HostelWorld does take debit-visa!

One of the best hostels I've stayed in. It is small, cosy (the max. Number of people is 16) and a great home feel. The hostel is cleaned everyday with towels and linen replaced very often - it feels more like a giant BnB then a hostel. The lady who owns it is very nice and helpful :) even the free instant coffee tastes good! I highly recommend it :)

Super friendly host, nice rooms, everything was clean..Had a great stay there in Ottawa!

Nice, clean place to stay, the owner is super friendly, close to downtown and bus (Montréal/Ottawa) stop

Was very nice for a hostel but some things were a little broken. Overall, I'd definitely recommend. Very good location too.

Great place to stay if you're in Ottawa. Close to pretty much everything for the film festival.

Gorgeous hostel, beautifully appointed home environment, very professional management, Sabina provided a personalized stay with great tips on things to do in Ottawa!

Ive stayed in many hostels and this is by far my favourite! Especially considering im travelling alone! Clean, homey and comfortable! Within walking distance to everything! Definitely recommend!