Quality Inn Orleans in northeastern Ottawa has the highest number of public health infractions of any hotel in the city, according to an analysis of data from Ottawa Public Health. Between February 2012 and October 2017, the two-star hotel had a total of 131 public health infractions.
The majority of the infractions pertained to the hotel’s pool and hot tub. The most common types of infractions included not signing or completing daily records, not maintaining required chlorine or pH levels, and not having well maintained emergency and first aid equipment, as outlined by Regulation 565 under Ontario’s Health Protection and Promotion Act.
Inspections by Ottawa Public Health are done on both a routine and complaint basis to ensure that facilities comply “with safety and injury prevention standards, as well as to reduce the risk of waterborne illness,” according to their website. Pool regulations prevent the growth and spread of illness-causing bacteria such as E. coli and Shigella.
Quality Inn Orleans, a branch of the Choice Hotels franchise, offers guests a continental breakfast and has had 17 infractions pertaining to their food services. Infractions include not using thermometers to verify food preparation and storage temperatures, and improper kitchen sanitation.
The number of infractions peaked in 2016, with a total of 56. However, as of October 2017, the number of infractions decreased to 18. Farzana Reza, General Manager at Quality Inn, said that last year they had issues with one of the pool’s pumps. “Everything has been replaced, everything is now fine,” she said. “I don’t think we had any major issues.”
The hotel has a rating of 3 out of 5 on TripAdvisor and ranks #61 out of 68 hotels in Ottawa, according to the travel website. “The general disregard for cleanliness, safety and comfort will make your homecoming all the more special,” reads one review from October 2017. Other poor reviews have commented on inadequate front desk service, dirty rooms, and the pool and hot tub temperature being too cold.
Other guests have found their stays satisfactory. Melissa Levy, who recently stayed at the hotel for a business trip, said her room wasn’t ready after her late arrival, but hotel staff then quickly prepared her room. “The room was nice–not the fanciest but had everything you needed and a very comfortable bed,” said Levy. “The hot tub was great, but the pool’s a little cold and shallow for my liking.” Levy also said that the receptionist was “amazing”.
Keith Bonnell, a Carleton University student who occasionally stays with his father at the hotel, stayed for four nights in October and has been in three different rooms over his previous visits. “It really depends,” said Bonnell “In some rooms, some things are falling apart, but the room we have now is good.” Of the three rooms he’s been in, one had a faulty bathroom door lock and a chair was “falling apart”.
“It’s a good hotel,” said Bonnell. “I think the reason why we keep coming back here is because it’s cheap.” Quality Inn Orleans costs around $114 per night.
