History & Heritage
At 123 Metcalfe Street, the story begins in 1909. The building was constructed to serve as the residence of John Rudolphus Booth.
The house boasts a two-and-a-half-storey brick silhouette, reflecting the eclectic Queen Anne style, characterised by its lively composition and residential details.
This address is named after a man who played a significant role in Ottawa's economic history. John Rudolphus Booth was a lumber magnate and a railway builder.
The domestic origins of the site are essential to understanding its character. Before becoming a hotel, the building was initially conceived as a private home, deeply rooted in the city and its era.
This residential past lends a unique depth to the address today. It connects the contemporary experience to an older chapter of Ottawa, when local fortunes were still shaping the face of the capital.
In this continuity, The Metcalfe Hotel retains the imprint of a home designed to endure. A discreet yet eloquent presence within the historical fabric of Metcalfe Street.
Architecture & Design
At 123 Metcalfe Street, the architecture maintains the domestic charm of a grand urban residence from the early 20th century. The building dates back to 1909.
Walter Chesterton crafted a two-and-a-half-storey brick composition, embedded in an eclectic Queen Anne style. The vocabulary remains characteristic of this sensibility.
This style favours nuanced volumes, animated silhouettes, and a less solemn interpretation than strict classicism. The house thus asserts a straightforward presence, devoid of stiffness.
The entire structure was designed for John Rudolphus Booth, a prominent figure in the lumber industry and a railway builder. This original purpose informs the scale of the building.
It reflects a residence intended to signify status while maintaining the proportions of a private address. This is what gives the façade its unique balance.
The brick anchors the building in a durable materiality, clearly visible within the urban fabric of Ottawa. The design, on the other hand, introduces more movement and relief.
This alliance of solidity, picturesque charm, and restraint enhances the appeal of the place. It situates The Metcalfe Hotel within an architectural narrative where elegance is primarily defined by the accuracy of proportions.
The In-House Experience
At 123 Metcalfe Street, the experience begins with a clear and measured architectural presence. The building dates back to 1909 and bears the signature of Walter Chesterton.
Its composition reflects an eclectic Queen Anne style. This language gives the residence a pronounced residential character, far removed from any demonstrative monumentality.
The brick immediately imposes a stable, almost domestic materiality, subtly anchoring the address within the city. The two-and-a-half storeys reinforce this sense of balance.
Here, the architecture does not seek isolated effect. Instead, it establishes a sense of proximity, as if entering a home designed to last.
This origin is not insignificant. The residence was built for John Rudolphus Booth, a key figure in the lumber industry and a railway builder.
This history imbues the place with a particular density. One can sense the spirit of a residence designed to signify status, while not sacrificing a sense of intimacy.
Thus, the overall design retains an elegance of façade and an almost familiar scale. It is this dialogue between distinction and restraint that shapes the in-house experience here.
Dining
Dining options are not specified. No restaurant, bar, or lounge is mentioned.
Service & Team
No specific information is provided regarding the languages spoken, valet service, airport transfers, pet welcome, 24-hour room service, butler service, or check-in and check-out times.
Practical Information
- Address: Ottawa, CA - Coordinates: 45.420452, -75.695174 - Rating: 5 stars - Date of source consultation: 2026-05-20
Our Verdict
The Metcalfe Hotel is located in Ottawa, Canada. Its coordinates have been verified. The establishment is rated 5 stars.