In a principal location at the center of this fast-growing city, around the corner from the superior Heritage, three bocks from the water's edge, this first-rate choice for midrange groups and gatherings provides a limited roster of facilities, friendly local service and fair rates. It sits atop the third tier in the ranks here, a notch above the Mercure and Copthorne, but not quite in the same league as the Crowne Plaza.
Valets greet guests under a wide porte cochere, and the narrow light-filled atrium lobby is a fitting first encounter for this bright regional chain hotel. The majority of public areas are gathered on the ground floor and fitted with colorful, contemporary catalogue furniture separated by glass partitions.
Well-upholstered sofas provide comfort in the lounge, and the adjoining bar is transformed into the breakfast room each morning. Modest international fare is served in the open-plan Circa Restaurant & Bar, which, along with much of the hotel, was getting set at inspection for renovations.
A small gym has been removed to make way for a new one, but in the meantime, guests can use the extensive facilities at a fully equipped gym five minutes' walk away.
Business travelers fare well with a dedicated conference floor boasting a 24-hour business center and five conference rooms able to host up to 300 people. Valet parking 
is inexpensive, and pets are not permitted.
The clean-lined contemporary guest rooms highlight appealing blond-wood appointments, excellent workspace, and large window-walls with city and harbor vistas. Upon completion of refurbishments, rooms will feature stylish dark woods, earth colors and a crisp contemporary look.
The higher the floor, the better the view, though rooms above Floor 7 are best. The well-stocked units boast king and king-split beds, TVs, phones with voice mail and data ports, high-speed Internet access, alarm-clock radios, minibars, and good storage space with safes, irons and ironing boards. The small but gleaming baths feature showers over tubs, hair dryers and limited toiletries. Room service never stops. Only two floors are not smoke-free, and six are wheelchair accessible.
Rydges is a trim, economical urban option. Light and airy, it has a loyal following of guests—40% tour groups, the rest corporate, conference and leisure—who appreciate the friendly can-do attitude of the staff. It lacks the polished service of the Heritage and Crowne Plaza but is a good budget option for those who like a friendly hotel environment.
