Escape Manor - Downtown

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ME GG

via Google

We LOVE the Escape Manor. Having done 99% of their incredible escape rooms we looked for what else they had to offer and came across Michael Bourada's Magic Show... We went in expecting a fun, low‑key magic show, we love the venue where he was hosted and were looking to try something new. Instead, we were absolutely blown away. Michael’s show is clever, surprising, and filled with moments that are still making our minds work... and everyone in the room was in constantly exclaiming "WOW!". I was so awed I turned to my husband halfway through and said, “We’re coming back, right?” Michael isn’t just a magician loaded with secrets; he’s a natural entertainer. He reads a room beautifully, gets everyone involved, and somehow makes an hour disappear in what feels like minutes. We've talked to so many friends about his show that it's soon going to be hard to get tickets! Honestly, everything at the Escape Manor from the Escape Rooms to the food, their New Year's Eve bashes and Halloween Parties, is always beyond reproach. It's why we keep coming back over and over and over. Thanks for so many fun evenings Escape Manor!

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Brendan Finnerty

via Google

Had such a great time with a work party! We played escape rooms (which were so well done!! The decor and the puzzles 10/10)! And then had food and played games up stairs - highly recommend!

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Hieu Nguyen

via Google

Convenient downtown location. We booked tables for a large corporate group. Staff were chaotic and disorganized. They certainly tried hard to “act” with a certain manner to fit in with the whole mysterious escape room vibe, but we were not impressed with their tentativeness and service. The escape room experience was great itself. We would do it again, but maybe not here. The experience mainly takes place in the basement of the building, which smells really really bad of city sewage. Furniture is old and grimy. They have to leave air fresheners in the escape rooms to mask the smell. It’s supposed to feel dark and mysterious, but I found it to be rather cold and filthy with the sewage smell. The most disappointing part was when we were trying to get our bills. No staff were there to help us close our tabs after the escape room experience and pay. For our large group, the 18% default gratuity was already applied directly to the bill and included in the final amount printed on the receipt. Yet, when they handed us the payment card machine, it would ask us if we wanted to tip again, with a % on top of the large sum of gross costs, taxes, and 18% gratuity. The staff of course said nothing and just waited for some of us to tip further at this step, like “muscle memory” at any restaurant or bar. Overall, I’m happy with the experience of solving clues and escaping the room with my group, but the stinky venue, mediocre staff, and insidious additional tip practice took away the pleasure of the entire event.

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Stephanie W

via Google

Hands down the best Escape Rooms! My boyfriend and I have literally been to every location and completed pretty much every room available at all 3 Escape Manors in Ottawa, but the Lounge on Elgin location is 10/10. As we have completed all the rooms available for 2 guests in the past (now unfortunately most have a minimum of 3 or 4+).. when they came up with the Christmas themed room "Santas Secret", I booked it the second I got the email. Being a Christmas fanatic alone was enough to sell me on it but I was beyond pleased it was at the best location. The customer service provided is second to none... if there is any part of your experience that you did not enjoy, they will go above and beyond to correct it and ensure you have an amazing time. Specifically this time around our game master "Aurel" was amazing! He fully embodied his character, was immediate to help when we needed a hint, but most of all.. he made us laugh the whole time. The room is meant for 4+ people and since we were only 2... these small details mattered so much to us. As mentioned before we loved the Christmas theme and would 100% do every holiday room (Halloween.. Easter.. etc) they offer in the future. No other escape room company even comes close to the quality of rooms & experiences here.

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Sabrina V

via Google

We had a fun time at Escape Manor Downtown Ottawa and overall would recommend it, but there are definitely a few areas where things could be improved. Our experience started off strong with a knowledgeable and friendly host who got us set up. However, once we were seated, it was surprisingly difficult to get service. We waited about 10 minutes before my fiancé went up to the bar, only to be told someone would come over. Another 10 minutes passed before a server finally arrived. Once our drinks came, everything was fine, but the long wait at the beginning definitely took away from the experience. Before entering the room, our host explained the rules and setup in a very detailed way. While we appreciated the effort, the tone came across a bit condescending—as if we wouldn’t be able to follow along. We understand they’ve likely dealt with guests who don’t treat the rooms respectfully, but it felt unnecessary in our case. That said, the escape room itself was fantastic—well-designed, immersive, and a lot of fun. Once we were playing, the host was very helpful, and we had a great time working through the puzzles. We do plan to return because the rooms themselves are excellent, but we really hope the service improves. Also worth noting: there are no accessible washrooms from the main floor, which feels behind the times for a business of this size. Overall, a solid 4-star experience.