Paramount Skating Arena — Local services in Ottawa

We have held 2 birthday parties here this year. Each time, we pay a deposit so that we lock in our slot. Each time we are told that we're allowed early access (anywhere from 5-15 minutes ahead of time) to set-up. However, each time we were forced to wait in line with the masses, holding cake, presents, and balloons and are not admitted access until well after the scheduled party start time. This forces us to set up AS guests are trying to arrive.

We really love this establishment but there needs to be a rethink in the process by which you host birthday parties. Ideally there needs to be a point of contact in the lobby at the designated time who can give birthday parties access to a different door so they can bring in their supplies and try to get something set up before guests are arriving.

As we all know, birthday parties can be hectic, but we do it because on the enjoyment of the kiddos. We should not be intentionally making the process more chaotic or else some of us may look elsewhere for options that are attuned to the flow of these events.

We will likely try another party at some point in the future. If this process improves, I will update my...

Had alot of fun. Our kids are 15, 14, and 11 and they had a great time. Pros: Snacks and drinks were very reasonably priced, clean and brightly painted, for $6 a kid it kept them entertained the entire time we were there. Cons: pretty sure the skates are the same ones they had when I went here as a child 30 years ago. The first pair I tried was missing a tounge and had a wobbly wheel, the second pair had one lace that was a bunch of lace pieces knotted together which made it hard to tie correctly. It also took half an hour to get 2 cups of coffee because their coffee maker isn't working correctly. I wish they had told me this when I ordered, I would have gotten something different to drink. Overall a good experience. We will...

Absolutely terrible experience at Paramount Skating Arena in Ottawa. The place is filthy from the moment you walk in, with dirty floors and disgusting bathrooms covered in pee and barely stocked with toilet paper. The management is incredibly rude—talking about us behind our backs and acting hostile when we asked simple questions. They blatantly lied, telling us Sundays are quiet with no crowds, but when we arrived, the place was packed and there were three other parties. They even had the nerve to ask the kids why no one comes anymore—maybe it’s because of how poorly this place is run. To top it off, they told us drinks and food were free, then charged us anyway and got angry when we questioned it. Avoid this place...