Guide to the Best Halifax Hotels

Living in Nova Scotia my entire life as well as being a tour guide in Halifax for four years, I have come to know a lot about the city. I also love playing Halifax tour guide to all of my friends that get to visit. One thing people often ask me when visiting is “What are the best hotels in Halifax?”. I have stayed in a few Halifax hotels here and there but never with my “critical travel reviewer” hat on. Previously I could give some good suggestions but I wanted to be able to provide more information on the best Halifax hotels.

I have decided to become an expert on all things Halifax Hotels. To do that I have now stayed at almost every hotel property on the downtown Halifax peninsula. Not only can I now give my opinion on my favourite hotels in Halifax but I also have first hand knowledge on each property. From the benefits of their amenities compared to others to locations, restaurants and more.

The Best Halifax Hotels

There are over 15 hotels on the peninsula of downtown Halifax and I have included information about eight of them below. I will continue adding to the list as I stay at them. (There are many more hotels throughout the rest of the Halifax Regional Municipality and you can learn more about them HERE.) This guide to the best Halifax hotels highlights all of the benefits of staying at each hotel. My goal wasn’t to pin the hotels against each other but to rather highlight the best about each one. The only winner is you, selecting the best hotel for your visit.

**Listed in no particular order.

The Westin Nova Scotian

The Westin Nova Scotian is one of the oldest hotels in Halifax. The hotel was opened in 1930 by the Canadian National Railway. Located in the South End of the city one block up from the waterfront board walk, Halifax Seaport Farmers Market and the cruise ship terminal. It is also attached to the Via Rail Train Station so this is the ideal property to stay at before or after your train journey.

The hotel is located next to an Atlantic Superstore Grocery Store a perfect spot to grab snacks if you are headed on a road trip of Nova Scotia after your stay. A block away you will find Barrington Street, one of the more popular streets in the city with a bus route that will take you to many destinations. The south end of the city has recently been flourishing with new Asian cafes and restaurants so a delicious bite to eat is only a minutes away walking. Read more about that on Eat This Town.

With 300+ rooms the Westin Nova Scotian is one of the biggest hotels in Halifax. On site the property features a pool, spa, and the Seaport Social restaurant and lounge. Seaport Social also often offers Afternoon tea. Another neat feature of the hotel is that they have workout gear and sneakers for rent for travellers on the go to use in the gym. The Westin Nova Scotian is also one of the top wedding venues in the city.

Being one of the oldest hotels in Halifax the property has quite a grand feeling to the lobby. Over the years it has gone through many renovations and updates and all of the rooms are quite modern. The best rooms in my opinion are on the harbour side of the building. While staying there I was in room 700 on the far back left corner of the hotel. The corner king featured wrap around windows and gorgeous views of the harbour.

Hotel Halifax

The Hotel Halifax, was previously known as the Chateau Halifax and the Delta Halifax. Hotel Halifax is conveniently located attached to the Scotia Square mall. The mall features a large food court, liquor store, and Dollar store, as well as a few clothing stores and other shops. The hotel also has underground tunnels to access the Scotiabank Centre (formally the Halifax Metro Center). It’s location makes it one of the best places to stay if attending an event at the Scotiabank Center especially in the winter months so you can stay warm inside the tunnels and pedways. You can also use them to access a couple other hotels, office buildings, and Casino Nova Scotia as well.

The restaurant on site is called the Harbour City Bar and Grill and if you ask me it is highly underrated. They have great lobster dinner specials in the summer months and a fantastic avocado toast on their breakfast menu. I wasn’t the biggest fan of their club sandwich but their nachos definitely hit the mark, as do their cocktails. I was a big fan of the basil sangria.

During my stay I was in room 407 which had a great view towards the waterfront and harbour. The room was a good size but the decor was a bit dated. The shower however had a great new powerful shower head.

The Barrington Hotel

Previously known as the Delta Barrington, the Barrington Hotel is a sister property to the Hotel Halifax. Also connected through a pedway to the Scotia Square mall you can access the Halifax Hotel, Scotiabank centre and casino from this property. The hotel backs on to the pedestrian area of Granville Street, a great place to do some shopping, visit an art gallery or grab a bite to eat. It can also be a busy night spot on the weekends because of the Split Crow Pub. The hotel is surprisingly soundproof to the noise of revelers below.

This is a smaller property than others but is in a great location not too far from the waterfront and historic properties.

The on site restaurant is called Tempo and has a great on the go food service counter. Tempo is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The restaurant is located on the corner of Barrington Street and Duke Street a block from the Scotiabank Center, so it is a great spot to head to before or after an event.

The Halliburton Hotel

The Halliburton Hotel is Halifax’s only historic boutique hotel. Located in the south end of the city on Morris Street. The Halliburton Hotel is small, cozy and full of charm. They offer continental breakfast daily and the property has a small library and DVD collection for guests to enjoy.

The hotel is located just a couple blocks up from the waterfront and is close to many great dining options. They also have an outdoor garden patio open in the summer months which is a great spot to grab a drink before dinner.

While staying at the Halliburton I was in room 109 facing Morris Street. The rooms are quite spacious with a full wet bar, mini fridge and large living area. The bedroom was separate from the rest of the room and the bed was quite comfortable. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the pillows but that is something that could be fixed quickly with a phone call to the front desk. I was only staying one night so I didn’t bother with it.

In the room there were complimentary water bottles available but they also recommended drinking the tap water which was a nice touch. In the living room there was a fire place perfect for the winter months when it gets a bit chilly as it is such an old building. The front desk brought me up a portable heater when needed too.

Note: Their onsite restaurant Stories Dining was one of the best fine dining restaurants in all of Halifax and is unfortunately closed for the time being.

Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel

The Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel is the only hotel in Halifax located directly on the Halifax waterfront. Located at the north end of the waterfront boardwalk in downtown Halifax just before the Casino Nova Scotia. (Originally the Sheraton Hotel.) The Marriott Harbourfront offers stunning harbour views from all waterfront rooms.

The hotel offers an on site cafe, restaurant and fantastic patio in the summer months. The property is also another one of the prime wedding venues in Halifax.

The Halifax waterfront boardwalk runs in front of the hotel featuring rotating displays of commissioned street art to give some colour to the area. Along the water in front of the hotel you will also find many multicoloured Adirondack chairs that you can sit in to enjoy the harbour views. Next door is the Lower Deck which is one of the oldest pubs in the city, and one of the best spots for live music, and a cold draft of Alexander Keith’s. Steps away you will find Halifax’s Historic Properties as well as endless dining options.

While staying there I was in room 499 on the south corner of the building overlooking the harbour. The hotel offers a turn down service with tiny pillow chocolates which is a nice bonus.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Halifax Downtown

The Homewood Suites by Hilton Halifax Downtown is located on Brunswick street a block from Citadel Hill and the Scotiabank Center. It is also attached to it’s sister property, the Hampton Inn by Hilton Halifax Downtown. The two properties are connected but have separate front desks and dining areas. They also share conference rooms, a pool and gym. Additionally there is a nice outdoor patio area on the second floor between the hotels that has chairs for relaxing and BBQs that the guests can use.

The Homewood Suites is made for long term stays and they offer a feature of grocery shopping for guests that might not have the time to do so. The rooms are large and spacious with a separate kitchen and living area from the bedroom. Each room is modern and has all of the amenities you could be looking for. The hotel is located about 5 blocks up from the waterfront but some of the rooms still offer a glimpse of the harbour and others have views overlooking Citadel Hill.

Every evening in the lounge there are different themed nights offering snacks and drinks for guests. It is a convenient way to grab a quick bite and even mingle with other guests if you want. In the lobby there is a small store area to grab snacks and other necessities.

For dining options nearby you can go across the street to Cafe Taiyaki 52 a great Japanese cafe for food and drinks. A few doors down you can go to Xena’s Bread and Butter Ltd. a funky 2D themed Filipino cafe and restaurant that offers a breakfast buffet on weekends. The hotel is also located next to the 2 Crows Brewing Co. brewery and Halimac an Axe throwing bar.

The Hollis Halifax – a DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel

The Hollis Halifax Hotel (previously the Radisson) wins points for giving you warm cookies on check in! Inside the hotel is quite modern and newly renovated with great decor including a beautiful glass Chihuly sculpture in the main lobby. The hotel is located just two blocks up from the Halifax waterfront and the popular SaltYard food court area of the waterfront and the Stubborn Goat beer garden.

The hotel’s onsite restaurant is the newly opened Cannery Kitchen and Social. A great place to grab a drink or bite to eat. They often feature live music as well. I recommend you try the lobster poutine. Room service in the hotel is also provided from the Cannery. In the lobby there is a full service bar and lounge as well as a buffet and made to order breakfast service in the morning.

While staying there I was in a King bedroom corner suite on the south side of the building facing the waterfront with a great view over the city and harbour. The room had a long hallway separating the bedroom and bathroom from the kitchen, dining nook and lounge area.

Have you stayed in other hotels on the Halifax peninsula? Tell us about your stay in the comments below!

Did you enjoy this post? Please pin it to save for later!

I was a guest of these properties when I stayed however all views and opinions expressed are my own.