Halifax hotels

The first time I walked into the lobby at the new Muir, Autograph Collection I couldn’t believe I was still in Halifax. That is, until I approached the check-in counter and was greeted with unmistakable Nova Scotian hospitality.

The modern property is one of the best hotels in Halifax. It’s outfitted with high-end local art – it even has its own art gallery – and boasts every amenity you could want after a long day of exploring. Despite its incredible spa and in-room dining options, my favourite thing about staying here was the secret rooftop speakeasy.

BKS Speakeasy is located at the end of the hallway on the third floor of the luxury hotel and opens onto one of the best views of the Halifax Harbour I’ve ever seen. The bar is strictly reserved for guests, so it’s always cozy and intimate, even during peak hours.

I was fortunate enough to spend the holidays as a guest of the Prince George Hotel a couple of years ago. One of the best hotels in Halifax, I recommend this property to anyone looking for a spot to drop their bags that straddles the line between modern and cozy.

The lobby is relatively small and humble, but the built-in lobby bar quickly became one of my favorite places to hang out. It’s a quaint but well-equipped space (there are less than ten spots at the bar).

This top-rated hotel in Halifax has recently undergone a major renovation to freshen up the space and add some tasteful flair to the guestrooms. That said, it still has the same character I remember from my childhood.

The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax is one of the newest additions to the portfolio of luxury hotels in Halifax and has already become a local favourite. It’s considered one of the best hotels in Halifax thanks to its on-site Chop Steakhouse & Bar.

The entire hotel has incredible views of Halifax thanks to its position within the Nova Centre on Grafton Street – and that extends to the dining room at Chop.

The hotel restaurant draws locals and travellers alike thanks to its bistro, comparable to the big-name restaurants in neighbouring Montreal and Toronto, but with humble East Coast hospitality. The cuts of steak, fresh Atlantic half lobster and seared scallops are all great.

The Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel is probably the first hotel I’ve ever loved – and as a travel writer, that’s saying a lot. The waterfront property first opened in 1985 and is a staple in the lives of Haligonians; my high school prom was held here, as were multiple weddings of well-off friends and family.

It’s a heritage property packed with memories yet remains one of the finest hotels for out-of-towners thanks to its commitment to old school hospitality and its location at the beginning of the Halifax boardwalk. And though it might be one of the original high-end hotels in the city, it's still one of the best hotels in Halifax.

Make sure you have time to check out the gorgeous boardwalk bar and restaurant, Stone’s Throw Patio, which serves great bar snacks and even better views of the Halifax Harbour.

I could wax poetic about the Westin Nova Scotian all day long. I lived in this hotel for a month or so during the tail-end of the pandemic and its stunning views of Georges Island and the downtown boardwalk were enough to convince me to move back home after being away for over a decade.

The grande dame property dates back nearly 100 years and is connected directly to the Via Rail train station as part of the network of heritage railway hotels in Canada. Its connection to the likes of Chateau Frontenac in Quebec and Banff Springs in Alberta is evident in the property’s regular afternoon tea offerings and the sense of regal flair.

Ask anyone who’s hopped off the Via Rail train and straight into bed at the Westin and they'll tell you exactly why this is one of the best hotels in Halifax.

The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites has long been regarded as one of the best hotels in Halifax. It’s located across from the Halifax Public Gardens on the corner of Spring Garden Road and South Park Street.

It’s just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Barrington Street and the hectic bar scene on the waterfront to provide more peace and quiet, while still being a very walkable property.

This hotel has been a mainstay in Halifax since it first opened its doors in 1928, and while I haven’t personally stayed the night, I can attest that the on-site Arms restaurant has become a much-loved spot to refuel after exploring the gardens across the street. I recommend ordering the local beer-battered fish and chips, washed down with a pint of Alexander Keith’s.

While the Halifax Tower Hotel & Conference Centre, Ascend Hotel Collection is more of a business hotel, it’s also a great place to stay if you’re looking for somewhere comfortable and relatively quiet.

It’s located in Bayer’s Lake – about 15 minutes outside of the downtown core – and is regarded as one of the best hotels in Halifax thanks to its modern decor and first-rate amenities, such as the expansive spa and soundproof rooms.

If you do check into the Halifax Tower Hotel, take advantage of the free breakfast, even if you’re not really a breakfast person. The breakfast buffet is located on the 16th floor and offers one of the very best views of the city.

Cambridge Suites Hotel Halifax isn’t a luxury hotel in the traditional 5-star sense of the term, but it is, one of the most reliable and comfy properties in the city.

It's centrally located next to Citadel Hill, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, making it one of the best hotels in Halifax for anyone looking to explore the city on foot. However, the real draw has to be the extra-large guestrooms and suites.

Cambridge Suites Hotel has a reputation for offering a little more space to spread out than your average hotel in Halifax – a huge bonus if you’re looking for a family-friendly property in the city centre. It’s worth noting that this property is also pet-friendly; furry friends of all sizes are welcome to stay with you in your room for a small fee.

No trip to Halifax is complete without a ferry ride across the harbour to Dartmouth. If Halifax is Manhattan, you can think of Dartmouth as Brooklyn – slightly less flashy, a little grungy, but just as full of life and culture.

There are fewer hotels on this side of the harbour, but Sandman Signature Dartmouth Hotel & Suites is a great option if you’re looking to explore what locals jokingly refer to as “the dark side.” The cozy property has everything you’ll need for a comfortable escape and has a gorgeous pool with floor-to-ceiling windows and a striking modernist lobby with stylish artwork and a built-in lobby bar.

There’s also an on-site Denny’s, where you’ll regularly find local families diving into generous stacks. There's no reservation required, but it can sometimes get a little busy come weekend breakfast hours.

Sometimes you just need a simple and reliable place to fall into bed after a long day – and Four Points by Sheraton Halifax offers exactly that. The mid-tier hotel has relatively standard guestrooms, but it’s located pretty much in the dead centre of town, making it an awesome location for anyone hoping to explore Halifax on foot.

The best part is that the property boasts a gorgeous indoor saltwater pool with comfy lounge chairs, so you can conjure up the vibes of a tropical vacation even if you’ve been struck with the notoriously moody Halifax weather.

It’s also worth noting that the Four Points has a great on-site Mediterranean restaurant, Latitude 44 Restaurant and Taproom. I recommend grabbing the calamari or cauliflower bites if you get the chance. There's also an extensive beer and wine list with plenty of local options.