The Best Hotels in Halifax, Nova Scotia

With a seaside location, a historical clapboard exterior and the rambling greenery of the York Redoubt National Historic Site, it doesn’t get much more Halifax than this. Once a chapel, the Star of the Sea has been transformed into a homey but romantic B&B that’s favored by local people for intimate wedding ceremonies and honeymooning couples who appreciate its canopied beds and fresh white tones. Take a dip in the heated pool, then enjoy watching lobster boats bobbing past on the waves.

Steps from Halifax’s historic citadel, a star-shaped fortress built by the British, the Prince George Hotel suits travelers craving a raft of amenities. A restaurant, a lobby bar, Sunday brunch – it’s all here, as well as bountiful business amenities, an indoor pool and a summer patio for al fresco cocktails. Neutral rooms in sand and white are modern and crowd-pleasing and come with complimentary tea and coffee to start your morning before exploring Nova Scotia’s quaint capital.

Named after Admiral Horatio Nelson – appropriate given Halifax’s maritime history – the Lord Nelson Hotel and Suites overlooks the city’s Victorian-era public gardens, landscaped with ponds, a bandstand and photogenic carpet beds. And with its wood-paneled and white interiors, the long-established hotel feels just as regal. Some suites come with roaring fireplaces and wet bars; all rooms feature Aveda spa products and modern decor. Visit the Arms Restaurant when you’re craving east coast-style pub grub, such as a lobster roll with fries.

If you’re a business traveler, you’ll appreciate Hotel Halifax’s central location, steps from main business sites, including the city’s convention center. It also has an on-site spa, complete with its barefoot massages, a sauna, a 24-hour gym and a sizeable pool. If you can’t be bothered to head out after a long day working, the Harbour City Bar & Grill is on hand for a feast of prime rib or gourmet grilled cheese.

With its waterfront location, historical facade and a clutch of bellhops wearing kilts, the Barrington Hotel channels Halifax’s unique maritime heritage (which, if you didn’t realize, includes a fair dose of Scottish influence). Despite the fun initial quirks, most of the rooms keep things modern, with a neutral vibe of creams, browns and whites – you won’t feel stuck in the past here. Take away a quick lunch from the on-site restaurant, Tempo Food + Drink, if you want to spend the day out exploring.

In a glossy modern building, tucked among the restaurants, bars and ice-cream shops on the city’s boardwalk waterfront, the Four Points by Sheraton Halifax might not be reinventing the wheel in terms of offerings, but it’s a solid, good-value stay. A spacious lobby gives you the space to sip a coffee or read a book; simple modern rooms come with workstations as well as mini-fridges and free wifi. An on-site gym will appeal to health nuts.

When you stay at the Westin Nova Scotian on the weekend, you can start your days at the Seaport Farmers’ Market – this emporium of rainbow vegetables, baked goods and souvenirs is just a few steps away. Here on a weekday? Take your breakfast at Seaport Social, a bright space serving flavorful dishes such as fish cake benedict and ricotta and lemon pancakes. The 1930s building – it has a rather grand, columned entrance – comes with a fitness studio and views over the city and water.

After a central stay with a boutique vibe? The Halliburton delivers, complete with fireside cocktails, Fairtrade coffee in the lobby and cozy bedrooms with wood headboards. The historical feel of the building – brick exterior, French doors, an occasional flash of wood paneling – means that it oozes character despite fairly modern dressing. The restaurant is one of the highlights; book in for an evening feast via a blind tasting menu.