9 Best Hotels in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Three early-19th-century townhouses were cleverly combined to create Halifax's original boutique hotel, a couple of blocks from the waterfront and Spring Garden Road shopping. Rooms vary in size, and rates follow suit but expect period antiques and modern conveniences like flat-screen TVs and iPhone docks throughout. Public areas have their own appeal, with a fire-lit library and garden courtyard beckoning in winter and summer, respectively. 

Offering a refined stay with a seriously Nova Scotian flavor, this gorgeous five-star property is part of the posh Queen's Marque development, on the Halifax Harbor with incredible views out over the water. Rooms are spacious, and the public spaces are stunning. The spa area has a steam room, salt room, cold plunge pool, and leisure pool. Highly acclaimed restaurant Drift—specializing in traditional Nova Scotian dishes made posh—is on the ground floor and serves fabulous breakfasts. 

As the first five-star hotel in Nova Scotia, this new property delivers European-style luxury and modern amenities—including smartphone app-controlled air-conditioning, heat, and lights—in the heart of downtown Halifax. Marbled bathrooms with spa showers, huge mirrors, chandeliers, and velvet sofas elevate the generously sized rooms and suites beyond any other property in the city, and many rooms offer views of the harbor. Just off the chic lobby, Chop Steakhouse and Bar serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner as well as room service. On the seventh floor, there is a spacious and well-equipped fitness room.

A lakeside location, friendly staff, and range of room types make this a good alternative to downtown lodgings, and it's less than 5 km (3 miles) from the heart of the city. Rooms are modern, with restful color schemes and comfortable beds. Some include a kitchenette, and many have lake views. The Lakeside Bar and Grill has a big deck overlooking the lake—lovely for breakfast on a summer morning—and a family-friendly menu.

Built low to match the neighboring ironstone buildings, this waterfront hotel is convenient to the Historic Properties and the boardwalk. Though its external appearance is unlike others in the chain, the style inside is consistent with the brand. Rooms in all categories have an urban-chic look, plus extras such as pillow-top mattresses and rain-forest showerheads. There's a spa on-site, and a five-minute stroll through an indoor walkway takes you to Halifax's casino.

The Hotel Halifax, in a good downtown location, is a popular choice for both business and leisure travelers, with spacious, attractive rooms—many of which have water views. An enclosed walkway provides easy access to the Historic Properties, Scotia Square Mall, and other downtown attractions, and the hotel restaurant, Harbour City Bar & Grill, receives positive reviews.

A huge gleaming lobby and open-aspect sitting areas with some fun features, like a giant chair and modern art, welcome you to this fine hotel. Rooms here feature duvets and quality linens, plenty of work space, and free Wi-Fi, setting the tone for a business-oriented hotel. Garden patios offer a respite from downtown bustle. Outstanding service leaves guests feeling pampered, and the in-house restaurant wins approval for its earthy contemporary style and globally inspired menu.

Like Oscar Wilde and P.T. Barnum, two of its former guests, the Waverley is best described as theatrical. Having operated as a hotel since 1876, this centrally located three-story mansion is packed with history and ornate furniture. The richly embellished wallpapers and upholstery fabrics further add to the inn's flamboyant late-Victorian appearance. Room rates, though, are comparatively understated and include such extras as breakfast, bedtime snacks, on-site parking, and local phone calls.

Close to the train station, Seaport Farmers' Market, cruise ship harbor, and Cornwallis Park, this imposing heritage hotel provides top-notch business services and good amenities for leisure guests, including a serene pool. There's an in-house spa, and rooms have signature "heavenly beds" and quality linens. Seaport Social Bar, is attached to the on-trend lobby bar and specializes in local fare and smaller plates as well as hearty breakfasts.