Halifax is small enough that almost any central hotel puts you within a walk of the main sights, but the choice of area still shapes your trip. The city's tourist core is a strip between Citadel Hill and the harbour, with the waterfront boardwalk along the water, the old town on the slope above and the Seaport at the southern end. Here is how the areas compare, and which of our five hotels sits where.
The waterfront
Staying on the harbour puts the boardwalk at your door and gives you the best evening walks. Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel, is at 1709 Lower Water Street, about a minute from the boardwalk, with a spa, an indoor pool, a seafood restaurant and a cocktail bar. It is the splurge of the city, and the right choice for a honeymoon or a harbour-focused stay. Rooms have deep soaking tubs and rainfall showers, and parking costs extra.
The Seaport District
At the south end of the waterfront, the Seaport is home to Pier 21, the cruise terminal and the Seaport Farmers Market. The Westin Nova Scotian, at 1181 Hollis Street, has harbour views, a heated indoor saltwater pool, an on-site restaurant and the rail and bus stations nearby. It is the best choice for families, rail arrivals and anyone who wants Pier 21 and the market on the doorstep, with downtown a walk along the harbour.
Downtown near Citadel Hill
The streets between the hill and the harbour are the practical heart of Halifax, with restaurants, shops, the Grand Parade and the Neptune Theatre close by. The Prince George Hotel, at 1725 Market Street, is a four-diamond hotel with 203 rooms, an indoor pool, a sauna and a restaurant. Cambridge Suites, at 1583 Brunswick Street, is an all-suite hotel with kitchenettes, a complimentary continental breakfast and a rooftop fitness centre with a hot tub and sauna. Both are walkable to the waterfront and the Citadel, and both offer indoor parking. Choose the Prince George for a full-service hotel with a pool, and Cambridge Suites for space, a kitchen and value.
Robie Street and the west
If price matters most, the Atlantica Hotel Halifax at 1980 Robie Street offers 238 rooms, an indoor pool with a wading pool, a hot tub and sauna, and heated parking for a fee. It is on the edge of the city centre, so expect a taxi, rideshare or bus ride to the harbour. It suits budget travellers and families who value a pool over a harbour address.
Choosing by trip type
For couples and special occasions, Muir. For families, the Westin Nova Scotian or Atlantica for the pools, or Cambridge Suites for space and breakfast. For first-timers who want to walk everywhere, the Prince George or Cambridge Suites. For day trips to Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg, check the pick-up points of your tour, since many collect from downtown hotels and cruise areas.
Practical notes
November rates are generally gentler than summer, and an indoor pool is a real bonus in cold weather. Check parking fees, since most of these hotels charge daily, and ask about pets if you travel with one, as several of them welcome pets with conditions. The airport is about thirty-five kilometres away, so budget for a taxi or rideshare.
