As Nova Scotia‘s capital, Halifax boasts a deep-seated heritage that comes alive through its many cultural havens and exquisite architecture. Nestled along the coast amid charming fishing hamlets, islands, and lakes, the city is also a gateway to remarkable natural beauty.

There is so much to see and do in Halifax, from the many museums and galleries spread out across the city to the historic neighborhoods to explore. Plus, the list of outdoor expeditions you can go on is seemingly endless.

With so much to see and do, you’ll want a nice hotel room to come back to at the end of an action-packed day. Luckily, Halifax is brimming with all sorts of excellent hotels. There are so many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Halifax to help you plan your perfect getaway!

Short on time and don’t want to read the entire article? Check out our top 3 picks:

• The Lord Nelson Hotel
• Muir
• The Halliburton Hotel

The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Halifax, Canada

1. The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites

A historic Halifax venue, The Lord Nelson Hotel was originally constructed in 1928. The hotel overlooks the beautiful Halifax Public Gardens, a perfect central location for all your Halifax adventures.

As one of the best hotels in Halifax, this hotel exudes classic elegance, while a recent remodel has added contemporary touches and updated historic fixtures. Every room features custom-designed furnishings and new finishes, combining refined tastes and modern sensibilities.

We have to mention the hotel’s gorgeous Parkview Suite, one of the most luxurious stays in Halifax. Wake up to an amazing view of the Public Gardens and spend your nights in front of the cozy fireplace. You’ll sleep soundly on a plush pillow-top king bed.

We also love that the hotel provides luxury services like a dedicated concierge and town car service that can bring you directly to and from the airport. The Lord Nelson is a luxurious Halifax stay from beginning to end!

2. The Prince George Hotel

Located in the middle of downtown Halifax, The Prince George Hotel is Halifax’s most sophisticated stay. You’ll have access to luxurious amenities and a prime location.

Every room is equipped with a Keurig coffee maker, fine linens, and a flat-screen TV, perfect for some comfort viewing during your stay. Meanwhile, the suites all offer separate living rooms to relax or entertain in, complimentary breakfast, and roomy workspaces. We love the Prince Suite, especially for its oversized bathroom and amazing jetted tub – perfect for a special occasion.

We appreciate that the hotel is super pet-friendly, so if you’re traveling with a furry companion, you’ll both be well taken care of! The concierge services are also top-notch. The concierge will be able to arrange for transportation, make restaurant reservations, handle mail, send off dry cleaning, and more so you can stay worry-free.

Dining is easy, with two on-site restaurants, one serving up a great brunch and the other a contemporary fine dining experience. There’s also a super fun lobby bar.

3. Muir

If you’re looking for truly elevated places to stay in Halifax, Muir is the perfect pick. This waterfront hotel features premium rooms and suites and a fully-equipped spa with luxury amenities like a salt room and infrared sauna.

Other special additions to your stay include BKS, a truly exclusive waterfront speakeasy, a private art gallery, and a premium wellness studio, all just steps away. The accommodations at Muir are next level, too. Expect oak walls, Aesop bath products, panoramic windows, and dimmable lighting in every gorgeous room.

For a truly special stay, check out The Watch suite, which floats out above the Halifax Harbour, featuring a full wall of floor-to-ceiling windows for the best ocean view in the city, an oversized spa bath, and a magazine-worthy entertaining area.

If you want to indulge in Nova Scotia’s best dining, then Muir offers the best location in Halifax. Queen’s Marque is full of dozens of waterfront eateries, ranging from fine dining to casual tapas.

4. The Halliburton

If you’re looking for elegant boutique hotels in Halifax, The Halliburton Hotel is it. Located in a heritage building, this stay offers unique charms and a rich history.

Special touches include fresh, locally roasted coffee, always available in the lobby. Share a quiet moment in the private gardens before dinner in the charming restaurant downstairs. Afterward, sip on cocktails by the fireplace in the library before settling into your pillowy bed.

Each room exudes timeless elegance, featuring vintage furniture and unique architecture. In the summer, you’ll stay cool with air-conditioned rooms, and in the winter, you can get cozy in an ultra-plush duvet.

The Grand Suite features a gorgeous mirrored ceiling, a living room with a fireplace, and a private outdoor patio for your use. This is the perfect room for a romantic getaway!

The Neptune Theatre is just down the street, so you can have a grand night out on the town knowing that your hotel is just a few minutes away.

5. Hotel Halifax

Hotel Halifax offers a fantastic location and recently renovated rooms and suites with a refined elegance. You’ll be treated to a blend of classic decor and contemporary amenities when you stay here. The attention to detail and commitment to guest comfort are evident throughout the property, from the cozy lobby to the well-appointed guest rooms.

Each room features roomy king or queen beds, triple-sheeted and pillow-topped, so you can get comfy while browsing shows on the 55-inch smart TV. Come morning, dash off an email at your dedicated work area, then make some coffee in the comfort of your own room.

Don’t miss a beat in your daily routine – there’s a 24/7 fitness center and an indoor heated pool on-site, perfect for keeping up with your workout routine.

The hotel’s central location makes exploring Halifax’s attractions a breeze. You’ll have easy access to the historic waterfront, the bustling downtown shops and cultural sites, and noteworthy destinations like the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia and the Halifax Convention Centre.

6. The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax

The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax gets the honor of being one of the coolest hotels in Halifax. We appreciated the refined decorative touches, which include Italian marble bathrooms, a soft nautical color scheme, and modern art deco furnishings.

The stunning rooms feature views of downtown Halifax and Citadel Hill. Special adornments like minimalistic chandeliers, green velvet upholstery, and embellished headboards feel unique, yet polished. The spa-style bathrooms feel luxurious and are outfitted with Gilchrist & Soames toiletries and glass-enclosed walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads.

We personally love the Waterview Studio, a spacious room with a fantastic view of the Halifax Harbour. The corner Executive Suite is also a wonderful option, with bright floor-to-ceiling windows in both the bedroom and the living area.

Plenty of attractions are a short walk away, including the Discovery Centre, Neptune Theatre, and the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk. Dining options are abundant near the harbor, and Chop, an upscale steakhouse, is located just next to the hotel lobby.

7. The Barrington Hotel

The Barrington Hotel is located right next to the Halifax Boardwalk, providing an intimate boutique-style experience in a very popular location.

The Barrington Hotel is easily one of the best hotels in Halifax, and we love that the service feels personalized, with a concierge who can arrange for airport transportation, sightseeing recommendations, restaurant reservations, and whatever else you might need during your stay in Halifax!

Each room comes equipped with useful amenities, like a 55-inch smart TV, mini-fridge, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and an iron and ironing board. Rooms have a classic elegance to them and feature floor-to-ceiling windows for sweeping city views.

The on-site restaurant, TEMPO, serves up popular Canadian comfort food and specialty cocktails. It’s the perfect place to grab brunch before heading to your matinee show or touring the shopping districts.

We appreciate that this hotel is committed to sustainability, meaning lighting and heating are energy-efficient, recyclable materials are used whenever possible, and cleaning and bath products are eco-friendly.

8. Atlantica Hotel Halifax

The Atlantica Hotel Halifax offers stylish, modern accommodations right by the Halifax Commons, home to downtown’s urban green space and plenty of paths for a walk, jog, or cycling excursion.

Enjoy the heated indoor pool and fitness center, then take a moment to unwind in the sauna. Once you’re ready to explore Halifax, you’ll find yourself in a convenient spot to visit the Museum of Natural History, the historic Halifax Citadel site, or stroll through the Public Gardens.

Heated parking is an amazing plus if you’re visiting during the chilly winter months, while the market in the lobby stocks drinks and snacks for your convenience. And if you don’t feel like leaving your room, just order in!

Rooms come in Silver, Gold, and Platinum variants, and you’ll have the choice between one or two beds – studios offer additional pullout loveseats as well, in case you’re traveling with a larger group. We appreciate that booking a Platinum room also includes an appetizer along with a hot breakfast – perfect for a light, no-fuss meal during your stay.

9. Halifax Tower Hotel & Conference Centre

If you’re looking to stay in one of the newest boutique hotels in Halifax, the Halifax Tower Hotel is the perfect stay. Fresh, luxurious decor and spacious rooms make this a relaxing and elegant stay.

At a hundred or so rooms, this is a more intimate stay than many others in Halifax. The focus really is on quality, not quantity, and that shows in the hotel’s beautiful interiors, from the lobby to the suites.

We love that the larger suites offer a whirlpool tub – imagine sinking into one while enjoying a movie on your smart TV. If you’re traveling with a party, the Family Suite offers a full 2-bedroom layout, with room enough for up to six.

All rooms feature breezy curtains and picture windows, along with comfortable seating and a large workspace, should you need to finish anything up during your stay.

We appreciate the noon checkout time, perfect for those of us who need a little more time to relax in the morning. There are plenty of on-site amenities, too, including a cozy lounge and heated pool.

10. Inn on the Lake

If you’re looking for unique hotels in Halifax, removed from the hustle and bustle of the city, then check in at Inn on the Lake. This beautiful boutique hotel occupies four acres right on the shores of Lake Thomas.

With only 39 suites, you’ll have plenty of privacy during your stay. While the location is quiet, the amenities at the inn rival any hotel in the city. An on-site restaurant and gastropub will bring the best of Nova Scotia dining to your doorstep.

Each room is unique, with many featuring fireplaces or whirlpool tubs, others being self-contained studios or suites spanning multiple stories. You’ll even have your choice of decor – contemporary or historic Queen Anne.

Since the inn first opened in 1972, it has undergone many renovations, expansions, and refinements, which now include amenities such as outdoor gazebos, decks, patios, and a pool for you to enjoy.

You’ll have all the benefits of a lakeside stay while only being a 20-minute drive from Halifax’s major attractions. The inn also operates a convenient shuttle, in case you want to avoid traffic altogether. It’s ideal for a relaxing vacation with a home-away-from-home feeling.

11. Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel

Nestled along the picturesque waterfront of Halifax, the Marriott Harbourfront Hotel offers a blend of modern sophistication and East Coast hospitality. If you’re looking for a contemporary ambiance with a view, this is one of the best Halifax hotels.

The harbor and historic cityscape border this hotel on both sides, offering gorgeous views from each room’s picture windows. We love that some rooms lead directly to the pool while others gaze out over the Atlantic. Look forward to luxe touches like marble bathrooms and plush pillow-top beds.

For those seeking relaxation and recreation, the hotel features a beautiful waterfront patio and bar with a menu featuring local craft beer and wines. Other amenities include on-site golf facilities, a pool and whirlpool tub, and a fitness center.

12. Alt Hotel Halifax

The perfect airport hotel in Halifax is Alt Hotel. Between the warm, gorgeous contemporary style on display in every room, this stay is directly linked to the Stanfield International Airport.

The amenities are plentiful – this hotel is pet-friendly, Wi-Fi is complimentary, and there’s a 24-hour gym you’re welcome to make use of. You can even pick up a yoga mat!

Rooms are fully equipped with down comforters and Egyptian cotton linens, rainfall showers, quality bath products, and Nespresso machines for that early-morning pick-me-up.

The rooms are bright and compact without feeling cramped. The workstations are roomy enough for whatever you need to accomplish, while the Italian armchairs are amazing when you just want to catch up on your reading or meditation.

We appreciate the flexible checkout times, which are always a plus. The hotel features a cozy pizzeria, too, if you’re feeling peckish. Check out their happy hour, featuring discounts on local brews and wines!

That completes our list of the 12 best Halifax hotels! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Halifax? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

Where to Stay in Halifax

The most popular place to stay in Halifax is definitely downtown, but within downtown you still have quite a few options depending on what you want to prioritize, be it urban green spaces, waterfront views, or convenient access to cultural spaces and entertainment.

If you want to make the most of Halifax’s beautiful greenery downtown, look for hotels close to the Halifax Public Gardens, a large urban park that consists of grand flower displays, walking and cycling trails, and decorative monuments. It’s perfect if you just want to step outside and go on a walk or a jog during your stay!

The Halifax Harbour and the waterfront it sits on is a major draw in Halifax because of the amazing sights you’ll catch of the Atlantic Ocean and the plentiful dining options you’ll find there. If you’re looking to partake in the city’s coastal ambiance, relax, and eat well, the waterfront is truly the best place for you, and you’ll have a number of amazing hotels to choose from.

Meanwhile, the heart of downtown Halifax is home to many of its cultural institutions, including the landmark central library, art galleries, and the amazing Neptune Theatre. This part of downtown also contains a plethora of dining options, lounges, and other entertainment venues, all just steps away from your hotel.

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