Photo courtesy The Muir, Autograph Collection
Nova Scotia is well-known for its hospitality and is evolving as a must-visit luxury destination… nowhere more so than Halifax. Lifestyles Editor Vince Grittani shares his list of the top luxury hotels in Halifax
Updated Nov 18 2022 / Commissions may be earned from our affiliate partner links
‘Canada’s Ocean Playground’ isn’t just a made-up copywriter’s slogan – it’s Nova Scotia’s well-deserved brand. Being the country’s second smallest province, Nova Scotia’s cultural and geographical diversity works overtime to stand out and includes a full spectrum of accommodations from simple oceanside fishing cabins to other great places to stay in Halifax.
As the provincial capital, Halifax has been welcoming world travellers to Canada for centuries. This gateway to the entire country sits midway on the south shore of the mainland looking out to the vast Atlantic Ocean.
With literally every mode of transportation leading in and out of its bustling core of activity, there is a distinct selection of luxury hotels in Halifax, all within easy walking distance of the city’s exciting boardwalk. Here are some of our favorites.
The Top Luxury Hotels in Halifax, Nova Scotia
The Muir, Autograph Collection
As the city’s latest entry to the exclusive list of luxury hotels in Halifax, The Muir is a boutique establishment sitting directly on the waterfront in the historic Queen’s Marque district. The property is surrounded by unique gastronomic, retail, art, and cultural attractions, making for a memorable Halifax hotel experience.
The challenge to lucky guests is literally leaving the hotel itself, as the selection of room choices are so enticing. Guest rooms feature distinctive modern designs that offer enduring comfort and pleasure.
Equally alluring is the hotel’s seduction of the senses. Feel the satisfaction of a workout in the 5000 square foot gym, followed by a massage at the Interlude Spa. Taste the variety of culinary menus reflective of the hotel’s oceanside location, either privately in-room or at The Muir’s fine dining experience, Drift.
For a more casual atmosphere, there’s BKS, a private space exclusive to guests and clients offering small plated dishes. The Ballast Bar features a menu of ocean-to table oysters and other pleasures to the pallet. Patrons listen to the horns of ships passing in the distance, while looking out at the magnificent views of the harbour.
For more information visit Muir, Autograph Collection, Halifax.
Hotel Halifax
Incredible cityscape views of the harbour, both day and night, are part of your Hotel Halifax experience. These contemporary accommodations are the perfect answer when Halifax is your travel destination, whether for business or pleasure.
Business travellers will find Hotel Halifax an excellent choice for their professional needs. With rooms that allow for a much-deserved rest during one’s busy schedule, meeting venues that can accommodate both small and large groups, and fine dining at the rooftop Harbour City Bar and Grill, Hotel Halifax sits well on our list of luxury Halifax hotels.
Hotel Halifax accommodates your schedule – including a pool that stays open late for a relaxing swim after a busy day of meetings or sightseeing. The gym is open around the clock as well.
But it’s not all work at this Nova Scotia hotel. Close to both family attractions like the Discovery Centre, and Casino Nova Scotia for adults, pleasure travellers will also enjoy its convenient location as they explore the city of Halifax.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Find out more at Hotel Halifax.
The Barrington Hotel
When you pull up to the Barrington Hotel, don’t let its appearance fool you. Despite being forty years old and four floors high, tradition is very much part of this Halifax hotel. The actual façade is comprised of several original 19th century buildings, keeping in line with the neighbourhood’s historic origins, and visitors are greeted by a doorman in a kilt.
The Barrington is a combination of a smaller boutique-style hotel with the amenities of a larger property – offering a heated pool, gym, and meeting rooms. Tempo, the on-site urban open kitchen, caters to your culinary needs morning, noon, and night.
Within walking distance to several of Halifax’s main cultural venues, The Barrington is one of the top luxury hotels in Halifax, and a perfect choice for both the business and leisure traveller.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Visit The Barrington for complete details.
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
Established as a perfect meeting venue located right on the waterfront, the newly renovated Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel boasts the largest pillarless ballroom in Halifax. Its location gives guests easy access to many of the city’s downtown attractions, including Casino Nova Scotia, Scotiabank Centre, and Citadel Hill.
With guest rooms to fit anyone’s needs, the Halifax Marriott offers a variety of accommodations from singles for one or two, to one-bedroom suites with a full living room, kitchen, and bar – perfect for entertaining guests and clients.
The Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel prides itself as being part of the local culture. Enjoy a true Nova Scotia culinary experience in Harbourstone Pour House, with a menu featuring fine locally sourced ingredients from land and sea. Even the delicious coffee served in the Balancing Rock Coffeehouse comes from Nova Scotia’s own Sissiboo Coffee Roaster Ltd.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Check into more info at Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
Sutton Place Hotel Halifax
When you enter the hotel lobby, you’ll notice immediately that the Sutton Place Hotel Halifax leads the way in style and comfort. Backed by years of experience, the contemporary European-influenced design tells you that your hotel experience will be the best.
Long known for quality in Canada, Sutton Place prides itself on presenting guests with a fine hotel experience by providing exquisite service surrounded by elegance. Sutton Place is located in the heart of Halifax and offers a selection of suites – each with distinctive views of the city.
Enjoy an in-hotel dining experience at the finely appointed Chophouse Bar and Grill. You’ll enjoy the best menu the city has to offer while surrounded by exquisite modern décor. This is East Coast hospitality like you’ve never experienced, featuring the finest steaks and freshest seafood.
Complimented by a gym and even a few pet-friendly rooms, the Sutton Place is one of the top luxury hotels in Halifax and offers sophistication for both the leisure and business traveller.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Learn more about the Sutton Place Hotel Halifax
The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites
Overlooking Halifax’s Public Gardens, The Lord Nelson continues to do its namesake proud. History and tradition have been preserved in the décor and blend well with modern sophistication – as seen in the combination of fine wooded pillars and expansive marble floors.
Offering an elegant selection of rooms, the Lord Nelson easily meets all the requirements needed to join the list of fine Halifax hotels. The hotel features classic queen rooms to full one-bedroom executive suites.
The property is suitable for a variety of needs – for the business traveller to the bride and groom. Sleek meeting rooms and stunning ballrooms are just some of the event spaces available.
For casual fine dining, the hotel features the upscale Arms Restaurant, which offers a selection of international dishes and beer from breweries both local and beyond. The Lord Nelson is an excellent choice for fine accommodations when visiting Halifax.
Take a look for yourself at The Lord Nelson Hotel and Suites.
The Prince George Hotel
Four Diamonds Service not only describes the award presented to The Prince George Hotel, but also what guests can expect. Close to historic Citadel Hill, The Prince George is where guests are connected to Halifax, literally. No matter the weather, as part of The Halifax Link, guests at The Prince George are connected to a climate-controlled pathway joining a variety of major downtown venues and facilities.
The property’s premiere accommodation, the Prince Suite, easily makes The Prince George one of the top ten luxury hotels in Nova Scotia. Guests staying on the Crown Level have exclusive use of the Six-Seventeen, their own lounge to relax and unwind.
Enjoy an on-site fine dining experience at Gio Restaurant. Open for dinner, the restaurant also offers an extensive bar and lounging area, perfect for anyone’s post meeting, shopping, or sightseeing day. Working travellers in need of more than just a room have access to the business centre, complete with state-of-the-art technology.
Visit the Prince George Hotel for mor e details.
The Westin Nova Scotian
Located in the Halifax Seaport District, The Westin Nova Scotia is close to many of the city’s popular attractions, including the Pier 21’s Canadian Museum of Immigration and the Halifax Farmer’s Market. Part of the Marriott brand, the Westin Nova Scotian lives up to its name with a grand and welcoming front entrance.
Catering to both leisure guests and families, the hotel offers a complete variety of modern rooms and suites with balconies and expansive harbour views. The Westin also welcomes the business traveller by providing a business centre and conference rooms.
Very accessible to nearby restaurants like The Bicycle Thief and Waterfront Warehouse, the hotel also hosts its own elegant Seaport Social Bar and Restaurant featuring a diverse menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The well-appointed gym, along with the indoor saltwater pool, provides an opportunity to relax at the beginning and end of one’s busy day.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Find out more at The Westin Nova Scotian
Four Points by Sheraton Halifax
Within walking distance of Citadel Hill and the Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History, the Four Points by Sheraton Halifax caters to both the business and leisure traveller looking for convenience and quality. Known for accommodating large corporate groups, the individual guest is equally provided for with first class service.
With a variety of traditional king and queen suites, Four Points also offer a few suites for those needing additional space. Guests can maintain their workout schedule when away from home with a well-equipped fitness centre and pool.
The hotel is close to a variety of the city’s best restaurants, including Cut Steakhouse and Shiraz. Guests can also enjoy more leisurely dining at the hotel-affiliated sports bar, Niche, where they can relax and have a local craft beer while watching a game.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: More information is available at Four Points Halifax.
The Hollis Halifax – a DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel
A modern solution for staying downtown, The Hollis Halifax is an affordable alternative within the list of luxury hotels of Halifax. Offering both suites and rooms, the youthful and contemporary design appeals to any discerning traveller looking for comfort and style in a convenient location.
Breakfast is available in-house, where guests can choose from a variety of staples and specialties. Later, enjoy drinks in a contemporary setting at FAX Bar, located just off the main lobby. Nearby restaurants provide a variety of additional choices.
The Hollis is just steps to the waterfront and Citadel Hill. This centrally located hotel is the perfect choice for anyone looking to explore the core of Halifax.
Reviews, Rates, & Reservations: Explore more at The Hollis Halifax.
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Vince Grittani is a writer, illustrator, and realtor who moved from Ontario to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia to experience living on the Atlantic ocean.
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