Where to Stay in Halifax, Nova Scotia (2024): Accommodation & Area Guide

Wondering Where To Stay In Halifax, Nova Scotia? Here Are Our Tips!

Choosing the best place to stay in Halifax for your trip might seem difficult with so many Halifax accommodation options in different areas! This is where we come in.

When we visited friends who live in Halifax, we explored the Atlantic Canadian city (and surrounding areas) thoroughly – and had an amazing time.

We stayed in the Cambridge Suites Hotel Halifax and really enjoyed our stay. The location was perfect (beside the historic Citadel close to the heart of Downtown) with great views and a nice breakfast!

That said, there are plenty of other downtown Halifax hotels – and other accommodations – to choose from all around the city.

Our guide dives into accommodations in Halifax by style and budget, and then covers the top areas or neighbourhoods to stay in – with accommodation examples in each! Let’s find the best area to stay in Halifax for you!

Friendly Disclosure: We paid for the accommodation we stayed at ourselves and were not told to include it in this article.

Accommodations By Type

With such a storied past and a seafaring history connected to modern Canada, it’s no surprise that Halifax is a popular city to visit. The largest population centre on the Canadian East Coast draws crowds throughout the year from all over the world.

To serve so many different types of visitors (couples, families, road trippers, cruisers, etc.), there are accommodation options in different areas scattered across the city – and even in Dartmouth (more on that later).

To make it easier, this post is divided into two main sections: the top part covers Halifax accommodations by type while the second part walks you through some of the better areas to stay in Halifax (where we would stay).

This way, if you know what type of accommodation you are looking for (e.g. a hotel), you can get started looking.

Alternatively, if you have your heart set on a specific area (like Downtown Halifax) you can read about the area and check out accommodations in the second part!

Hotels in Halifax

Overall, hotels are the most popular option for accommodations in Halifax. The good news is that there are hotels to suit lots of different travellers and their unique needs.

Suite-style hotels might be good for longer stays with family, while waterfront hotels might make for a romantic stay as a couple!

As for hotel locations, it’s true that a vast majority of hotels are located in/around Downtown Halifax. Staying in one of these hotels means that you’re just a short walk to top attractions, nightlife and eateries, the beautiful harbourfront, and more.

That said, Halifax hotels in the city centre can be more expensive compared to hotels farther out or in Dartmouth (across the harbour). But, you pay for the great location and it really can make a stay easy and memorable.

⇒ Get started searching for hotels in Halifax here.

If you want to get an overview of popular hotels in Halifax, Nova Scotia that balance value, location, and amenities, have a look at the following list:

Cheap Hotels in Halifax

Because many of the Halifax hotels are located in and around Downtown, they tend to be more expensive – especially in the busy summer season. This is why cheap lodging in Halifax is also sought after.

If you are looking for cheap places to stay in Halifax, you will have some luck finding cheaper hotels in Halifax.

“Cheap” doesn’t necessarily mean that the hotels are “bad”. Cheaper hotels in Halifax are often just simple places with less “frills” and fewer amenities compared to other places.

You might also find that hotels in Dartmouth are more budget-friendly because of their location farther from downtown Halifax.

If you are looking for a budget hotel in Halifax, check out these options below which are located on the Halifax peninsula:

• The Barrington – A traditional hotel with pool across from the ferry terminal/waterfront (Our Pick)
• Atlantica Hotel Halifax – A simple hotel with onsite restaurant close to Citadel, West End, & more
• Chebucto Inn – A no-frills hotel/motel with restaurant located in North End

Boutique Hotels in Halifax

For those seeking a Halifax hotel with a bit of character – be it modern, trendy, cool, or otherwise – you’ll have a few options to choose from.

In general, hotels in Halifax are a little bit too traditional and often quite dated compared to other large cities in Canada or Europe.

What’s promising is that there are just now a few hotels with character popping up around the city. These boutique hotels in Halifax fill a void – and hopefully this is a trend that continues in the future.

Here are two such examples of cooler places to stay in Halifax:

• The Prince George Hotel – A clean, upscale hotel with pool right in Downtown Halifax (Our Pick)
• Brewery Park Hotel – A trendy, boutique hotel with cafe in North End

Luxury Hotels in Halifax

Travellers heading for Halifax that want to be luxuriously pampered will be happy to know that there are actually a few luxury hotels in Halifax.

Similar to boutique hotels, there aren’t too many luxury hotels (compared to traditional hotels) in Halifax – but this space is changing. In fact, the Muir was only opened a couple of years ago.

These four- and five-star hotels in Halifax below offer visitors top amenities across some really good areas around the city (e.g. Downtown or at the waterfront).

Have a look at these Halifax luxury hotels:

• The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax – A stylish, chic downtown hotel with views of everything (Our Pick)
• Muir, Autograph Collection – A beautiful, minimalist hotel with amenities right on the waterfront
• The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites – A classy, elegant hotel across from the Public Gardens

Guesthouses/Bed and Breakfasts in Halifax

Those looking for a more cozy accommodation in Halifax might seek out a guesthouse or bed and breakfast.

With so many big historic houses located across the city (especially in the South End), it’s no surprise that some of these places got converted into charming places to stay.

There’s a nice mix of bed and breakfasts/guesthouses in Halifax – some are walkable to the waterfront while others are a bit farther from Downtown.

Whichever you choose, many of these accommodations offer a quieter, relaxed accommodation. Generally, B&Bs usually offer breakfast in the morning while guesthouses are just a cozy place to lay your head – but this isn’t a hard rule!

You can check here for guesthouses in Halifax. We’ve included a variety of the nice guesthouses and one B&B to get you started:

• The Halliburton – A cozy, upscale inn with nice restaurant very close to Downtown (Our Pick)
• Comfy Stay – A simple, quiet guesthouse located in the West End
• Garden South Park Inn – A quaint, charming inn walkable to Downtown
• The Novel Stay – A simple yet cozy guesthouse with shared kitchen close to Downtown
• The Pebble Bed and Breakfast – A charming B&B with breakfast in the West End (close to water of the Northwest Arm)

Apartments in Halifax

If the above options aren’t to your liking, you might be looking for an apartment in Halifax. Apartments are good for families and larger groups of travellers who want their own space for a longer stay.

We usually recommend aparthotels in cities so that you as a visitor get your own space with a kitchenette and but don’t take over a whole apartment where a resident could be living in.

That said, there are no aparthotels in Halifax as we write this post. There are a few hotels – like The Hollis Halifax, Cambridge Suites, and Residence Inn by Marriott Halifax Downtown that offer kitchenettes or even full kitchens in some of their suites (which we’d recommend).

Otherwise, you can check here for apartments in Halifax and take a look at these properties in nice locations around the city centre:

• In the Heart of Downtown Hfx – A clean, cozy apartment overlooking the Citadel (Our Pick)
• Captivating Quinpool Loft with Massive Terrace – A bright, modern apartment with terrace in South/West End

Hostels in Halifax

Halifax isn’t really known as a backpacker city. So, there are very few hostels in Halifax to suit these types of travellers.

Truthfully, there is only one really reputable hostel in a decent area (North End) and that is Halifax Backpackers. With a café onsite and a location close to downtown, it’s definitely a good option!

Accommodations By Area

Now that we have gone over the different types of accommodations in Halifax, we’ll dive into some of the best areas to stay in.

Below, we’ll introduce each area/neighbourhood, describe what you can find there (attractions, food, etc.). and then highlight a few solid accommodation options in each.

When it comes to neighbourhoods in Halifax, only some are fit for a visitor/tourist. This isn’t a knock to the other areas – it’s just that a high proportion of accommodations are located in just a handful of areas (usually in proximity to/in Downtown).

Also, the areas below – with the exception of Dartmouth – are all very close together geographically. The North End and South End both border Downtown so don’t feel like you must be located downtown!

Again, these aren’t all of the areas of Halifax. However, these are the areas that make most sense for visitors – in our opinion. If we visit again, these are also the areas where we would look for our accommodation.

The city centre was great but next time we might try near the waterfront in Dartmouth for a different perspective!

If you’d like an overview of our recommended areas, you can use the box below to get started looking at top picks in each of the areas we list below!

This is a good time to mention that, generally, Halifax is a very safe city to visit. We had a lovely time around the waterfront and in other areas of the city – even at night.

There are some areas of the North End which are a little rougher – but not necessarily dangerous. Many of the craft breweries wouldn’t be located there if this was the case!

Downtown – For Waterfront & Attractions

If you’re searching for a good area to stay in Halifax, Downtown is always a good idea. As the heart of the city centre, this bustling, lively area is kind of where everything happens!

With City Hall and the Grand Parade square in the middle, the area is bordered by Halifax Harbour to the east, the Citadel to the west (roughly), and the North End and South End areas to the north and south, respectively.

This is where we stayed and we really liked it! The whole area is basically a grid of streets so it’s easy to navigate – but parts of it can be very hilly.

We really liked Steve-o-Reno’s cafe which was just steps from our hotel!

Given the walking proximity to many of the best bars, restaurants, breweries, sights and attractions, the ferry terminal, and more, Downtown is easily one of the best neighbourhoods in Halifax to stay in.

⇒ Check Here For Hotels In Downtown Halifax.

Those looking to enjoy the waterfront and sea air will have the “Harbourwalk” – the long wooden boardwalk lined with shops and sights – just a short walk away (depending on where you stay).

Those wondering where to stay in Halifax for nightlife will find hotels close to lively Argyle Street which is packed with watering holes. Other bars – like The Split Crow Pub – offer live music most nights of the week.

Those seeking history will have the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the historic Halifax Citadel, and many more places like the Old Burying Ground close by.

Downtown caters to many types of visitors and the sheer number of accommodation options concentrated here reflects that.

Featured Accommodations in Downtown Halifax

Below are some featured accommodations in Downtown Halifax. It’s no surprise that there are many, many hotels in Downtown Halifax to choose from.

Luckily, Downtown Halifax hotels come in all styles and sizes from traditional to luxurious. One thing to consider: hotels in this area are generally a bit more expensive than in other areas of the city.

Also, if you have a car and want to stay downtown, parking is often trickier and for an additional fee. Always check with individual hotels for clarification on this. Just some things to keep in mind! 

Cambridge Suites Hotel Halifax – Check Now

• Style: A Stylish, Reliable Hotel
• Price Range: Mid-Range
• Location: On the edge of Downtown, with the Historic Citadel seen from the front door!
• Featured Amenities: Nice breakfast, rooms with kitchenettes, parking available, rooftop terrace

The Barrington – Check Now

• Style: A Traditional, Classic Hotel
• Price Range: Lower Mid-Range
• Location: North end of Downtown, across the street from Waterfront & ferry terminal
• Featured Amenities: Onsite restaurant w/ breakfast, indoor pool

Hampton Inn By Hilton Downtown Halifax – Check Now

• Style: An Updated, Functional Hotel
• Price Range: Lower Mid-Range
• Location: North end of Downtown, steps from the historic Citadel + waterfront
• Featured Amenities: Breakfast available, pool/fitness centre, paid parking available

The Prince George Hotel – Check Now

• Style: A Clean, Upscale Hotel
• Price Range: Upper Range
• Location: Right Downtown, also steps from the historic Citadel + waterfront
• Featured Amenities: Onsite bar/restaurant, indoor pool, outer terrace, nice breakfast

The Sutton Place Hotel Halifax – Check Now

• Style: A Stylish, Chic Hotel
• Price Range: Upper Mid-Range
• Location: Right Downtown with views of the city, water, or Citadel around!
• Featured Amenities: Onsite restaurant/lounge and gym

South End – For Quieter Location

If you’re looking for a quieter area to stay in Halifax, the South End (of the Peninsula) might be for you.

Located just to the south – and partially also to the west – of Downtown, this area is defined by large, historic houses and has more of a residential feel. 

As for location, the best part about the South End is that it is geographically touching Downtown. Sometimes, the border between these two areas is blurred to where they are one in the same!

⇒ Check Here for Accommodations in the South End.

If you stay in the South End, you’ll benefit from plenty of bakeries and cafes like Gingerbreadhaus or Uncommon Grounds and many grocery stores. There are a few attractions in this area closer to Seaport (like the Halifax Farmers’ Market).

At the bottom tip of the area, you’ll find Point Pleasant Park with its coastal views and multi-use trails that snake in all directions along the coastline and through forests.

Featured Accommodations in the South End

Below are a number of accommodations that are located in the South End. This historic end of the city is where many of the guesthouses and/or bed and breakfasts are located – which makes sense. 

You might also seek to stay in the South End if you’re visiting Dalhousie University or Saint Mary’s University which are both located in this region.

The beautiful Halifax Public Gardens and businesses along parts of Quinpool Road to the west of downtown are also just a walk, bus, or bike away!

The Halliburton – Check Now

• Style: An Upscale, Cozy Inn
• Price Range: Mid-Range
• Location: Right on the cusp of where Downtown meets South End – close to water & attractions
• Featured Amenities: Excellent onsite restaurant, parking available

The Novel Stay – Check Now

• Style: A Simple, Cozy Guesthouse
• Price Range: Budget (3-night minimum)
• Location: On a charming residential street just a short walk from the heart of Downtown
• Featured Amenities: Shared kitchen, parking available, small terrace

Garden South Park Inn – Check Now

• Style: A Quaint, Charming Inn
• Price Range: Lower Mid-Range
• Location: On a tree-lined street next to the hospital, walkable to downtown and more
• Featured Amenities: Breakfast available, parking possible

The Lord Nelson Hotel & Suites – Check Now

• Style: A Classy, Elegant Hotel
• Price Range: Upper Mid-Range
• Location: One a lively street corner cross from Public Gardens (park) with shopping close by
• Featured Amenities: Restaurant/bar onsite, breakfast available, parking possible (for fee)

North End – Green & Trendy

Halifax’s North End is also an area to stay in. Located just to the north of Downtown and Halifax Citadel, this area is known as one of the more up-and-coming areas in the city.

The heart of the North End is where you’ll find the highest concentration of bars, eateries, boutique shops, and breweries.

Businesses like Fortune Donut, Good Robot Brewing, or Chain Yard Cidery are actively helping to revive the neighbourhood.

⇒ Check Here For Accommodations in the North End.

This is most apparent in the Hydrostone area which includes a lively little park beside the Hydrostone Market – a collection of shops and cafes that you can check out.

For a bit of history, the Halifax Explosion Memorial Bell Tower is close by!

Featured Accommodations in the North End

The area is actually quite large – with a mix of green streets with residential houses and areas closer to the water that are much more commercial and/or industrial.

As a visitor, you wouldn’t really venture to these areas of industry anyways.

There aren’t a ton of places to stay in North End but this is definitely changing as the area attracts young, creative people. Below are a few accommodations located in the North End:

Brewery Park Hotel – Check Now

• Style: A Trendy, Boutique Hotel
• Price Range: Upper Range
• Location: In the heart of North End, a short walk to shops, breweries, and farther to downtown
• Featured Amenities: Nice cafe on the ground floor (Sidekick Cafe)

Chebucto Inn – Check Now

• Style: A Simple, No-Frills Motel/Hotel
• Price Range: Budget
• Location: Top end of North End, close to the highways heading in/out of the city
• Featured Amenities: Free parking, classic restaurant onsite

North-End Nordic Luxury Oasis – Check Now

• Style: A Calming, Tranquil Holiday Home
• Price Range: Upper Range (it’s a whole house)
• Location: Quiet residential street short walk to Citadel and farther to Downtown/waterfront
• Featured Amenities: Outdoor space with barrel hot tub and sauna

Dartmouth – For Views of Downtown Halifax

Dartmouth is actually a city all on its own but it is located in the Halifax Regional Municipality.

Dartmouth is also made up of a number of different areas and we will focus on two: Downtown Dartmouth right at Halifax Harbour, and an area farther north closer to Lake Micmac, Shubie Park, and where Highway 111 and 118 meet.

If you take the ferry across the Harbour from Downtown Halifax (it’s not overly expensive), you’ll get to the waterfront in Dartmouth.

Here you’ll find some waterfront green spaces (Ferry Terminal Park) and will be a short walk to the heart of downtown at Portland Street.

In this area, there are a number of good bars and eateries like Battery Park Bar and Eatery or Brightwood Brewery.

Close by, the Dartmouth Commons is a park which has lovely views looking back towards downtown Halifax if you walk up high enough.

⇒ Check Here For Accommodations in Dartmouth.

Besides these things, there isn’t a ton to do in Dartmouth that is within walking distance to the waterfront.

Additionally there are only so many accommodations that are close to the Waterfront (and therefore the ferry back to Halifax).

However, if lots of accommodations in Halifax are booked up, you can definitely look towards Dartmouth as a viable option.

Featured Accommodations in Dartmouth

Overall, Dartmouth is a good option for a place to stay if you’re looking for a hotel that is a little more affordable (compared to downtown Halifax). 

Dartmouth might also be a good fit if you are travelling through the area with a car. There are a number of hotels clustered together (not in Downtown Dartmouth) with larger parking lots and typically free parking for their guests.

Below are a number of good options for accommodations in Dartmouth:

DoubleTree By Hilton Halifax Dartmouth – Check Now

• Style: A Modern, Stylish Hotel
• Price Range: Upper Mid-Range
• Location: Steps from Dartmouth Commons (park) and a short walk to the ferry terminal
• Featured Amenities: Indoor pool, breakfast and parking available

The Cellar Suite at Hiltz House – Check Now

• Style: A Clean, Homey Apartment
• Price Range: Upper Mid-Range (whole apartment)
• Location: Right in the heart of Downtown Dartmouth, walkable to ferry terminal (to Halifax)
• Featured Amenities: Full kitchen, laundry, etc.

Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Dartmouth – Halifax – Check Now

• Style: A Classic, Reliable Hotel
• Price Range: Mid-Range
• Location: Near Highway 118 in a commercial plaza area (food and shopping)
• Featured Amenities: Pool w/waterslide, breakfast and parking available

FAQ

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about finding a place to stay in Halifax:

Where to stay in Halifax for waterfront/harbour views?

If you come to Halifax to admire the water and take in the harbour views from your room, there are a few accommodations (mostly hotels) that cater to this!

The Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, the Courtyard by Marriott Halifax Downtown, and the Muir, Autograph Collection are all located very close to or right at the waterfront.

That said, other hotels have water views depending on the building height and location. We could see the harbour from our room at Cambridge Suites Hotel Halifax simply because we faced that side of the city!

Where to stay in Halifax with a car?

If you’re travelling to Halifax with a car, you’ll have to consider parking. Admittedly, parking in Downtown Halifax can be expensive and potentially confusing with all the one-way streets.

That said, some (but definitely not all!) accommodations have underground parking that you can utilize. Cambridge Suites Hotel Halifax has underground parking which is for a fee but at least the car is close by.

Alternatively, The Halliburton also offers off-street parking but it can be tight.

If you are travelling through the Halifax area, you might consider a hotel in Dartmouth like Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Dartmouth.

Hotels out this way have much more space to work with and therefore often have actual parking lots and sometimes free parking (compared to accommodation nestled into Downtown Halifax).

Where to stay close to Halifax Airport?

If you are looking for a hotel close to Halifax Stanfield International Airport, there are a few you can choose from.

Keep in mind that the airport is about a 30 minute drive from Downtown Halifax (on a good day with no traffic).

So, a Halifax airport hotel might be a good idea if you have an early flight and/or want a little more peace of mind.

Alt Hotel Halifax Airport is the only option directly at the airport connected to the Terminal. The Quality Inn Halifax Airport is a short drive from the airport just off the highway exit for the airport.

Otherwise, the Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Halifax Airport is also close by. It’s beside the highway which would make for easier access to catch your flight than from Downtown Halifax.

Related Articles

If you’re looking to explore more of Canada (specifically the East Coast), check out these other travel guides:

• Awesome Things to Do in Halifax
• One Day in Halifax: Full Itinerary w/ Food Stops
• How to Get From Halifax to Peggy’s Cove
• Day Itinerary to Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, and Peggy’s Cove
• Travelling from Halifax to Lunenburg (All Ways)

And there you have it – a detailed guide on where to stay in Halifax, Canada!

In the end, there are quite a few great accommodation options in different areas close to sights, attractions, and food. You’re bound to find a place to stay that works well for you!

As always, Happy Waddlin’,
-L&E

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