History is everywhere in Halifax, the seaside capital of Canada’s province of Nova Scotia — a city that the British founded in 1749. Like the New England cities of Boston and Providence, Halifax has narrow streets, brightly painted flat-fronted wood-frame houses, and all sorts of historic attractions, from the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (with a fascinating exhibit about the city’s role in the Titantic disaster) to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, Canada’s “Ellis Island,” where more than a million immigrants entered the country.
But even if you’re here for the history, you may want to sleep somewhere with more modern conveniences — somewhere like the business- and family-friendly Cambridge Suites Hotel.
Facilities and Amenities
Though not deluxe, this all-suite property draws both business and leisure travelers with features that make it feel fun and social. There’s a weekly munch-and-mingle hour, where you can enjoy free snacks and chat with other guests. Two mornings a week, hotel staff lead a guided group run, for athletic early risers.
Other amenities include complimentary local phone calls and Wi-Fi (which worked well throughout the building), a well-stocked Continental breakfast buffet, and washers and dryers for guest use.
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While many rooms on the higher floors look out across the city to the harbor, the best views are from the rooftop deck, which has a terrace, picnic tables, and a barbecue for guests’ use. It’s a lovely spot to relax on a warm summer evening.
Also on the top level is the hotel’s well-equipped fitness center, which has a hot tub that faces the roof deck.
Guest Rooms
Guest rooms are configured as studios, junior suites, and one-bedroom units.
The studios are the smallest, although at 370 square feet, they still feel fairly spacious, particularly in the queen bed + sofa layout. The main difference between the studios and the slightly larger junior suites, measuring 400 square feet, is that the sleeping area in the suites is separated from the sitting area.
The 600-square-foot one-bedroom suites would be comfortable for an extended stay, or to accommodate a family. The bedrooms have either a king bed or two doubles, and the living rooms are furnished with sleep sofas.
All rooms are equipped with a microwave, coffeemaker, and mini-fridge, as well as dishes and flatware. In the one-bedroom suites, there’s a separate kitchen/eating area.
Work desks with convenient electrical outlets are standard.
Location and Prices
The Cambridge Suites Hotel is located at the top of a hill in downtown Halifax. It’s just across the street from the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site (pictured at left), and an easy stroll to the beautiful Halifax Public Gardens.
From the hotel, it’s a short (but steep) walk to most downtown restaurants and attractions. The shopping district on Spring Garden Road is around the corner.
Standard high-season rates range from CAD$159 to $264. Parking in the underground garage is $16 per night. Check the Cambridge Suites website for discounts and other package deals. or you can check rates at Hotels.com.
Hotel review by Vancouver-based travel, food, and feature writer Carolyn B. Heller. Photos © Carolyn B. Heller. The Cambridge Suites Hotel hosted my stay for review purposes.
