Here’s the view from my room at the Prince George Hotel, overlooking downtown Halifax and the city’s harbor. This city-center hotel has a great location — a short walk from attractions like the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, and from lots of restaurants, including delicious newcomers, Two Doors Down and Edna.
Of course, the downside of this great location — and what gives the Prince George Hotel its great city views — is that the location is up. Up at the top of a very steep hill!
I’m a walker, so I got a good workout exploring Halifax (which I understand is sometimes called “Hillyfax”), but if you’re not up for hill climbing, cabs are easy to find.
And no matter how you get around, the upscale Prince George Hotel makes a good base for your urban explorations. Both the smartly outfitted staff, who are quick to help with your bags or offer directions, and the comfortable rooms get high marks.
Guest Rooms and Amenities
The 203 guest rooms come in various configurations, from the standard rooms with one king or two double beds to junior suites with a sitting area and bedroom to large executive suites. The dark mahogany furnishings are traditional with Asian influences, particularly on the carved wood headboards. The red-and-gold upholstery adds to the Asian feel.
Rooms are business-friendly, with large work desks, complimentary Wi-Fi (which worked well), and complimentary local phone calls. A morning newspaper is delivered to your door, and you can stash snacks in the mini-fridge.
Room service is available from 6:30am to 11pm, but it’s worth waking up for the generous breakfast buffet that includes fresh fruits, delicious pastries, smoked salmon, eggs cooked to order, and several other dishes. On Sundays, the hotel serves a popular, and even more generous, Sunday brunch.
One of the nicest features of the hotel is the indoor pool, with skylights and a huge city-facing window. You can walk from the pool out onto the terrace to sit in the sun or simply enjoy the fresh air.
The nearby fitness room is outfitted with treadmills, elliptical trainers, spinning bikes, and free weights — just in case you didn’t get enough of a workout from walking up and down those hills.
Rates
Standard room rates typically range from CAD$169-229. “Crown” rooms, which include access to the private Crown lounge for breakfast and snacks, run CAD$219-289. Rates for suites are CAD$250-400. Parking in the underground garage costs $22/night, or $30/night for valet service. You can also book online at Hotels.com or Booking.com.
The owners of the Prince George Hotel run a nearby hotel that’s also recommended but very different in style. Check out our review here: Cambridge Suites Hotel: Big Rooms & a Social Vibe in Historic Halifax, Nova Scotia’s Capital.
Hotel review by Vancouver-based travel, food, and feature writer Carolyn B. Heller, author of the books, Moon Handbooks: Ontario and Living Abroad in Canada. Photos © Carolyn B. Heller. The Prince George Hotel hosted my stay for review purposes.
