Hilton hotels are known for sticking to a formula that serves conventioneers and business folks. They are not about whimsey or charm. Instead, they deliver the promised amenities in a no-nonsense fashion.
The Hilton Saint John is no exception to this rule.
The hotel’s 197-guest rooms are stocked with ergonomically desks and chairs. Décor is unobtrusive. And there is almost 15,000 square feet of event space. If you’re planning a banquet, they can serve up to 2,300 people.
Why Hilton Saint John is a Bit Different
But there are a couple of reasons this Hilton is different. The location can’t be beat. The hotel overlooks the harbor and port of Saint John. Look out the windows and you’ll see the views of the Bay of Fundy from some of the guest rooms are spectacular.
If you are visiting during a spate of inclement weather, the underground walkway to the Trade & Convention Center across the road is a godsend. Known as the Inside Connection pedway system, it also connects to Market Square, Brunswick Square and the Canada Games Aquatic Center.
A Variety of Rooms and Club Floor
As for accommodations, guest rooms come in a variety of configurations with King or Queen beds and a downtown view or a harbor view. In addition, amenities include non-allergenic feather pillows, coffee maker, flat screen TV, high speed internet, marble bathrooms and a comfortable, upholstered chair. Rooms on the Club Floor (12th floor) have sitting areas and include a full buffet breakfast and complimentary refreshments.
If you need a bit more room to spread out, junior suites are 400 square feet in size with a sitting area and sofa bed.
The 1 King 1 Bedroom Royal Suite Club Floor offers the best view of the harbor and Bay of Fundy. Book this luxurious suite and you’ll find it is 1,200 square feet in size, with a large dining/living area, lounge seating and a dinner table for eight. The deluxe bathroom has a whirlpool tub. A complimentary full American breakfast is included.
A Menu with Locally Sourced Ingredients
Another bonus about staying at the Hilton Saint John is the York Bistro & Pub, located just beyond the lobby on the first floor. Go there and you’ll find it draws in city dwellers plus hotel guests with a menu that features locally sourced ingredients. Much loved are the pub’s seafood chowder, smashed burgers, lobster rolls, candied salmon and charcuterie board, and cod bites.
You can dine indoors, at the bar or on the seasonal patio which has stunning harbor views.
Hilton Saint John for Fitness, Parking and Pets
If you are a traveller who wants to keep in shape, a small fitness center is equipped with treadmills, an elliptical machine and weights. In addition, water babies will enjoy the indoor pool which is on the same floor.
Since it is a pet-friendly hotel, you can bring Rover for a fee, just as long as he’s under 75 pounds.
Secure parking is available underground with in/out privileges at a daily rate.
The great thing about the Hilton Saint John location is that you really don’t need your car to explore the downtown area.
Explore on Your Own or Take A Tour
Put on some comfortable shoes and you can head out to restaurants, shops, and breweries that are a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Plus, there is the historic Saint John City Market with lots of food and craft vendors.
One way to get to know downtown, and sample some craft beers, is to take a Saint John Brewery Tour. You can sign up at Uncorked Tours, based in the Saint John City Market. Then a guide will take you on a two-hour traipse of the blocks near the market. Along with sips, you’ll learn the history of Canada’s oldest incorporated city.
Once you are through exploring, the hotel’s lounge area is a great space for regrouping.
- Buy Travel Insurance
- Search for Great Tours HERE
- Get a Car Rental
The Hilton Saint John hotel’s location couldn’t be better. No matter if you are eating, drinking, or shopping, a refreshing stroll will bring you back to a good night’s sleep.
Rates per night start at $235 for a 1 King Bed Std Downtown View, $240 for a Queen bed Standard Harbor View. For 2 Queen Beds Club Floor rates start at $340. Jr. Suites are around $320, and the 1 King 1 Bedroom Royal Suite Club floor Harborview starts at $735 per night. You can make your reservations directly at the hotel website, or check a booking site like Booking.com to see if you can score a better nightly rate.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. Tourism New Brunswick arranged for her stay as she researched a larger piece. As always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
