Homewood Suites by Hilton Halifax-Downtown, Nova Scotia, Canada

This modern high-rise hotel opened in 2014 as part of a complex that includes the Hampton Inn by Hilton Halifax Downtown and SilverBirch Conference Centre. It’s a cheerful and contemporary hotel that bustles with activities from business travelers with meetings at the hotel or nearby convention center and tourists attending events at the Scotiabank Centre. The lobby is decorated with butterscotch leather furniture and dark wood columns and paneling. A large stone fireplace separates the registration area from the spacious dining area that has TVs and lots of brightly-colored furniture. Overall, it’s a friendly and relaxed hotel where most travelers feel welcome and comfortable. 

Located in downtown Halifax, the Homewood Suites is a short walk from many of the city’s top attractions including the convention center and Scotiabank Centre that hosts many concerts and sporting events. Note that returning to the hotel from the heart of downtown requires climbing a rather steep hill. 

• Three-minute walk to Scotiabank Centre
• Six-minute walk to the shops and restaurants at Scotia Square 
• Seven-minute walk to World Trade and Convention Centre
• Eight-minute walk to Casino Nova Scotia
• 10-minute walk to Citadel Hill National Historic Site
• 10-minute walk to Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
• 12-minute walk to Halifax Harbour and Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
• 13-minute walk to Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica
• Four minutes to Halifax Public Gardens by car (13 minutes by public transportation)
• Seven minutes to Halifax Train Station by car (16 minutes by public transportation)
• 31 minutes to Halifax International Airport by car (65 minutes by public transportation)

The suites are exceptionally spacious and come in Studio, One-Bedroom, and Two-Bedroom (two-bath) options. These clean and spacious suites are decorated in a tasteful and contemporary style that features soft shades of beige, tan, and light brown on the walls, upholstered furniture, and wavy-patterned carpet. Lovely photos of Halifax sunsets and the evening skyline hang on the walls. Beds are covered by bright white duvets, and the matching furniture has a dark finish. But, bathrooms are only average in size with shower/tub combos (Studios have walk-in showers) and vanities placed just outside. All suites have full kitchens with stainless steel appliances that include microwaves, cooktops, dishwashers, and full fridges. Keurig coffeemakers also are furnished, as are utensils and dishes. The suites have dining tables, sleeper sofas, and desks with leather office chairs. One- and Two-Bedroom Suites feature separate bedroom and living room areas, and their living rooms have additional flat screen TVs. Free Wi-Fi and laptop safes are standard as well.  Large windows bring in plenty of natural light and many rooms feature excellent views of Halifax Harbor -- especially those on higher floors. Guests report the suites to be mostly quiet and peaceful. 

This Homewood Suites is rather unusual in that it shares some facilities with its sister hotel, the directly connected Hampton Inn. Among the shared facilities is the heated indoor pool that has ample space for a swim, as well as the spacious fitness center that has a good selection of modern Precor cardio and strength-training equipment. The hotels also share the SilverBirch Conference Centre. It has seven separate meeting spaces, with the largest capable of hosting up to 120 people. The Homewood keeps its guests well fed, with a free daily breakfast buffet that offers an array of hot and cold dishes, as well as a free weekday evening reception with light dinner fare and non-alcoholic drinks. The 24/7 Pavilion Pantry sells sundries, snacks, soft drinks, and frozen entrees. Free grocery shopping services also are available (the groceries cost extra), and gas grills are located on the hotel’s exterior patio. The business center has multiple computers and printers in a dedicated room, and Wi-Fi is free. Valet dry cleaning and laundry are among the concierge services, and the hotel’s guest laundry room has two coin-operated washer/dryer sets. On-site, covered parking requires a daily fee. Pets are welcome with a surcharge.