The Lord Nelson Hotel

On a recent week-long trip to Halifax, I was based in two different hotels, each with a unique character and charm. The stately Lord Nelson Hotel and Suites at 1515 South Park Street is the city’s most historic hotel, with gorgeous chandeliers and a grandfather clock in the lobby.

The Lord Nelson Hotel, Halifax

The 260-room Lord Nelson was built in 1927 in the Georgian style, named after English naval hero Horatio Nelson.

The hotel’s hosted many celebrities, counting the The Rolling Stones, The White Stripes, Paul McCartney, Jerry Seinfeld and Ozzy Osbourne amongst its guests.

The Lord Nelson is also conveniently located at the corner of Spring Garden Road, a major shopping thoroughfare. From my room, I was able to spot the wrought iron Victorian-era Halifax Public Gardens entrance sign below, the rest of the park covered in a mass of snow (the gardens are open from May to November).

The Lord Nelson Hotel

Rooms are elegantly appointed, with wood furnishings and classic lines. A serviceable desk and office chair along with complimentary wifi, full bathroom, and good lighting make for a comfortable stay in the heart of the city. I liked the option of opening a window at night, if even a crack during the winter.

The Lord Nelson Hotel, Halifax

The hotel also has a Guest Business Center and fitness room with free weights, treadmills, elliptical trainers and universal weight machines.

The Lord Nelson Hotel, Halifax

I enjoyed a breakfast buffet at The Arms Public House, just off to the side of the lobby. The Arms also offers traditional English pub fare for lunch and dinner.

Prince George Hotel

A short walk from the Nelson brings you to The Prince George Hotel, a modern luxury hotel with easy access to the World Trade and Convention Centre. While Halifax is a lovely city to walk in, this past winter’s not been too kind to Haligonians, bringing snow the likes of which the city’s not seen in 30 years. The pedway system aka Downtown Halifax Link is the answer to keeping warm when the wind whips up and the city faces sub-zero Celsius temperatures.

Prince George Hotel Prince George Hotel

The Prince George’s rooms are spacious, containing flatscreen TVs, free wifi access, and in-room amenities. On the bedside table is a frog prince sitting on a lily pad. Part of the hotel’s Green Prince Environmental Program, keeping him on the pad means you’re fine with linens being changed on the third night of your stay, replacing only empty bath amenities, adjusting climate controls while you’re out, and replacing only those towels left on the floor. Opt out by moving the frog off his lily pad.

Prince George Hotel
[Pool, sauna, whirlpool adjacent to the Prince George’s fitness room]

I also noticed the rooms are well soundproofed however I missed the option to have a window to crack open at night. The hotel’s heating/cooling system kicks on loud enough to hear through earplugs.

Prince George Hotel

The Terrace (on the lobby level) offers breakfast a la carte or the Smorgasbord, a full hot and cold buffet with omelette station, fruit, oatmeal, pancakes, and a wide range of other breakfast items.

I didn’t dine at Gio Restaurant, however I did have the chance to sample a tender, seared scalloped with bacon-braised cabbage from their diverse menu last year during a craft beer and food walking tour hosted by Local Tasting Tours.

Prince George Hotel brunch

Fortunately, I was able to make the Sunday brunch in The Terrace, where for $35 (plus tax), you can feast on everything from hot smoked Maple salmon to pear and pecan bagel bombs. The room was filled with food grazers enjoying family time on a lazy Sunday (brunch starts at noon).

Prince George brunch: Smoked maple salmon
[Hot smoked Maple salmon]

A full assortment of salads, chef-attended Pad thai station, sushi, omelettes, smoothies, amazing desserts — it’s hard to know where to start! There’s so much selection that the brunch winds its way out of the main dining area and into an adjacent room. Pack a pair of pants with an elastic waist, as this one’s worth the indulgence.

Prince George brunch: Eggs bennies Prince George brunch: Turkey pot pies Prince George brunch: Pear and pecan bagel bombs Prince George brunch: Chocolate/banana bundt cake
[Eggs benny, turkey pot pies, pear and pecan bagel bombs, chocolate/banana bundt cake]

Another dining option is the Level Bar, a sweet spot at the back of the lobby with colour-changing lighting, modern fixtures, a full bar and gourmet comfort food.

The Prince George is located at 1725 Market Street in Halifax. I was a guest of both hotels via Destination Halifax. Opinions, as always, are my own.

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