Hampton Inn by Hilton Halifax Downtown

This modern Hampton Inn is set in a 16-story building that looks just like any other exterior in the chain. The fairly generic, but nevertheless bright, elegant lobby has tiled wood-effect flooring, vaulted white ceilings with striking downlighting, and a dark-wood-paneled reception desk with a gray granite countertop. Hallways are fairly cheerful, too, with a mix of cream and dark-blue-patterned wallpaper, and floral carpets in browns, reds, and blues. Another highlight is the homey, spacious breakfast room, heavy on contemporary tan and dark wood, and with attractively patterned carpet accents. Guests are a mix of families and couples on vacation (or staycation) and business travelers. 

Set on a main road in a convenient downtown Halifax location, the Hampton Inn by Hilton is surrounded by office buildings, shops, and restaurants. Best of all, many of the city’s popular attractions are within easy walking distance.

• Three-minute walk to Scotiabank Centre
• Six-minute walk to Scotia Square and the World Trade and Convention Centre
• Eight-minute walk to Casino Nova Scotia
• 10-minute walk to Art Gallery of Nova Scotia
• 11-minute walk to Halifax Harbour, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and Halifax Central Library
• 12-minute walk to Saint Mary’s Cathedral Basilica
• 15-minute walk to Citadel Hill National Historic Site
• 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)
• Nine minutes to Canadian Museum of Immigration by car (18 minutes by public transportation)
• 26 minutes to Halifax International Airport by car (55 minutes by public transportation)

Rooms here are contemporary, quiet, and slightly bland. They feature contrasting olive-green textured accent walls and cream-and-brown fabric headboards -- the beds themselves also get good reviews for comfort. Carpets feature brown-and-blue floral-designs while bedside tables, TV cabinets, and large desks are done in attractive dark-wood tones. King Rooms, larger than Double Queen Rooms, come with blue-and-yellow-patterned armchairs. Amenities include heating and air-conditioning, 42-inch flat-screen TVs, phones, free Wi-Fi, safes, mini-fridges, Keurig coffeemakers, irons and ironing boards.

Attractive bathrooms sport gray walls, white floor tiling, and dark-wood vanities with brown marble-effect countertops and submerged sinks. Entry-level rooms have shower/tub combos, while pricier options have spacious walk-in showers, though both options have basic fixed showerheads. Miniature toiletries are by Neutrogena. Hairdryers are provided. Some rooms on higher floors have spectacular views over Halifax Harbour.

The solid list of facilities at the Hampton Inn by Hilton Downtown Halifax includes a pleasant and well-maintained heated indoor pool, complete with sunbeds and wicker armchair seating. There’s also a large, bright and modern gym with an excellent range of Precor cardio and weightlifting machines and free weights. The usual Hampton Inn free hot breakfast buffet includes waffles and gets great reviews here, though it can get crowded. There are also a cafe, plus a 24-hour shop selling drinks and snacks (and it has an ATM). Other amenities include coin-operated laundry facilities, a small but modern, 24-hour business center with computers and a printer, and seven elegant, contemporary meeting spaces that can accommodate up to 120 guests. Guests also get free weekday newspapers and free tea and coffee in the lobby 24/7. Wi-Fi is free throughout. There’s a secure five-story parking lot (though parking costs extra). Pets are welcome for a fee. Note that the elevators can get particularly busy and slow-moving at times, and that many of the hotel’s facilities are shared with the adjoining Homewood Suites by Hilton Halifax-Downtown.