HI Halifax Heritage House - Hostel

For an affordable stay that does the job, I’d likely come back. Of the two Halifax hostels I know, this one is the better. Everyone I met there was lovely, and the staff came across as genuinely kind. The location is amazing: the cut pub is across the street, with inexpensive restaurants and a grocery store nearby. The beds were really comfortable, and free earplugs saved me from two very loud snorers in my room. A few things could be better. There are no privacy curtains, which I really dislike in a hostel. The blankets don’t have duvet covers and aren’t washed between guests, which is gross. I tried not to use mine, but it was too cold. The showers are tiny, and anything you want to keep dry, including clothes and towels, is likely to get damp. More places to hang things in the stalls would help. Coffee wasn’t refilled in the morning, and it wasn’t clear how to refill the carafe yourself. If you say coffee is available until noon, it should be. Check-in at 4pm also feels late when checkout is 11am. The lockers have no locks. You can buy one at dollarama for $2.50, but it would be nice if they sold them on site at that price. One tip: the Iranian place Shiraz, a block away, is delicious.

The location is great, close to Pier 21 and a short walk from the boardwalk. Staff were friendly, but the place was empty and they still couldn’t offer early check-in, even though we’d travelled in winter. There’s no breakfast, and at a similar price to a private room, I’d choose a hotel next time. We started in a ground-floor room with an ensuite. Thankfully, staff moved us to the third floor on our second night. The radiators made the room too hot unless the window was left open, and we felt unsafe sleeping at ground level with people walking around outside at night. The window was unlocked when we arrived. The common room was very warm, too.

I booked the room for two days because I was going to a US appointment. Bad weather and delayed flights meant I got to Halifax and went straight to the appointment without using the room. I went back and forth in messages with the hotel staff and manager, but they charged a no-show fee and wouldn’t give a goodwill refund when I asked. I had a bad experience. Weather is unpredictable, and there was nothing I could do at the time. They refused to refund anything.

The facilities were great, especially the laundry and lounge area. My room and bathroom were clean, and it was quiet and peaceful at night. The staff were friendly and helpful. I really enjoyed my stay!