Name: Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront by IHG
Address: 300 Esplanade, Sydney, Canada, Sydney, Nova Scotia, CA
Price range: $128–$382 per night
Rating: 7.98

What guests think

At Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront by IHG, travelers consistently praise the waterfront location, harbour views, and generally friendly staff, while noting ongoing renovations, dated areas, and mixed upkeep that can affect room comfort, noise levels, and overall value.

Families like the pool and waterslide, though the hot tub is frequently out of service, and parking is limited, paid, and sometimes in rough condition. Cleanliness and maintenance are inconsistent: some renovated or spacious rooms feel fresh, while others show wear, odors, or faulty fixtures. On-site dining earns mixed feedback, with several enjoying made-to-order breakfasts and the lounge, but others noting slow service, no included breakfast, or temporary closures during renovations. Best for travellers prioritizing convenience and amenities over uniform room quality.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

Popular pool with waterslide; the hot tub is often out of order and there are occasional pool/gym closures during renovations. Parking is paid, limited, and sometimes in poor condition; some note a good fitness center.

Related guest reviews

10

Clarence

Apr 11, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

I always stay at this hotel, and love the staff and facility. The only issue was that only one of the three treadmills were working in the fitness room.

8

Estelle

Feb 17, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Issue with parking - there was no parking left on site. Had to chance it with street parking which is very dangerous due to the snow. They should have warned us before checking in. It wasted a lot of our time.

10

Peter

Aug 29, 2025

·

Stayed 10 nights

Great food. Nice indoor pool and water slide. (Hot tub out of order). Friendly staff. Picturesque location on the waterfront boardwalk.

6

Wesley

Jul 27, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

They had construction in the room next to us, plus the Hot tub was out of service, and the pool ladders were loose/dangerous

8

James

Aug 11, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

My initial introduction to this hotel was poor. I arrived around 9:10 PM on a Tuesday night to find that there was no parking. I could barely find a safe location to leave my vehicle so that I could go in the lobby and check in. To the hotel manager's credit, the hotel manager came outside and directed me to where I could park. He stayed out in the lot to help me squeeze into a parking spot near the dumpsters. The elevators at the hotel were a little slow, so I found myself using the stairs when I could. What really prevents me from writing a poor review however, was a server named Michael at the Crown Cafe and Bar within the hotel. This person made sure I was fed a fantastic meal (haddock with mashed potatoes), which was exactly what I needed. Whatever they're paying Michael, it's not enough. That one person turned my experience with this hotel from negative to positive.

10

Kimberly

Aug 26, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great view of the water, friendly staff, good breakfast and a great fitness center that over looks the water. There’s a nice pool with a water slide. We were there on a Saturday and there were a ton of kids enjoying the slide.

8

Leah

Mar 17, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Great stay and helpful staff. Beautifully renovated pool and gym. Great views and comfortable beds.

8

Suzanne

Dec 9, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great hotel. Have stayed a couple of times now for hockey. Restaurant has great breakfast. I am very surprised however that they charge for parking. I would expect to pay that at a hotel in a large city but Sydney?? Plus the condition of the parking lot is poor. Very hard to find parking when the hotel is busy and it’s very awkward with the small lot on top and most of the parking down a large hill behind - steeply sloped and can be slippery.

6

Brandon

Jul 24, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Parking here is a nightmare , they charge a parking fee even though the lot is full by 8pm. They don’t have lines painted in the lower lot so most people take up 2 spaces. The pool was fun.

10

Malgalit

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff is nice, complementary breakfast, kids had fun water slide at the pool only down side hot tub wasnt working bu all in all excellent

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Cleanliness

Feedback is mixed: many found rooms very clean, while others reported stained carpets, musty or smoke odors, and bathrooms needing deeper cleaning; hallway upkeep and dish removal can be neglected.

Related guest reviews

2

william

Oct 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was very dirty and had a bad smell of bleach and mold …. The shower had no curtain so water got all over the bathroom.

6

Brittany

May 24, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Staff were very friendly and helpful. Breakfast was ok. Our room wasn’t as clean as past trips… there was chips on the carpet and crumbs in our beds (we didn’t eat anything in our beds.

4

Katarzyna

Aug 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room and hallway smelled terrible, carpets in the room and hallway looked like never shampoo vacuumed. Wall paper was falling off the wall in the bathroom revealing black mold.

4

Logan

Dec 8, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The sheets weren’t changed other people‘s hair. You can tell they were slept in and just made up again.

8

Ray

Jun 29, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely room overlooking the harbor

4

Nirel

Apr 22, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Hall way had a weird smell. However, the rooms were clean, and the staff seemed friendly.

8

Marian

Sep 24, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Dirty around toilet bowl. Tv didn’t work. Night manager could not get it work. Lights didn’t work in part of the room.

10

Emily

Aug 28, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice hotel, clean and quiet.

4

Murray

Sep 24, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Room was poor to terrible. Not clean. Beer bottle caps on the floor. Hair in the bathroom. Water in the elevator.

10

Nancy

Nov 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very friendly staff. Very clean rooms.

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Rooms

Often spacious with harbour views and comfortable beds, but many are dated with aging fixtures and occasional noise from renovations or hallways; renovated rooms are better.

Related guest reviews

8

Robert

Sep 21, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Upgraded to a renovated room which was very good.

6

Brad

Aug 10, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

They are in the process of renovations. The rooms are older but clean. Bathroom was in rough shape but they discounted our room to make up for it. TV was older no casting or streaming. The view of the harbour and the cruise ships was incredible. Nice boardwalk along the harbour. Great location to stay

6

Craig

Mar 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The location is very nice, but the rooms are plain. The bay style windows are nice for seeing the harbor, though. The parking is tight and getting in from the lower lot requires you do go through an unmarked door. The pool was very active when we were there with lots of loud kids running up and down the hall. (not really the hotels' fault, though)

4

Marco

Oct 11, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room was very outdated, noise with renovation immediately above us was loud, we knew about it, but was surprised the room rate was still where it was considering the condition and noise. Was in meetings all day so had the DND on the door, when asked for extra towels and cups, etc. for coffee, it was sloppily done (didn’t take away used towels, didn’t include coffee lids, etc), the second night they didn’t even go into the room (DND sign was removed) and left the extra towels, etc in a garbage bag in front of the door for us to find when we returned from dinner. Not very welcoming, nor accommodating.

8

Ronald

Jul 11, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was clean and had a great view but needs renovations to address room and hotel age

8

ANDREW

Sep 27, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

All rooms have a harbor view and we were fortunate to get a corner suite, so our view from the 6th floor was amazing. Watched the cruise ships come and go and great pictures. The hotel is older and could use some updates, but that doesn't stop you from enjoying your stay. The bed was comfortable, room spacious and friendly staff. The food is ok, not outstanding. You can get breakfast added to your stay, which is cooked to your order, not served from a buffet tray like a budget hotel. The hotel is easy to get to. Parking is on a slope, not sure if there was underground parking. It's close to all downtown Sydney has to offer, so you can park your car and walk. I would go back again to this hotel.

6

Margaretha Theodora Maria

Jun 9, 2025

·

Stayed 7 nights

The room was a nice size and looked over the harbour. The hallways were very noisy at night on a few occasions. The breakfast was confusing as to what was allowed changed on a daily basis.

8

Catherine

Aug 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Comfy bed. Nice large space with great views of harbour. Staff were friendly. Room was a bit dated, but renovations are underway so I’m sure that’s in the plans to be addressed. Hall carpet definitely needs a refresh. It’s quite worn and dirty which always puts me off when I first check in to a place. Again, the ongoing renovations may address this issue.

8

Sherri

Aug 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel is showing its age but was being upgraded. The location was great. Easily walkable to the harbour front and restaurants in the area. Our room overlooked the harbour - beautiful! Upon arrival there were 2 people at the check in desk - one was on the phone and the other was talking to a colleague about work. Once the colleague left, the check in clerk continued with work and we were left waiting without any acknowledgement. He seemed preoccupied. The lounge staff were welcoming and friendly. Beds were comfy. Hotel was quiet. Overall our staff was nice.

10

Melissa

Aug 11, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great views. Nice updated rooms (6th floor). Luxurious feel. Comfortable beds. Only thing was there was no fan in the bathroom so everything steams up quickly but nice AC.

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Service

Staff are widely described as friendly and accommodating across front desk and restaurants. Some guests experienced slow check-in, uneven communication about fees or closures, and limited response to late-night noise.

Related guest reviews

10

Mary Anne

Sep 20, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The front desk staff were amazing and very informative about the area.

10

Clarence

Feb 21, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

There was a terrible snowstorm during my stay. Nobody could get in or out of the hotel for hours as the storm was severe. My server from dinner the previous night, Michael, as well as the chef, stayed at the hotel overnight, to ensure that every guest had a hot breakfast the next morning. I thought that this type of forethought and service was incredible. There were others that helped me to get my car out of the parking lot later in the day, and they were exceptional as well. Joey, who worked the front desk, enlisted a couple of the maintenance staff to help me out. I stay at this hotel two nights per month, as I am a sales rep, and it is one of my favorite places to stay in the Maritimes. It is times such as this, that confirm to me, that the management and staff are the best in the business.

8

Jeffrey

Nov 18, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Construction. Staff were nice and the Eave restaurant was quite good.

2

Corey

Nov 11, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It all started at check-in. Computers were down and the manual process appeared to be very unorganized. After check in we proceeded to our floor where there were dozens of kids playing hockey (with a net) in the hallway. The parents were just as disrespectful. The floor was filthy from the kids, they must have been eating as well. This is when we were told numerous pre-teen hockey teams were staying the same night. There was at least three dozen children running the halls, playing on the elevator, running up and down the stairs, all while screaming. The staff were overwhelmed, but also unbothered by the terrorising children. We asked to be switched to another floor, which was quickly arranged. Unfortunately the children were terrorising the entire hotel, regardless of floor. This went on until late into the evening. As for the room, the bathroom was not cleaned. The shower looked like it never received an actual cleaning. Hairs everywhere. The rest of the room was fine. At this point we just decided to accept the situation. We then tried to visit the pool. I have no idea what we were thinking. The pool was packed full of kids, dozens of them, all running around from the pool, to the hot tub, to the elevators, all in bare feet, water everywhere. I think I saw two parents for the dozens of kids. One of them sarcastically look at us and says "sorry". At checkout we complained about the cleanliness, noise, and the unwillingness to address the parents, but nothing came of it.

8

Michael

Aug 12, 2025

·

Stayed 9 nights

Food options near the hotel are really good and not too extravagantly priced. The bed and sleeping arrangements restored us and made mornings better. We had our own car so travel was easy. The desk staff were very helpful and accommodating. The room maintenance was not terrible, but could have been more thorough. Moreover, the hotel is being renovated and it’s a good thing: it needs it. However, you can look out onto a section of Sydney Harbour from any room. Aldo, between all the small boats (motor or sail) and the massive cruise ships that visit the harbour, we sat and watched, captivated. Plus, the surrounding communities brought different cultural events to the town including a massive car rally. The welcoming nature of Cape Breton folk is so charming , we couldn’t help but love their hospitality.

4

Marco

Oct 11, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Room was very outdated, noise with renovation immediately above us was loud, we knew about it, but was surprised the room rate was still where it was considering the condition and noise. Was in meetings all day so had the DND on the door, when asked for extra towels and cups, etc. for coffee, it was sloppily done (didn’t take away used towels, didn’t include coffee lids, etc), the second night they didn’t even go into the room (DND sign was removed) and left the extra towels, etc in a garbage bag in front of the door for us to find when we returned from dinner. Not very welcoming, nor accommodating.

10

Randy

Sep 6, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Overall we were very happy with our stay. Staff were super friendly and very helpful. I understand renovations are underway so expect it too only improve. Really need some better wall outlets as plugging in device chargers was a bit of a challenge. Parking lot retaining wall and steps are in need of repair. All things considered though we would stay there again.

8

James

Aug 11, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

My initial introduction to this hotel was poor. I arrived around 9:10 PM on a Tuesday night to find that there was no parking. I could barely find a safe location to leave my vehicle so that I could go in the lobby and check in. To the hotel manager's credit, the hotel manager came outside and directed me to where I could park. He stayed out in the lot to help me squeeze into a parking spot near the dumpsters. The elevators at the hotel were a little slow, so I found myself using the stairs when I could. What really prevents me from writing a poor review however, was a server named Michael at the Crown Cafe and Bar within the hotel. This person made sure I was fed a fantastic meal (haddock with mashed potatoes), which was exactly what I needed. Whatever they're paying Michael, it's not enough. That one person turned my experience with this hotel from negative to positive.

8

Sherri

Aug 30, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The hotel is showing its age but was being upgraded. The location was great. Easily walkable to the harbour front and restaurants in the area. Our room overlooked the harbour - beautiful! Upon arrival there were 2 people at the check in desk - one was on the phone and the other was talking to a colleague about work. Once the colleague left, the check in clerk continued with work and we were left waiting without any acknowledgement. He seemed preoccupied. The lounge staff were welcoming and friendly. Beds were comfy. Hotel was quiet. Overall our staff was nice.

10

Amber

Dec 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was beautiful and clean and staff were super accommodating and nice!

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Location

Prime waterfront setting with easy walking access to the boardwalk, restaurants, downtown sights, and the cruise port/Centre 200.

Related guest reviews

8

stephen

Oct 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I like how it was handy to the waterfront and restaurants… great view!

10

Richard

Apr 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great location, great area which enables you to walk anywhere downtown.

10

Sarabjit

Jun 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Front desk staff were awesome. great location, walking distance from PIER and our room had a great view of the cruise ships. Great walking paths in area. Great restaurants close by.

10

Laurie

Aug 11, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very close to cruise ship port

8

Donna

Sep 20, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

View of harbour and cruise ship docking. Access to boardwalk , eateries and unique shops.

8

Rodney

Sep 8, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very nice hotel with a very nice room overlooking the harbour. Convenient to lots of restaurants although we have breakfast included which has been good.

10

Kimberly

Jul 27, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

stayed one night before catching the ferry to Newfoundland. Location was perfect. Walkable to several restaurants. Hotel is nice, fitness center large over looking the bay. We had a room with a view of the bay. Room was large, staff friendly and helpful. I prepaid for breakfast and it was the right decision. Breakfast was quite large with several options.

8

Karen

Nov 30, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Clean room - a bit dated but in the process of renovations. Great location by the harbour. Friendly staff.

10

Jeffrey

Oct 2, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Fantastic breakfast, great location near many things to do downtown

8

John

Nov 3, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Water front location

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Dining

On-site restaurants and lounge get mixed reviews: many enjoyed made-to-order breakfasts, good meals, and live music, while others noted slow or inconsistent service, no included breakfast, or temporary closures during renovations.

Related guest reviews

8

Janet

Oct 16, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Breakfast and dinner options were very good. Staff were nice. Building was under renovations which was needed as the rooms/hallways needed a refresh. Location was good to wharf and restaurants. Beds were comfy.

8

Maureen

Mar 26, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

The staff at the Crown Cafe and Bar were incredibly efficient and friendly. I've never received my food so quickly. The food and staff at the Eave Restaurant and bar were also very good. Room was clean, but a bit dated with some obvious wear and tear starting to show, but overall a good experience. Pool and hottub area were also very well kept. Parking was a bit squishy. Very convenient to walk to Center 200 Arena & Casino - maybe 4-5 blocks.

6

Ruth

Jun 1, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

For the price it was not worth it. The walls are paper thin, the shower wouldnt drain and the restaurant breakfast was overpriced and very bland. We also tried to get drinks at the crown in the evening and we were seated but the waitress did not return to take our drink order so after 20 minutes of waiting we left. Not worth the price tag at all!

10

Judy

Oct 3, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Lovely view of the harbour from our spacious room. Restaurant recently renovated restaurant staff very pleasant and accommodating. Great meal!

8

Jeffrey

Nov 18, 2025

·

Stayed 3 nights

Construction. Staff were nice and the Eave restaurant was quite good.

4

Muhammad

Oct 17, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The pool side area was really poor with no towels or staff around requested to bring towels on reception then took 40-45 minutes to get the towels to use in pool with the kids. Breakfast was a surprise to have order only one specific meal per person and was not a buffet service was really disappointing. Bathroom has no toothbrushes or toothpaste. Like small things and paid $400 for one night for 1 bedroom that’s honestly a lot and i’d never been recommended to anyone else even will tell all of my friends not to go there.

10

Scott

Sep 19, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Great hotel with friendly staff Great little pub attached with Michael who is one of the best bartenders in NS.

8

Rodney

Sep 8, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Very nice hotel with a very nice room overlooking the harbour. Convenient to lots of restaurants although we have breakfast included which has been good.

8

Michael

Sep 25, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Staff was extremely helpful and friendly. It was a nice walk to the boardwalk to watch the cruise ships. Wished that we had known that the restaurant for the hotel was closed for renovations.

6

Clarence

Apr 17, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

I have always given a 5 star review for this hotel. I stay on average 12 times per year, and have always had a great experience. This time, however, I had to have a cold shower both days, as there was no hot water. On my second day, my pasta was served cold. I was surprised that it was served so quickly, as only 5-7 minutes had elapsed since I had placed my order. I asked my waiter to take it back and microwave it, which he did with no issue. I will return to this hotel, as I really like the staff, but if the hot water issues happen again, I will have to look at alternative accommodations.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$157
February	$117
March	$113
April	$119
May	$154
June	$146
July	$169
August	$184
September	$172
October	$183
November	$147
December	$123

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $156	2 $207	3
4 $138	5 $149	6 $152	7 $155	8 $149	9 $159	10 $211
11 $147	12 $147	13 $148	14 $148	15 $156	16	17 $259
18 $138	19 $207	20 $218	21 $207	22 $135	23 $142	24 $145
25 $129	26 $135	27 $138	28 $136	29 $128	30 $134	31 $134

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
		1	2	3	4	5
6	7	8	9	10	11	12
13	14	15	16	17	18 $382	19
20 $148	21 $232	22	23 $246	24	25	26
27 $148	28 $150	29 $145	30 $135

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Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed

Standard Room

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Harbor View

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed, Roll-In Shower (Mobility, Roll-In Shower)

Premium Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa Bed

Guest reviews

Good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

Optional extras

FAQs about Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront by IHG

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