Name: Highland Motel
Address: 530 Seaview Drive, Upper North Sydney, Cape Breton Regional Municipality, Canada, Upper North Sydney, Nova Scotia, CA
Price range: $88–$99 per night
Rating: 7.26

What guests think

Highland Motel earns very mixed reviews, with many guests appreciating friendly staff, low prices, and proximity to the North Sydney ferry, while recurring complaints focus on dated rooms, inconsistent heating and AC, and significant cleanliness and maintenance problems.

Beds are frequently described as very firm, bathrooms are tight, and Wi-Fi can be slow or unreliable. Parking is available, though the lot layout can be awkward, and amenities like coffee or breakfast are generally not provided. Expect a basic, no-frills stopover near the ferry with variable room conditions.

Facilities

Cleanliness

Rooms

Service

Location

Dining

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Facilities

On-site parking is available, and some guests park directly outside their room; however several note an awkward or limited lot layout. A small courtyard with a barbecue is mentioned, but other amenities are minimal.

Related guest reviews

8

Mary

Aug 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

no ameneties

8

Brent

Dec 21, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Parking lot poorly designed, couldn't park in front of room, had to carry bags from a distance

8

Clay

Jun 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

No ice available 😢. 1st night of trip room was ok, not great. Return trip room room was in much better condition. Overall it is what it is but would seriously consider staying elsewhere if making trip down there in the future 😉

8

Juanita

Jun 30, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

I liked the friendliness and ease of the staff, the size of the room, the large grounds with the fire pit and bbq's, the food taste and portions, and we'll be back. The negatives we had were that the room smelled like old cigarette smoke, the pool wasn't usable and we were accidentally booked out a day early. The staff person we dealt with was very helpful and we were satisfied with the results. The pool was being fixed, though. Overall, we and our children had a good time. First time to beautiful Cape Breton.

10

Alan

Aug 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean, comfortable and you can park the vehicle right in front of the room door. I’m staying there again next week.

10

Ashley

Sep 4, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I love the little Courtyard with the barbecue and benches for guests to use. Management was super welcoming to myself and my service dog and everyone was very friendly. The room needs a little bit of work but I can tell it's in process. Light bulbs need to be checked. There was no coffee machine my second stay, but I didn't ask about that so I can't complain. Very clean and comfortable.

10

Renee

Jul 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The staff here were wonderful and friendly. Very helpful, even came and told us that we should bring our items in from outside that we were hanging to dry because a raccoon had been stealing items LOL. The bed was broken, but we were able to put the frame back together properly so it became a non-issue. We had a lovely stay, and my dog really enjoyed the property. I absolutely love the little picnic area and the presence of a barbecue for visitors

8

Mary

Aug 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

easy parking

8

Katie

Aug 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean room close to the ferry. There was a park a short drive down the road for the kids. Very convenient. Would stay again.

8

Heather

Jun 23, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Needs a little more fixing up.,the parking spaces need to be spaced out more..

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Cleanliness

Cleanliness feedback is mixed, with many reports of dirty rooms, stained linens, odors, cobwebs and dust, and general disrepair; several reviews also mention insects or bedbugs. Some guests, however, found rooms clean with fresh linens.

Related guest reviews

2

Mitchell

Jun 1, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very run down, nothing worked, dirty, strong smelling … bed bugs in the beds and had to chuck out everything we own and had to buy new clothes and bed bug spray

2

Jonas

Jun 1, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Beware! Bed bugs!

Translate

6

Barbara Anne

Aug 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

My room was clean and had nice fresh linens and towels. Staff were very friendly and helpful even offering directions to amenities. The room is a bit run down…holes in walls and damaged floor. Bathroom has been refreshed and I enjoyed a nice hot shower! I will come again. Cheers!

2

Kim

Apr 9, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

What a dump! I know that renovation are happening, but that is no excuse for the filth and stench of smoke in the room. The shower curtain reeked of cigarette smoke when water hit it, not sure if its ever been washed. I could write my name in the dust on the walls. The bathroom was so small that we couldn't get dresses in it, had to come out into the room. Had stayed here a few years ago, it was outdated but clean.Sure has gone down hill since then.

2

nicole

Sep 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

stains on the sheets paint coming off the walls black tiny rock like things through the sheets microwave and lamp not working properly no heat very disappointed

4

Michael

Sep 17, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Price I think you get what you pay for in this case. There was food on the chairs and floors and the shower floor had hair. Slept in my clothes.

2

Kamlesh

Jul 6, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very dirty

2

Derrick

May 27, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very dirty hair under bed sheets stained bed sheets no hand soap no cups no kettle or coffee maker worn out beds really small tv half a shower curtain

4

Melissa

Jun 2, 2024

·

Dated, radiator covers were on the floor, fridge wasn’t turned on, mirror in bathroom very dirty and toilet was leaking around the seal. Window sills were dirty. Doorknob came off in my hand. Smelled strong of air freshener. The people a few doors down saw bedbugs although we didn’t see any. Furniture was peeling. Really needs a big update and clean up

2

Tiffany

May 31, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

The room had BED BUGS!!!! The staff gave us our money back but also didn't know how to address the problem. Dont stay in room 14

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Rooms

Rooms are dated and in need of renovation, with very small bathrooms and firm, uncomfortable mattresses; heating or AC can be inconsistent, and light or noise from outside can disrupt sleep. Wi-Fi is reported as slow or unreliable by several guests.

Related guest reviews

4

Wendy

Sep 12, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The bed was broken. The baseboard heater had never been cleaned. The bathroom was so small we left the door open so we had room to move. We had no heat, it didn’t work.

2

Mike

Oct 17, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

By far the worst motel I’ve ever stayed at. Mattress hard as a rock, being woken up by yelling neighbors , and very bright lights outside of the room. Little portable heater, quite noisy! Won’t be back.

4

Jason

Jul 5, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Lighting outside was on all nite making it hard to sleep and the bed was very uncomfortable.

2

Thayne

Aug 9, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very old and run down, poor quality, saggy mattress, super tiny bathroom with black mildew all over the shower. Bathroom is so small you cannot dry off without your towel touching either the shower walls or the toilet - just yucky

6

Andrea

Aug 10, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

A good motel. Room was in good condition and clean. AC worked well, which was appreciated in summer. Mattresses weren't comfortable, very firm. That was the only downside for us.

4

Lester

Jun 13, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was run down and wifi didn’t work.

4

Shawn

Jan 20, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was showing signs of aging. Doors and windows did not seal properly and it was very drafty.

10

Doug

Aug 15, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Very nice man working in the office. Only complaint wifi wasn’t up to par.

4

Tracy

Oct 7, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

No soundproofing. No sleep due to hearing snoring from room next door all night. Could hear guy moving around in the bed as well. No coffee or coffeemaker in room. Bed was hard and very uncomfortable.

10

Noah

Oct 26, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

I had a wonderful stay at this motel! The room was clean and comfortable, and the staff was super friendly and helpful. The location was convenient, and parking was easy. Great value for the price. Some areas could use a bit of updating, and the Wi-Fi was a little slow.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Service

Staff are frequently described as friendly, welcoming, and helpful, with some easy check-ins. However, several guests report absent reception, phone-only check-in, and difficulties obtaining refunds or resolving issues.

Related guest reviews

10

Elizabeth

Sep 27, 2025

·

Stayed 4 nights

Small older motel just outside of North Sydney, just off Hwy 125. Staff was very freindly and helpful. Room was clean. Parking was good. If you are looking for a high end place to stay, this isn't it, but if your looking for someplace quiet, layed back and comfy this is it.

2

April

Nov 19, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Upon arrival at this motel, the man at front desk was very quick to take my payment, when we went to our room, the heat said on maxed out at 90° and actual temp was 56° ( FREEZING) I went and told him, he said it’s cold outside…. I asked for a refund so I could go to a heated motel, he told me to contact expedia to call him, they did, and he refused a refund.. the room was also not very pleasant.. very run down. 10/10 do not recommend

4

James

Sep 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

Sometimes you find a gem....this is NOT it! Check in, no one at reception, just a number to phone. Exterior poor maintenance, peeling paint. Interior, no tea and coffe, mix and match battered furniture. Fridge with broken fascia. Small microwave but no cups, plates or cutlery. Bathroom very small with toilet between shower and basin with barely room to pass. Towel rack hanging off wall, bathmat dirty and holed. Air con unit badly fitted and noisy. The only plug next to bed was on the base of a lamp. But was off when the lamp was off. No good for a CPAP. Never saw any staff during two day stay. Expedia should drop this place like a hot coal.

8

Mary

Jul 12, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Great staff

10

kuloththunkan

Jun 21, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Best customer service.

2

Chris

Aug 20, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Property owner very rude. We asked for a refund after going into room and finding all the problems. He said we would have to go through Expedia. Then he wouldn’t take Expedia’s call to authorize a refund. Expedia made many attempts and owner refused. We questioned him when we left if he was going to refund and he said what you call me a scammer. Well yes you sir are a scammer!

10

Peter

Sep 16, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Easy check in and out .

10

Melanie

Nov 5, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

Very clean, excellent customer service. The guy in the office was super friendly and helpful!

2

SANTISHA

Sep 27, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

DO NOT STAY HERE!!!!!! It’s very dirty and unsafe. The staff walked in on me while I was changing without knocking. When they came in they said “oh we thought you went out”. Then had an excuse saying they were checking the heater to make sure it works. Which the heater never worked. Also they took a photo copy of my drivers license and pretty sure they will do something bad with it because they seem very not trust worthy. I recommend spending the extra money and stay somewhere else. The cleanliness issues were the bathroom grout needs to be redone or they need to get some bleach and scrub. It had hair on the walls, the shower curtain looks like it has never been washed. The mini fridges needs to be cleaned. Another issue is it had limited plugs to plug anything in.

10

Anne

Oct 9, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Room was clean. Staff was very helpful and courteous. Right price and place for my overnight stay.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Location

Convenient for the Marine Atlantic ferry and highway access; several guests used it as a quick stopover. Dining options are not nearby, so plan ahead.

Related guest reviews

4

Mohammed

Jul 3, 2024

·

Stayed 2 nights

Not clean, not amenities and don't clean everyday,

8

Valerie

Aug 14, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

it was a little far out. No place close to eat. Staff very friendly and room clean and neat. Building old but well kept.

8

Brenda

Jul 28, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

It is convenient to me when I get off the ferry from Port aux Basques to North Sydney. I also like the price.

8

Jing

Aug 23, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

I like the location close to ferry. And the room is good for that price. Thanks

8

Russel

Aug 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Check in was easy and the staff was very pleasant. The room was clean and comfortable. There is no food close buy.

10

Susan

Sep 26, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Very good location from ferry. Front desk staff very friendly and hospitable.

8

Eddie

Jan 10, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

close to the newfoundland ferry

8

Katie

Aug 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

Clean room close to the ferry. There was a park a short drive down the road for the kids. Very convenient. Would stay again.

8

WEI

Feb 13, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

good location,easy to highway

6

Laura

Jul 19, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Close to the ferry terminal.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Dining

Many guests note there is no breakfast or coffee/tea provided, and rooms often lack kettles or coffee makers. Any on-site restaurant service appears limited or not regularly open.

Related guest reviews

8

Aditya

Jun 3, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

The room service does not change the towels/lenins on their own, they need to be contacted whenever required. There wasn't any kettle/glass mug for making tea/coffee.

8

Mary

Aug 2, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

no ameneties

8

Juanita

Jun 30, 2023

·

Stayed 2 nights

I liked the friendliness and ease of the staff, the size of the room, the large grounds with the fire pit and bbq's, the food taste and portions, and we'll be back. The negatives we had were that the room smelled like old cigarette smoke, the pool wasn't usable and we were accidentally booked out a day early. The staff person we dealt with was very helpful and we were satisfied with the results. The pool was being fixed, though. Overall, we and our children had a good time. First time to beautiful Cape Breton.

8

JoAnne

May 18, 2023

·

Stayed 1 night

A wonderful gentleman runs this place. I would return. The restaurant isnt regularly open....but food is close by. From JoAnne and Keith Power

4

NELSON

Sep 23, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

This is just another Motel being run by Newly arrived immigrants. Everything about this motel is Bare Minimum. Beds, linens, microwave, furniture, mini fridge. There was No coffee or tea making appliance in the room.There is No Coffee or Tea available in the lobby. I would rate this place has 2 steps above sleeping in your car.

10

jerry

Aug 25, 2025

·

Stayed 1 night

No coffee available.

4

Alisa

Oct 11, 2023

·

Its a dump!! Dont even have coffee!! Sad!!

6

Terry

Oct 2, 2025

·

Stayed 2 nights

It is an older motel so you have to expect things are not going to be top of the line especially for the price. I think they are upgrading a bit at a time. The check in was easy and the man nice, room was clean, sheets were clean, washroom has been updated it was clean. Beds were not comfortable first night was terrible second night was better I guess just getting used to it.. Now to nit-pick, the hot water took a minute or two to get hot but once it did it was fine. there was a big cobweb by the light and the bathroom mirror was smudged looks like it was just wiped and not dried, minor thing.. I did not see any breakfast and no little coffee pot or hair dryer in the room. Total experience it was good.

6

Andrew

Jun 3, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Basic accommodations, run down a bit but clean. Would have been nice if it had a coffee maker or kettle in the room!

8

Terry

Aug 29, 2024

·

Stayed 1 night

Good value but no coffee in the room.

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AI-generated summary based on recent guest reviews

Month	Average price
January	$87
February	$82
March	$81
April	$75
May	$79
June	$83
July	$87
August	$87
September	$85
October	$86
November	$86
December	$86

Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
				1 $89	2 $89	3 $89
4 $89	5 $89	6 $89	7 $89	8 $89	9 $89	10
11	12 $89	13 $89	14 $89	15 $89	16 $89	17 $89
18 $89	19 $89	20 $89	21 $89	22 $89	23 $89	24 $89
25 $89	26 $89	27 $89	28 $89	29 $89	30 $89	31 $89

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	19 $88
20 $88	21 $88	22 $88	23 $88	24 $88	25 $99	26 $99
27 $89	28 $89	29 $89	30 $89

Select dates to see prices and availability

Monthly average prices

About this property

Location

Room options

Double Room Single Use, 1 Double Bed

Standard Room, 2 Double Beds

Family Room, Multiple Beds

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

Guest reviews

Good

Who stays here?

What guests think

Property Policies

Check-in instructions

Good to know

FAQs about Highland Motel

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Prices for upcoming dates