Affordable luxury: A night at the Halifax alt
No time? No car? No problem. ALT Hotel Halifax Airport is a convenient escape for the over-scheduled traveler.
Total convenience
If there's one thing that this hotel offers that no other hotel in Halifax can, it's total convenience. like many other lucky travelers, I would be catching my flight the next morning at the crack of dawn — 5 am. It's hard enough getting out of bed in the early hours of the morning, without risking getting stuck in traffic traveling from downtown. As the name suggests, the alt is situated right next to the airport, so getting there was as simple as wheeling my case across the pedway. Voilà!
From downtown Halifax, the ALT Hotel Halifax Airport is roughly a 30-minute drive or a $40 CAD cab ride. Alternatively, you can book a spot in advance on the Halifax Airport Shuttle ($20 CAD one-way).
Modern appeal
Location aside, the first thing that stood out to me as I entered the lobby was the hotel's contemporary and colorful aesthetic. Adding to the modern appeal — an indoor pool, fitness center, and bar and lounge. After a long day of traveling, I needed to catch up on some emails, so free public WiFi was an added bonus. Other amenities include a café, common area and conference space, particularly useful for business travelers
Those watching their green footprint can rest easy in the knowledge that the ALT Hotel Halifax Airport is an eco-friendly building. The hotel is designed and constructed to be energy efficient and features a geothermal heating and cooling system that recycles warm air as well as automatic and energy-saving lighting devices.
A room with a view
Where else in the city can you watch planes take off from the comfort of your bed? There's something supremely underrated about aircraft spotting that fills you with anticipation for your journey ahead. I know what you're thinking — a front-row seat to a runway isn't ideal for a quiet night's sleep — but considering its location, the hotel is surprisingly soundproof. And once you're snuggled between the bed's Egyptian cotton sheets and under a goose down comforter, you'll be wishing you'd booked another night. Trust me
Like the rest of the hotel, all 169 rooms are modern and bright, catering to the needs of travelers for business or pleasure. Sit back and take advantage of amenities including free WiFi, iPod docks and flat-screen televisions. Ensuring you feel at home during your stay, rooms also feature Italian-designed armchairs for optimal comfort, as well as Keurig coffee machines. Refresh under a spa-like shower and dry off using 100 percent terry cloth bath towels. Fitness enthusiasts are also able to hire yoga mats and workout videos by contacting the front desk.
Casual dining
Guests can refuel morning, noon or night at the only airport hotel that offers food 24-hours a day. The Altcetera Café is an inviting space offering menu items fresh every day. Feel like unwinding? Enjoy Happy Hour before challenging your travel buddy (or a fellow guest) to a game of pool. Or if you're in the mood to relax, Altcetera offer a superior selection of fine coffees and evening cocktails and invite you to pull up a cozy seat by the fireplace. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are also available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 5:30 am and 11 am.
Halifax tips
While you're not enjoying the luxury amenities at the ALT, here are our recommendations for your visit to Halifax:
Best Eatery: Looking for wonderful food, excellent service and a perfect view of the harbor? The Bicycle Thief has a menu chock-full of delectable dishes and one of the city's coziest patios (blankets provided on cold nights).
Souvenir: Stop by the Amos Pewter’s studios in Halifax’s Waterfront to see artists turn molten pewter into beautiful jewelry, tableware, and home décor, before heading next door to choose which item you want to take home with you.
Locals Know: Book a spot on the Alternative Routes Shuttle Bus for a hassle-free ride around Nova Scotia. While Sam isn't your typical tour guide, she knows about the hidden gems in this province and is more than happy to accommodate any requests you might have.
Best Happy Hour: Check out 2 Doors Down Bar + Bites for happy hours every night of the week. Tap Tuesdays, Wine Wednesdays, Wild Card Thursdays and weekend specials — what more could you ask for?
Don’t Miss: The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. If you've seen the recently released 'Maudie', should be sure to see Maud's painted house, as well as over 200 of her paintings.
Reserve directly with ALT Hotel Halifax Airport for access to their complete room inventory, ensuring you get the best possible rate with no extra fees.
Originally written for VIVA Lifestyle and Travel