I am so lucky to have best friends that are also my sisters. We all live within a twenty-minute drive of each other and we try to get together as often as possible. Sometimes it’s just for coffee and a chat but at least a couple of times a year we like to take a little “girl’s trip”.
Often it’s just a day trip, maybe to a nearby beach or national park. Occasionally, we’ll go on a week-long “girls” camping trip. Sometimes we’ll rent a cottage. From time to time we’ll also head out on a little road-trip to a neighbouring province and spend a couple of nights in a hotel while enjoying some of the local activities.
This past weekend we decided a girl’s trip was in order and went to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Halifax is about a 3.5-hour drive from where we live. In addition to spending time together, while in Halifax we wanted to visit the Halifax Seaport Farmer’s Market and also decided to take in the Saltscape Expo, which was happening that weekend.
We booked a room at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Bedford. We drove, but if you’re coming by air, it’s also easily accessible from the Halifax Stanfield International Airport and just minutes from downtown Halifax.
We also liked the hotel’s proximity to Bayer’s Lake Park, Canada Games Centre, BMO Centre, IBM Innovation Centre and the World Trade & Convention Centre. We visited a couple of these places during our stay and they were very easy to get to from the hotel.
About Bedford –
Bedford is a suburban community of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. It was an independent town from 1980-1996. On April 1, 1996, Bedford was amalgamated with Halifax, Dartmouth, and Halifax County Municipality to form the Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).
Bedford lies on the northwestern end of Bedford Basin, an extension of the Halifax Harbour and ends just before Nova Scotia Highway 102 and Bedford Bypass next to Lower Sackville.
When you visit, be sure to check out the popular walkway along much of the Bedford Basin, a large enclosed bay, forming the northwestern end of Halifax Harbour.
Fun fact – there are said to be 32 Volvo cars on the floor of the Basin, where they sunk in 1969 after the container ship that was transporting them sustained water damage.
One of the sitting areas in the lobby. In the background, you can see the Great Room where you can enjoy your complimentary Express Breakfast Buffet.
Our Room –
Call me weird, but I always get a little excited to open a hotel room door and check out the room. It’s like unwrapping a present to see what’s inside!
When I opened the door, my first impression of our room was that it was bright and immaculate. The bathroom was straight from a spa and the beds looked like two plump clouds.
I loved having this spacious entry before you entered the sleeping area of the room. The bathroom is off this area and there is plenty of room to drop your suitcases, coats and bags.
The bathroom had a spa-like feel with enough counter space for three women and all of their “stuff” plus a gorgeous, large shower.
Is it just me, or does anyone else love trying these little bath and body products? There was shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, bath gel, mouthwash and even a fluffy loofah.
Wardrobe, television and desk areas.
Take a peek inside the wardrobe and you will find lots of storage, an iron and ironing board as well as a safe.
Convenient desk mounted docking station for charging all your electronic devices.
The rooms all also offer a microwave, refrigerator and Keurig coffee/tea maker. This is perfect for storing any snacks and beverages you may have brought along, as well as, for grabbing a quick cup of coffee in your room before heading down to the complimentary breakfast.
The super comfortable queen beds featured pillow top mattress, triple sheeting, soft and inviting feather comforters, warm duvet covers and a selection of firm and soft pillows. I especially liked having a choice of pillow firmness as many hotels don’t offer that.
You don’t even need to search for the pillow firmness you like. All of the pillow cases are clearly embroidered with either firm or soft.
Some of the great features of our room were:
- Wall Mounted Flat Screen Television
- Spacious Wardrobe
- Cable/Satellite TV
- Stereo
- Room darkening blinds
- In-room safe
- Free WiFi
- Work Desk w/Lamp
- Desk Level Electrical Outlet with Charging Station
- Direct Dial Phone with Voice Mail & Free Local Calls
- Wireless Internet
- Hairdryer
- Iron/Ironing Board
Other Hotel Amenities:
- Indoor Pool and Waterslide
- Hot Tub
- Guest Laundry
- Market (A little store in the hotel lobby)
- 100% Non-Smoking Hotel
- Free Daily Newspaper
- Ample Free Parking
Our fun getaway just goes to show having a unique and memorable vacation doesn’t have to involve an International flight or dealing with exchange rates. Instead, it is often just as much or even more fun to opt for a staycation.
From amenities including indoor pools, fitness, and business centers to the complimentary Express Start™ breakfast bar the IHG® brand delivers a special kind of hospitality that makes guests feel at home.
After a great night sleep, you can start your day of adventure and fun by savouring the healthy food of the Express Breakfast Buffet in the hotel’s Great Room featuring a wide flat screen TV and comfortable seating.
We had a wonderful time during our weekend getaway and stay at the Holiday Inn Express Halifax – Bedford. The staff was very welcoming and accommodating and every single person we met went out of their way to be helpful and friendly.
Would I go back? You bet I would!
Nikki from Tikkido says
We almost always stay in Holiday Inn Expresses when we travel for Irish dancing competitions. Going to stay in one in Tucson this weekend, in fact!
Monica Parlee says
A Holiday Inn Express is definitely a great value and I love when breakfast is included in the price. Have fun in Tucson and best of luck at your dancing competition.
Pat Bacon says
Your post is so very timely for me. Am going to be in that exact area this week-end and have yet to make up my mind where to stay. Although it looks lovely, and the continental breakfast is a clincher, it was the ample free parking that made up my mind. After paying for a room I hate to have to pay for parking as well.
Thanks, hope I have as good a time as you did.
Monica says
I agree Pat, having free parking is certainly a great perk! Hope you have a fabulous time visiting the Halifax area.
Little Miss Kate says
What they offer pillows with different firmness?!? LOVE that, I always have trouble finding one that will suit my preferences.
I will have to check them out on my next trip to visit my family that lives in Bedford.
Monica Parlee says
I hear you! I like to sleep on a firm pillow but don’t like to have to squeeze and dig my way through seven or eight pillows to find it. Having the pillow firmness clearly labelled is a nice feature.
Carla says
I love the bright, clean lines of the hotel and room! Makes it feel so airy and as if you are at home. Also love the free parking – it hurts when you have to pay additional parking on top of hotel fees. Looks like a fantastic stay!
Monica Parlee says
The room was immaculate Carla and as you said, wonderfully bright and airy. The room darkening blind was a great feature if you had the opportunity to sleep in!
Robin Masshole Mommy says
I have stayed at a few Holiday Inn’s before. I always liked them.
Monica Parlee says
We’ve stayed at several too and you can always count on them to be great value.
tara pittman says
The beds look very comfy. I love the little bottles in the bathroom!
Monica Parlee says
The beds were super comfy Tara, like sleeping on a cloud!
Jennifer Van Huss says
What a great looking hotel room! They sure have come a long way from the holiday Inns that I use to say in. I love the little details like the firmness of the pillow on the pillow case!! The fun facts you added were great!
Monica Parlee says
Thanks Jennifer, it was a really wonderful spa like setting!
Catherine White says
I love staying at the Holiday Inn Express hotels. I especially I love the location to all the great sites in the greater Halifax area, yet being able to have free parking. This facility, I heard has been recently renovated, and from your photos, it looks like an awesome place to stay. Choice of pillow firmness, that’s a deal breaker for me. I would certainly be going for the softer ones. And having a full free breakfast is a money saver too. The new look is so open and airy I would definitely be looking to stay there the next time I am in the area.
Monica Parlee says
It has recently been renovated Catherine and they did an amazing job! Free parking and a complimentary breakfast certainly save a good deal of money, especially if you are travelling with kids. {Money you can use on a fun outing in the Halifax/Bedford area!}
Michelle Gwynn Jones says
I haven’t stayed at a holiday inn express in a long time. Do they still have rooms with jacuzzi tubs
Monica says
There is a jacuzzi tub in the pool area Michelle, not sure if they have rooms with one. Will see what I can find out.
Agnes Dela Cruz says
We used to have Holiday Inn here in the Philippines. I love how peaceful and relax to stay there
Monica Parlee says
The staff were so nice and friendly Agnes, we felt like we were visiting relatives!
GiGi Eats says
Those beds look insanely comfortable and I love the BIG fridge they have in there too!
Monica Parlee says
The beds are indeed extremely comfortable GiGi and the big fridge comes in very handy for storing snacks and beverages!
Elizabeth O. says
I love that it has all the amenities you need especially when you’re staying for a couple of days. The room is spacious and it’s lovely too. I like a room that’s clean looking especially the bathrooms and this is exactly what I would want in a room. Good choice!
Monica Parlee says
I’m like that too Elizabeth, the bedroom and bathroom were immaculate!
Inspiring Kitchen says
We’ve stayed at the Holiday Inn Express hotel before. I love their service!
Monica says
Agree totally, their service rocks!
Patrice M Foster says
I’ve stay in Holiday Inn express hotel many a time …It was clean especially bathroom and comfy. The first thing notice when enter rooms is the smell and there rooms always have their refreshing scent all the time.
Monica Parlee says
I forgot about that Patrice, but you’re so right, there was a very subtle, refreshing scent.
Bernadette Callahan says
I love finding a good chain to stay with when we travel. I like to stay with ones we are familiar with so I kind of know what the quality will be.
Monica Parlee says
I know exactly what you mean Bernadette it’s so nice to pull into your hotel after a long day and know the quality will be there.
Lexie Lane says
What a great place to have a stay for a day. I love their services and the room looks so comfy.
Monica Parlee says
The rooms were super comfy Lexie!
Queenthrifty says
I love hotel reviews. This location seems very well kept.
Monica Parlee says
The rooms were extremely well kept Queenthrifty!
Amy Jones says
Looks so lovely and cozy, next i go on vacations ill keep this inn in my mind.
Monica Parlee says
It was a great hotel Amy and everyone was so nice!
Delaine says
Looks comfy and simple
Monica Parlee says
Thge room was very comfortable Delaine and also really well laid out.
Ana Fernandez says
I would love to go there on my next vacation! It looks so comfy!
Monica Parlee says
It was a fantastic place to stay Ana!
Ana De- Jesus says
Budget stays are getting cheaper but looking more luxurious than ever. I love how you do not have to compromise on price but it still can be a great room.
Monica Parlee says
I agree Ana and Holiday Inn has a great rewards program!
Dhemz Apdian - Dias says
Wow, Holiday Inn has upgraded! Looks like a cozy room to stay in. Thanks for sharing!
Monica Parlee says
It was a great room Dhemz and I lived how immaculate it was!
Rosey says
You are lucky to have your sisters living close by. The Holiday Inn Express hotels are always nice.
Monica Parlee says
I am very fortunate to have sisters living close by Rosey, we had such a fun time!
Yona Williams says
I love the bath products that they have waiting for you in the bathroom. They look like they smell really good.
Monica Parlee says
The bath products were amazing Yona, I lived them all!
Jenna Em says
That looks like a nice, clean place to stay with very modern amenities.
Monica Parlee says
It was a great place to stay Jenna. Lots to do in the hotel and very close to downtown Halifax.
Kathy Kenny Ngo says
I love those little details that hotels have. USB sockets and the whole firm or soft pillow rocks.
Monica Parlee says
I do too Kathy, I really appreciate hotels that go the extra mile for their guests.
Ashley says
It looks like Holiday Inn is definitely stepping up their game!
Monica Parlee says
It was a really great room Ashley and the bathroom was amazing!