Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront by IHG

Hotels
DP Murphy Hotels
8 (765 reviews)
300 Esplanade , Sydney , ca

Children allowed
Pets allowed

Facilities

Fitness facilities (surcharge)
Non-smoking rooms
Air conditioning
Swimming pool
Restaurant
Room service
Family rooms
Pets allowed
Lift / Elevator
Luggage storage
See all facilities

Review Highlights

Pros:
Great location
Friendly staff
Cons:
Poor cleanliness
Noisy environment

Categories

Cleanliness
6.75
Multiple mentions of dirtiness, mold, and broken facilities.
Service
7.75
Inconsistent service mentioned; some staff responsive while others unhelpful.
Location
9.25
Great proximity to downtown and attractions, well-rated by guests.
Room Quality
7.25
Mixed reviews with some old and dated rooms, but mention of renovations.
Amenities
8.25
Amenities like the pool and breakfast are mentioned positively despite some issues.
Value for Money
8.25
Overall positive sentiment, but issues with cleanliness slightly detract.
Food and Beverage
8.25
Generally positive but limited options during busy times.
Overall Experience
8.25
Good experiences highlighted, but some severe shortcomings noted.
* This sentiment is summarized by AI based on user reviews.
Updated at: 2026-01-11 07:01

Property Description

Waterfront Location on Esplanade Boardwalk
Situated along the picturesque Esplanade boardwalk in Cape Breton Island, Holiday Inn Sydney offers a stunning waterfront experience for guests.

Indoor Pool with Waterslide and On-site Dining
Guests can enjoy the thrill of the indoor pool with a waterslide and savor delicious meals at the two on-site restaurants.

Convenient Amenities and Nearby Attractions
With free in-room WiFi, a fitness centre, and a business centre, the hotel ensures a comfortable stay for all guests. Explore nearby attractions like Casino Nova Scotia and the Fortress of Louisbourg during your stay.

Book now to experience the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure at Holiday Inn Sydney Nova Scotia.

Important information:

Upon check-in photo identification and credit card is required. All special requests are subject to availability upon check-in. Special requests cannot be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.

Pre-paid credit cards and debit cards cannot be used to guarantee a reservation. A credit card is required when booking.Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Check-in and check-out hours:
Check-out: 11:00 AM
Airport code: YQY

Property Policies

  • Groups

    When booking more than 6 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply.

  • Children and extra bed policy

    Children of any age are allowed.
    You haven't added any cots.
    You haven't added any extra beds.

  • Pets

    Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable.

  • Internet

    WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.

  • Parking

    Public parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs CAD 7 per day.

Location

Guest Reviews

8
Based on 765 reviews
Cleanliness: 6.75
Service: 7.75
Location: 9.25
Room Quality: 7.25
Amenities: 8.25
Value for Money: 8.25
Food and Beverage: 8.25
Overall Experience: 8.25
J
Jason family_with_children ca
8
2026-03-14 via Nuitee
K
Kate couple ca
5
It was very fun the pool was nice and fun
Pros:

Loved the pool and the staff

Cons:

That our heat ac unit didn’t work and I was cold durning the night

2026-03-14 via Nuitee
D
Doucet couple ca
10
Pros:

It was great

2026-03-13 via Nuitee
T
Tanis family_with_children ca
6
Overall, I would stay again at a lower price
Pros:

Great location, and the staff was amazing

Cons:

The building is starting to show its age; it wasn't as clean as I would have expected for the price.

2026-03-08 via Nuitee
A
Anna family_with_children ca
9
Pros:

The room with the excellent view.

Cons:

Leaving

2026-03-07 via Nuitee
S
Shandon couple ca
6
2026-03-06 via Nuitee
M
MacNeil family_with_children ca
5
Pros:

Staff, location,and comfortable room. Great water view from my room.

Cons:

No parking in the hotel parking lot, had it park in an adjacent bank parking lot, inconvenient.

2026-03-02 via Nuitee
M
Mufeez family_with_children ae
1
Cons:

The ac was making sounds whole night was not able to sleep i had a worst hotel experience i want my money refunded

2026-02-14 via Nuitee
H
HESHAM couple ca
1
2026-01-26 via Nuitee
C
Cameron family_with_children ca
8
2026-01-23 via Nuitee
J
julia family_with_children ca
10
it was excellant
Pros:

excellant free breakfast especially children at underage

Cons:

small parking

2026-01-20 via Nuitee
D
Dawn family_with_children us
9
Pros:

The breakfast was wonderful!

2026-01-19 via Nuitee
A
Anne family_with_children ca
5
Great hotel but bad cleaning service
Pros:

Great breakfast and great location

Cons:

On day 3 of our stay (July 26/25) none of our rooms were cleaned (we had 3 rooms on the same floor) when I called the front desk at 3:30 pm to ask when our rooms would be cleaned, I was told the viewing staff had gone for the day so the rooms would nit be cleaned. That is unacceptable to me

2026-01-19 via Nuitee
B
Boston solo_traveller ca
8
Séjour de très courte durée
2026-01-19 via Nuitee
A
Anne family_with_children ca
1
Very disappointing
Pros:

The rooms were very spacious

Cons:

The housekeepers did not clean our rooms on July 26 (we booked 3) as they said we had a do not disturb sign on our doors. We had the do not disturb sign on our doors from 9 am to 10 am as we were getting ready for a funeral, the signs were removed at 10 am and the rooms were not cleaned at all. At 3:30 when we returned and asked the front desk about cleaning the rooms we were told the housekeeping staff were gone for the day, that is unacceptable to only leave room cleaning from 9 to 10 am

2026-01-19 via Nuitee
W
William couple ca
8
Would stay there again
Pros:

Had dinner it was excellent!
Wait staff excellent!

2026-01-19 via Nuitee
J
Jacques couple ca
9
Très bien
Pros:

Pas pris de repas

Cons:

Rien à signaler

2026-01-19 via Nuitee
J
James family_with_children ca
10
2026-01-19 via Nuitee
B
Brent family_with_children ca
10
2026-01-19 via Nuitee
G
Glenda couple ca
5
Good staff good food room was not good for showering
Pros:

Staff was friendly food was good

Cons:

The room was clean but shower flooded the fire alarm went 3 times when trying to shower had to use the towels to clean up water called front seat no one came until a half hr later had to go around in a sheet fanning fire alarm to get it to go off then had to open room door guests were not happy with us woke them up early

2026-01-19 via Nuitee