Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront by IHG

Property class: 3.5

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Photo gallery for Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront by IHG

A dining table set with plates, glasses, and a menu, overlooking a body of water. - Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront by IHG (Sydney)
A conference room with a large table, chairs, and a view of a lake. - Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront by IHG (Sydney)
A dining table with plates of food, a glass of red wine, and a cocktail with an orange slice garnish. - Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront by IHG (Sydney)
A modern bar area with a long counter, bar stools, and a variety of bottles and glasses. - Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront by IHG (Sydney)
An indoor swimming pool with a spiral slide, large windows, and a lifebuoy. - Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront by IHG (Sydney)
You can look forward to dry cleaning/laundry services, a bar, and a gym at Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront by IHG. For some rest and relaxation, visit the hot tub. At the two on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, kids' meals, and ocean views. Free in-room WiFi and a 24-hour business center are available to all guests.

Reviews

8.2 out of 10
Very good

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi
  • Air conditioning

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Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 8 of 8 rooms

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

9.4 out of 10
Exceptional
(13 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

  • Partial ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Premium Room, 1 King Bed with Sofa bed

10.0 out of 10
Exceptional
(2 reviews)
  • Partial ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed and 1 Double Sofa Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(25 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 King Bed, Harbor View

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(22 reviews)
  • Ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

Standard Room, 1 Queen Bed

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful
(50 reviews)
  • Partial ocean view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Queen Bed

Standard Room

8.8 out of 10
Excellent
(6 reviews)
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Twin Bed

Standard Room, 2 Queen Beds

8.6 out of 10
Excellent
(71 reviews)
  • Water view
  • 1 bedroom
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Queen Beds

About the neighborhood

Located in Sydney, Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront by IHG is in the city center and on the waterfront. St Patrick's Church Museum and Cape Breton Centre for Heritage and Science are cultural highlights, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Marine Atlantic Ferry Terminal and Cineplex Cinemas Sydney. Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design and Exhibition Grounds are also worth visiting. Kayaking and sailing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cave exploring and hiking/biking trails nearby. Visit our Sydney travel guide
Map
300 Esplanade, Sydney, NS, B1P1A7

What's nearby

  • A large red violin sculpture in front of a modern building.
    World's Largest Fiddle
    6 min walk - 0.4 miles
  • The exterior of the Bank of Montreal building with a dome and a sign for Old Sydney Society.
    Cape Breton Centre for Heritage and Science
    8 min walk - 0.5 miles
  • Sydney Waterfront Boardwalk
    1 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design
    2 min walk - 0.1 miles
  • Centre 200
    6 min walk - 0.4 miles

Getting around

  • Sydney, NS (YQY)
    18 min drive

Restaurants

  • Tim Hortons
    7 min walk
  • Only Falafels
    5 min walk
  • A Bite of Asia
    5 min walk
  • Doktor Luke's Coffee House
    3 min walk
  • Daniel's Restaurant & Lounge
    6 min walk

Similar properties

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Self parking on site (CAD 7 per day)
  • RV/bus/truck parking on site
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking available

Food and drink

  • Daily full breakfast available 6:30 AM to 10:30 AM for a fee: CAD 20 per person
  • 2 restaurants
  • A bar/lounge
  • Snack bar/deli

Restaurants on site

  • Eave Restaurant & Bar
  • The Crown Cafe & Bar

Things to do

  • Gym
  • Hot tub
  • Indoor pool
  • Ski storage
  • TV in common areas
  • Waterslide

Family friendly

  • In-room crib
  • In-room refrigerator
  • Indoor pool
  • Laundry facilities
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)
  • Snack bar/deli
  • Waterslide

Conveniences

  • 24-hour front desk
  • ATM
  • Free newspapers in lobby
  • Laundry facilities
  • Luggage storage
  • Safe at front desk
  • Vending machine

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Multilingual staff
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Proposal/romance packages
  • Wedding services

Business services

  • 24-hour business center
  • 5 meeting rooms
  • Computer station
  • Conference center (6,300 square feet of space)

Outdoors

  • On the boardwalk/promenade
  • On the waterfront

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Assistive listening devices
  • Braille/raised signage
  • Elevator
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel

More

  • 1 building
  • 10 floors
  • Banquet hall
  • Built in 1987
  • Smoking not allowed

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Blackout drapes
  • Free crib
  • Pillow menu
  • Pillowtop mattress
  • Premium bedding
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

Bathroom

  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Shower/bathtub combination
  • Towels provided

Entertainment

  • 32-inch flat-screen TV with premium cable channels
  • MP3 dock

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Limited room service
  • Refrigerator

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Connecting rooms available
  • Desk
  • Free daily newspapers
  • Free local calls
  • Heating (climate-controlled)
  • Iron/ironing board
  • Phone
  • Safe

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 4 AM

Contactless check-in available

Express check-in available

Minimum check-in age: 19

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM

Contactless check-out available

Express check-out available

Special check-in instructions

The property charges 3 percent for credit card payments

Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival at the property

Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Guests booked in breakfast included rate plans receive breakfast for up to 2 adults who are sharing a guestroom. Breakfast fees apply for additional guests.

Guests booked in dinner included rate plans receive dinner for up to 2 adults who are sharing a guestroom. Dinner fees apply for additional guests.

Renovations and closures

The following facilities or services will be unavailable from January 30 2026 to August 29 2026 (dates subject to change):
  • Fitness facilities

Access methods

Staffed front desk

Pets

Pets allowed for an extra charge of CAD 35 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay)

Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees

Welcoming dogs and cats only

2 total (up to 50 lbs per pet)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Children up to the age of 18 years can stay for free if using existing beds when occupying the parent or guardian's room

Rollaway/extra beds are available for CAD 10.0 per night

Free cribs are available on request at the property

Property payment types

Important information

Fees

You'll be asked to pay the following charges at the property. Fees may include applicable taxes:

  • Service fee: CAD 3.45 per accommodation, per night

We have included all charges provided to us by the property.

Optional extras

  • Fee for full breakfast: approximately CAD 20 per person
  • Self parking fee: CAD 7 per day
  • Pet fee: CAD 35 per accommodation (varies based on length of stay)
  • Service animals are exempt from fees
  • Rollaway bed fee: CAD 10.0 per night
  • Credit card charges are subject to a surcharge of 3 percent

The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards; cash is not accepted
Safety features at this property include a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, and a first aid kit
This property affirms that it follows the cleaning and disinfection practices of Clean Promise (IHG)
Please note that cultural norms and guest policies may differ by country and by property; the policies listed are provided by the property
Property Registration Number STR2526T8600

We should mention

Pool access available from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation
Children under 18 years old are not allowed in the swimming pool, fitness facility, or hot tub without adult supervision
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly)

Property class

This property has received its official star rating from Canada Select.

Frequently asked questions

Does Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront by IHG have a pool?

Yes, this property has an indoor pool. Pool access is from 6:00 AM–10:00 PM.

Is Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront by IHG pet-friendly?

Yes, this hotel allows cats and dogs (limit 2 total) with a maximum weight of up to 50 lbs per pet. There's a fee of CAD 35 per accommodation, per day. Service animals are exempt from fees.

How much is parking?

Self parking is available for CAD 7 per day.

What time is check-in at Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront by IHG?

Check-in start time: 4:00 PM; Check-in end time: 4 AM.

What time is check-out at Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront by IHG?

Check-out is at 11 AM.

Where is Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront by IHG located?

Located in the heart of Sydney, this hotel is steps from Sydney Waterfront Boardwalk and Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design. St. George's Church & Cemetery and Cape Breton Centre for Heritage and Science are also within 10 minutes.

Can I cancel my reservation for free and receive a full refund?

Yes, this property offers free cancellation on select room rates, because flexibility matters! Please refer to the property cancellation policy on our site for more details about any exclusions or requirements.

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Reviews

Holiday Inn Sydney - Waterfront by IHG Reviews

8.2

Very Good

8.2

Cleanliness

8.0

Amenities

8.6

Staff & service

7.6

Property conditions & facilities
Rating 10 - Excellent. 447 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 284 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 153 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 70 out of 1003 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 49 out of 1003 reviews

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Gabriela

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Excellent stay, very kind and helpful staff.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Paula

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Easy check in, staff was very helpful, right on the waterfront, walkable to eateries.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Candace

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Very nice hotel in fantastic location. Staff were lovely and so friendly. Kids loved the pool. Will stay again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

William

Liked: Amenities
Breakfast & staff were so great. Nice to wake up with smiling staff.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Courtney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
It was a blast the food was great and the staff were lovely
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Kelly

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Breakfast was great.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

nita

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Loved our stay! The staff were all very helpful and welcoming and we felt very well taken care of. Our room was clean and beautiful and we loved the harbour view from our room. We rented a car to tour the island and there was ample parking. Although it was easy walking distance to restaurants and pubs and a variety of shops.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Jessica

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Welcoming and helpful staff. Building currently under renovations so some impact on cleanliness of space. Would recommend and will visit again.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Peter

Liked: Staff & service
Hotel is being renovated. Staff were really good and helpful.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Serge

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
staff and parking were great
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Denis

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
The hotel is under renovation so it is u nderstandable that the carpets are old but they were filthy and looked as yho they hadn't been vacuumed for ages. The staff were great and the breakfast was good and great value for money. The room was very nice and had a gorgeous view
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ruth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Overall our trip was very good , perfect location . But one thing at the time we stayed the gym is not available under renovations. The breakfast place the crown , was not the best some foods are not fresh and servers are not friendly and accommodating. Parking was ok enough to accommodate guest .
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Pratap Prakash

Liked: Staff & service
Safe did not work, desklamp didnt work - Not serious enough for us to complain just an annoyance. Hotel is being renovated so things maybe better once done. Nice location and all else was good.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Deanna

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We had a harbor view and were upgraded to a king suite. I loved the extra space. Helpful front desk. In a good area for the boardwalk and restaurants. We enjoyed the stay.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Donald

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities
great location easy access and food is fantastic
Stayed 1 night in Feb 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Tim

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
It was a good hotel, great location. The grandkids loved the pool. The hotel is clean, but the hotel was under construction. The parking lot needs to be paved and stairs repaired from parking lot A to B.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Margaret

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness
Room had a mouse in it. Staff were responsive and changed rooms quickly.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Maureen

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
For very obvious reasons this hotel in under renovations. The shower took 5 minutes to heat up, the elevators are slow and the rooms itself are in need of a serious update. On the positive side, Kirsten at the front desk was a gem and the pool with the big slide was really fun for the young and old. The Crown restaurant staff are really friendly and the food was good. Breakfast was great, hot and cold options.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Kyle

Liked: Staff & service, amenities
Would recommend staying at this hotel once all renovations are completed. Buffet breakfast was delicious. Parking was super close and convenient. Staff were super helpful and polite. Our hotel view was nice as well! However, I found the place as a whole needed a good deep cleaning. Perhaps this was because they’re doing renovations. We stayed on the 7th floor and that floor was in need of some TLC.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2026
Verified review

6/10 Okay

Greg

Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities
Overall, found the site needing / or conducting renovations. Badly needed for this aged facility. Definitely not worth the $$$$. The restaurant had a good menu and friendly staff. As was the front desk.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Sheila

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We stayed one night and enjoyed the pool. The staff were friendly and we had a lovely view of Sydney harbour. Only complaints are the air circulation in the room. The bathroom smelled funny as the moisture was not ventilated out of the room and it was difficult to sleep due to feeling sticky in the room. The hot tub as well, only one jet worked but other than that, served our needs for the one night.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2026
Verified review

8/10 Good

Donald

Liked: Cleanliness, amenities
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
Great Staff and the 2 restaurants had great food
Harbour View 6th floor King Bed
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2025
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities
Staff & location were great!
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2025
Verified review

4/10 Poor

Lynette

Disliked: Staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful view of the waterfront and easy access to the boardwalk. The reception staff clearly lacked training on customer service in a hospitality environment - unwelcoming and unfriendly. The hotel was in desperate need of updating. Parking was challenging with limited spaces for the number of guests. Self service laundry was very limited given the number of guests and travellers - we had to use a laundromat in Baddeck. Very disappointed for the high price paid for two nights. We followed our stay with a night at the Holiday Inn Express in Stellarton and were relieved that the experience was very pleasantly the complete opposite.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2026
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Ashley

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
New renovated room. Friendly staff. Great location.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2026