The Waverley Inn: Victorian Elegance in the Heart of Halifax

Source: By JENNIFER KENT, AOL.ca

Posted: 05/25/09 3:05PM

Filed Under: Canada Travel Guide

Strolling down the narrow confines of Halifax's Barrington Street on a misty, Maritime evening, hemmed in by the imposing facade of centuries-old buildings while the fog winds itself around street-lamps and sign-posts, it’s easy to imagine that you have been transported back to 19th century London. Indeed, one almost expects to see the hawk-nosed profile of Sherlock Holmes silhouetted behind a window-blind.

This sense of being in another more sophisticated world is cemented upon entering the foyer of the Waverley Inn at 1266 Barrington Street. An elegant staircase, lit by glittering chandeliers and accented by graceful statuettes and Victorian antiques and portraits, beckons guests into the refinement of a by-gone era.

Beneath your feet, built into the meticulously polished hardwood floor, is a crest with an intricately-fashioned pineapple at its centre, circumscribed with the words “Waverley Inn 1876.”

Why a pineapple? you ask (as you suddenly remember that there is also a pineapple on the sign hanging outside as well). Because, my inquisitive friends, the pineapple has long been a symbol of both hospitality and prosperity... two qualities that pretty much define the Waverly Inn.

The hospitality factor is immediately evident as the pleasant desk clerk points out a meticulously laid-out tray of hot coffee, tea and sweets, ready and waiting for arriving guests. The steaming drinks are the perfect antidote to drive away the damp chill wrought by the fog. Fortified with caffeine and cakes, guests may well find themselves galvanized to explore the Inn before heading out to sample the Halifax night-life. And the Inn certainly invites exploration.

A labyrinth of passageways and stairwells makes the Waverley feel like a mysterious English mansion in an Enid Blyton novel. Victorian antiques, art and artifacts bedeck every nook and cranny (of which there are many) including aristocratic grandfather clocks, elegant umbrella stands, intricately-carved settees, chairs, writing desks, cabinets, etc.

Wide, well-lit, hardwood hallways prevent the Waverley from feeling cramped or dark, however, despite its many twists and turns. For those who love antiques (or anything British for that matter), the Waverley is a treasure-trove.

History

The Waverley Inn is steeped in history, being built in 1866 by a wealthy Halifax merchant and his wife, Mr. And Mrs. Edward Chipman. The Chipmans were prominent socialites and the residence was built with the intention of hosting high-society dances and social functions. However, the Chipmans fell on hard financial times and lost the property to auction a mere three years after moving in. The house ultimately wound up in the hands of two sisters, Sarah and Jane Roman, who turned it into one of Halifax’s finest residential hotels.

The Waverly has attracted many high-society and celebrity guests over the years, the most flamboyant of whom was indubitably the witty and wayward Irish writer, Oscar Wilde. Arriving in Halifax on his North American tour, Wilde was asked at Customs if he had anything to declare. “Nothing but my genius...!” was his legendary response.

Guests may now stay in the “Oscar Wilde Room” at the Waverley. Another well-known guest was P.T. Barnum of Barnum and Bailey Circus fame. Indeed, at the turn of the century, the Waverly guest book read like a who’s who of Nova Scotia society, listing prominent politicians, merchants, and businessmen of the era among its regular guests.

Nearby Attractions

Visitors to the Waverley will appreciate its central location. It is an easy to walk many of Halifax’s most famous attractions, including Citadel Hill, the Waterfront Boardwalk, Historic Properties, Pier 21, the Halifax Metro Centre, the Alexander Keith Brewery, the Public Gardens and the Farmer’s market. Halifax’s famous Spring Garden Road - a hub of exquisite shopping and excellent eateries - is just a few blocks over. History buffs will appreciate the Titanic exhibits at the excellent Maritime Museum.

Popular day trips to places like Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay and the Annapolis Valley are also an easy drive from the Waverley’s downtown location. Business travellers will find the Inn is conveniently close to the major conference hotels, the World Trade Centre, the Cunard Centre and a number of universities and learning institutions.

Rooms & Rates

Rooms at the Waverley vary in cost from about $129 per night to $319 per night for the luxurious Premier Suites. Sumptuously decorated, spacious rooms with a king-sized, ornate feather bed, luxurious linens and a full en suite with Jacuzzi, the Premier suites also come with a dozen complimentary long-stemmed roses, a bar fridge and a hand-delivered basket of gourmet goodies.

TV, wireless internet, telephone, hair-dryers and air conditioning are standard in all rooms. The more modest traditional rooms can be quite cozy in size but this is made up for by the sheer delight that comes from sleeping in the most comfortable bed you are ever likely to find in a hotel. And despite the tight quarters of the smaller rooms, the attention to detail and the exquisite furnishing of each room still makes you feel like you are staying in the lap of luxury.

One caveat: most of the Waverley’s rooms are only accessible by stairway, so those with mobility issues should inquire before booking.

Getting There

The Waverley Inn is located on the edge of Downtown Halifax on the quieter, south end of Barrington Street, one of the City’s main thoroughfares. Located between Morris and South Streets, the number is 1266 Barrington.

The Halifax International Airport is only 35 minutes away and a variety of shuttle and taxi services provide regular runs between the airport and downtown Halifax. The Train Station is only two blocks from the Waverly Inn.

Halifax Hospitality

The staff at the Waverley are friendly and knowledgeable and quick to provide directions and recommendations with regards local attractions, entertainment and restaurants.

The Inn’s unique and attentive atmosphere, plus its central location on the pulse of the City, makes visitors feel like they are truly a part of the Halifax experience...and of its history, as well.

To book a room: Go to www.waverleyinn.com