History and Hospitality: Halifax Hotel Holds Special Appeal
For those travellers seeking a one-of-a-kind hotel experience that delivers big on charm and history, then The Halliburton Hotel located in downtown Halifax is just the ticket.
A distinguished past
Owner/Operator Robert Pretty describes the property as a small, elegant hotel that exudes personality. It offers 29 rooms and suites – each of which varies in size, layout and décor.
“All of our guest rooms offer in-suite bathrooms,” says Pretty. “Some offer fireplaces or balconies as well. But each is big on charm and elegance.”
Other amenities on the property include a private outdoor garden covered by a canopy of old elm trees, as well as a fireside gathering place in Sir Brenton’s library – the latter an ode to the building’s original occupant.
The Halliburton was built in 1809 as the home of Sir Brenton Halliburton, the first Chief Justice of the Nova Scotia Supreme Court. Today, the hotel constitutes the clever conversion of three freestanding, heritage townhouses.
When Pretty came upon the property back in 1992, the townhouse conversion had already been completed. It was an abandoned space looking for another chance at life.
“I had just graduated from Dalhousie with a science background,” explains Pretty. “I had worked a couple summer jobs in the hospitality industry and really enjoyed working with people so when I came across this opportunity, I thought ‘Why not?’.”
The original group behind the project hadn’t been able to make a success of it. But Pretty was confident he could. He immediately signed up for night school at St. Mary’s University and eventually earned a Masters of Business Administration.
Fast forward 30 years later and Pretty and his wife, Susan, have managed to create a one-of-a-kind guest experience for people from all over Canada and beyond. Their two children are also on hand to help out in the summer months.
“We’re still very much a family business,” says Pretty. “But in no sense could we have made it work without the rest of the team. There’s a real sense of family here that extends beyond us to include our staff and our guests.”
The hotel staff typically sits at around 20 but will grow to around 26 during the summer months.
“It can be very challenging to keep human resources in the hospitality industry,” says Pretty. “We feel so fortunate to have the team that we have. We really do have a great group of people, many of whom have been here for quite a few years.”
That personal experience
Guests at The Halliburton Hotel also have the opportunity to dine at one of the province’s few remaining white-linen restaurants. Stories has long been a mainstay of the hotel. Chef Scott – a 25-year veteran of the property – has developed a stellar reputation for creating a dynamic mix of seafood, game and organic plates.
“We get a lot of locals in the restaurant as well,” adds Pretty. “Many come in to celebrate special events. And we also have a lot of businesses that take advantage of the restaurant.”
Although those few years of ownership may have been a struggle for Pretty and his team, their perseverance has paid off. Today, The Halliburton Hotel has built up a loyal following of guests who continue to spread the word of this unique, one-of-a-kind guest experience.
- Eastern Hotelier Magazine