Lori Henry is a freelance travel writer based in Vancouver, Canada. She writes about cultural dance, indigenous cultures, outdoor adventures and wellness around the world.
Parlour Room at the DesBarres Manor Inn, a Nova Scotia Hotel in Canada.
I stepped back into present time after being swept back to the turn of the century at Sherbrooke Village and made my way to the eastern corner of Nova Scotia. A small town called Guysborough seemed pretty unassuming, but it had an accommodation in it that looked really nice from its website.
So off I went on this 8-day Nova Scotia trip to find out if a place called DesBarres Manor Inn was as good as they advertised it online. Once I got to Guysborough on highway 16, I followed the small signs to the accommodation.
Dining Room at the DesBarres Manor Inn, a Nova Scotia Hotel in Canada.
This gorgeous 1837 house, which was once the home of Justice W.F. DesBarres (his grandfather founded Sydney in Cape Breton and was a world renowned explorer in his day), is set back from the street with a circular driveway and elegant frontage.
Stepping inside the house, graceful chandeliers and furnishings adorn the space. A comfortable parlour room has a public computer, interesting books, games and rare maps charted by J.W.F. DesBarres. (This is also where the Nova Scotia hotel serves their complimentary Taste of Nova Scotia reception, complete with cocktails and wine.)
Dinner by Chef Shaun Zwarun at the DesBarres Manor Inn, a Nova Scotia hotel in Canada.
The rooms are all different in shape and size, but have the same luxury theme going on. Some have four-poster beds, others sloping roofs; some have fireplaces and all have delicious bathrooms (my bed in the Cook Room completely zonked me out for the night).
Dining is also top notch. Cape Breton-born Chef Shaun Zwarun definitely knows what he’s doing. He gets some of his ingredients from the garden outside and keeps his award-winning dishes casual. They’re not cheap (my sage crusted north Atlantic halibut with lemon thyme risotto asparagus and warm roasted red pepper vinaigrette was $28 CAD), but a dinner this good is worth the expense.
Breakfast by Chef Shaun Zwarun at the DesBarres Manor Inn, a Nova Scotia hotel in Canada.
I couldn’t manage dessert but was brought a taster chocolate treat that literally melted in my mouth. How I said no to the frangelico white chocolate brulée (crème brulée and chocolate are my two favourite desserts, but I’ve never had them together!) still has me shaking my head, but I’ll have to go back to try it out.
Breakfast- a cheese and chive omelette with fruit, toast and potatoes- was just as lovely, with a fresh flower always adorning every plate. What an exceptional stay.
What I liked:
The old world, upscale charm of the inn.
The impeccable service held up to the 4.5 Canada Select stars but didn’t lose the Nova Scotian hospitality.
Food that was clearly fine dining, yet forgot the pretence.
Warm staff throughout my stay.
Luxury rooms that rival the quality in any big city.
It’s really difficult not to like the DesBarres Manor
Sandy on September 13, 2009 at 12:35 pm
We booked 3 nights at the DesBarres Manor, a 2 night gourmet package and an additional night. We made our dinner reservations ahead for all 3 nights.
When we checked in the first room we were shown to, the Sable room, was very dusty, smelled stale and the bed spread was visably dirty. Someone elses clothes were in the closet and someone elses hair was in the bathroom.
I spoke to the young woman at the front desk and was offered room 5, which smelled and looked cleaner. So, I accepted.
The staff & the manager, Audrey, are lovely, the Inn is beautiful, the beds are comfortable and the food is delicious — even heavenly.
However, we checked in on Friday and our room has not been vacumed or dusted since we checked in. There are dustballs & dirt in the corners & lint on the rugs.
Today is Sunday — the bathroom sink and tub were not cleaned today even though we were gone several hours and the bed was made.
The toiletries (soap and lotion)have not been replaced.
At this price, I expect my room to be cleaned each day and at the very least for the soap to be replaced in the shower.
Oh my, Sandy, that’s pretty bad. I’m honestly quite surprised. Thanks for adding a different viewpoint. I hope the rest of your trip in Nova Scotia goes better.
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Hi there,
Cynthia from Nova Scotia Tourism here. I also stayed in the Cook room. Aww that bed was heavenly. My daughter talked and talked about how comfortable.
Thanks for sharing…this describes the DeBarres Manor Inn perfectly.
Cynthia
It’s really difficult not to like the DesBarres Manor
We booked 3 nights at the DesBarres Manor, a 2 night gourmet package and an additional night. We made our dinner reservations ahead for all 3 nights.
When we checked in the first room we were shown to, the Sable room, was very dusty, smelled stale and the bed spread was visably dirty. Someone elses clothes were in the closet and someone elses hair was in the bathroom.
I spoke to the young woman at the front desk and was offered room 5, which smelled and looked cleaner. So, I accepted.
The staff & the manager, Audrey, are lovely, the Inn is beautiful, the beds are comfortable and the food is delicious — even heavenly.
However, we checked in on Friday and our room has not been vacumed or dusted since we checked in. There are dustballs & dirt in the corners & lint on the rugs.
Today is Sunday — the bathroom sink and tub were not cleaned today even though we were gone several hours and the bed was made.
The toiletries (soap and lotion)have not been replaced.
At this price, I expect my room to be cleaned each day and at the very least for the soap to be replaced in the shower.
Oh my, Sandy, that’s pretty bad. I’m honestly quite surprised. Thanks for adding a different viewpoint. I hope the rest of your trip in Nova Scotia goes better.