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February 2024 by Paul J
My friend and I had a brief one-night stay at Iona Heights in October 2023. The room was very nice - nothing super fancy, but what we expected for an inn. I also felt like there was a level of consideration about how to use the space that is often lacking in other inns and motels (e.g. shelving, hooks, location of outlets in the bathroom to manage everyone’s toiletries and electric razors, etc). What blew us away was the staff at the inn and pub. I had noticed when booking that the pub did seem to be a main spot for the locals to go, and that was absolutely the case. We arrived later in the evening and decided to grab a bite to eat at the pub, which was packed as they were having a trivia night. A kind stranger made us very welcome with seats at the bar (the only ones left) and said we could join his solo trivia efforts — this turned out to be the owner of the inn and pub. I was blown away by how he looked after things there — he seemed to genuinely want everyone there to have a great time, and it showed in the connection there seemed to be among all the staff (who seemed more like a family), including with the owner, and with all the regulars. They were also having a farewell party (I believe) for one of the staff members or regulars, so later in the evening a huge spread of food was laid out (provided by the owner, who insisted we join the celebration as well). Anyway, there may have been some even more special circumstances that night with this party, but never have I been to such an immediately welcoming place. It was definitely a highlight of our trip out east! So unexpected but so enjoyable - will definitely return next time I’m in Nova Scotia. Many thanks Dan and the Iona Heights team!
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November 2023 by Maggie Chan
Beautiful inn with stunning view! We could see the sunrise living in the balcony floor. Although we had to pay extra for our breakfast (all-you-can-eat style), kids were free of charge. If you are lucky enough, there may be live music performance in the restaurant during your stay!Overall we had a wonderful stay in Iona Heights Inn!Nearby activities: There’s a basketball court in the site. You can also play boardgames inside the restaurant
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November 2023 by Megan L
The view from the rooms are stunning. Staff are so generous and kind, and the food is great. What a beautiful community here, excited to come back!Rooms: Rooms are lovely, clean, amazing view and good amount of space!Food & drinks: Good variety, great quality
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October 2023 by Bryant Smith
This is a small, budget friendly, privately owned property, like many in this area where the big corporate operators are thankfully not present around there. Rooms are small but sufficient, arranged so they all have a nice view of the water. Get an upstairs room if you can for a balcony and better view. It’s right off a main road but the road was very lightly traveled so no noise issue. Rooms are very clean, and the property is overall well kept. Beds are decently comfortable, room decoration minimal but ok, and has a nice size mini-fridge, but no microwave. There’s a small desk, but no dresser or chest of drawers in our room, an odd choice for a vacation property. Not much place to store clothing except hangers. The bathtub surface is quite slippery, and the tub has no handrails. This caused one of our party to fall and get pretty badly hurt. He’s elderly and already had difficulty moving. However, the hotel staff was super responsive. They got grab bars installed in the bath the next day, and also got mats for all the bathtubs on the property. Great show on that! Our room had a slight smell of old cigarette smoke when we walked in, which we stopped noticing after a bit. It appears pretty recently renovated, and must’ve been a smoking room in the past. (Lingering tobacco smell is damn near impossible to get rid of.)The pub is delightful, with local musicians there jamming on fiddles, guitars, and piano one evening we were there (a Sunday.) Food is quite good, very reasonably priced, much of it locally sourced, and service is friendly. Good selection of local beers, and quality coffee. They have a big, and good, traditional breakfast buffet in the morning, way better than the typical chain hotels and reasonably priced, but that’s the only breakfast option on site. Other breakfast places are nearby. Overall I highly recommend.
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September 2023 by Jatin Sharma
Very dirty rooms, bathrooms and bed sheets with stains and clorine smell.Bathrooms smells very badly.Beds were not organised. Booked two similar rooms but got one as per booking and pictures in booking and another one different.Staff is friendly and welcomingLocation is also very nice with awesome view.But disappointed just beacuse of cleaniness.
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August 2023 by Niroshan Udith Bandara
We were there for one night. Rooms are clean and good. This is a pet friendly place and my dog loved this place. Has a breathtaking view. Service was good. Has enough parking. Breakfast serves for $14 per person and is reasonable. Recommend this place with five stars.
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August 2023 by Shelley Cooke
I love this place. We stayed here on our way to Newfoundland from Ontario, and changed reservations on the way back so we could stay here again. The rooms are clean and beautiful, and the pub has great food and beer. This place will always be on my list of places to stay whilst on the east coast.
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August 2023 by MatthewbMoore
My wife and I stayed with our daughter and the Inn continues to be our favorite place to stay in Cape Breton. The rooms are incredible, and the owners go out of their way to make the stay comfy. The pub staff/cooks also do an exceptional job. Cannot say enough about this gem!!
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July 2023 by Amy F
Amazing place! The rooms were nicely decorated, the beds comfy with all the necessities. The balcony overlooking lake was gorgeous. The pub was fun with a wonderful buffet style breakfast. The owners were super nice who went above and beyond to help us. I recommend staying here and will definitely be back!
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July 2023 by Maggie Valente
We arrived super late and luckily the owner was still there and they'd had a cancelation. We were so grateful. The room was beautiful and clean. The view outside is to die for. Would highly recommend!
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June 2023 by Tori Dawson
Extremely friendly staff, pristine rooms with cloud like beds. Buffet style breakfast to boot! Really enjoy our stay and will make this a regular haunt in Cape Breton. Pet friendly as well!
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June 2023 by Samson Photography
This place is worth the price! We were here to photograph a wedding and arrived late, the owner greeted us and got us checked in and invited us back to the hotel bar which was hopping. The rooms leave a little to be desired but if you're here it's not to be in the hotel room so we definitely didn't mind. I loved it, I even bought the merch. Look forward to returning!
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June 2023 by Jennifer Delorey
A true Cape Breton experience and Awesome spot. The hotel itself is comfortable and clean, add to that the frolic and folk pub attached and this spot is a full win! The staff are knowledgeable and inviting, we have always been made to feel welcome. We have been back several times over the years and will continue coming for years to come!Rooms: Rooms are rustic and very comfortable. Great night's rest.Food & drinks: Local drink selection is bang in and the food pares perfectly. We have over 10 years in the restaurant industry this ticks all the boxes
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June 2023 by Susan Heximer
We felt so lucky to have booked two nights at this lovely inn during the shoulder season mid-May before things get really busy.Every single staff member was kind and courteous. Our dinner-time server went to the trouble - on a very busy night during the Leafs playoff game 4- of giving us tips of places to hike near Baddeck.We had very nice dinners with local beer on tap and buffet breakfasts with both hot and cold options and plenty of good coffee.Our second floor room was spotless and well-maintained, and afforded a full view of the lake which can be enjoyed in the sun on the balcony in the morning.I would love to return and will definitely stay here again.
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June 2023 by Jill King
I had an excellent stay here during the off season- one of the only places at a good price open on the Island during early May. The rooms are nice and overlook the water. All at such a good price. Everyone working there was amazing and the Pub attached had great food and beer. Highly recommend!
