at the heart of Sydney
Heritage Boutique Hotel
The Royal Hotel is a historic landmark.
Built as the Royal Hotel in 1785, this remarkable building has always kept its original purpose.
We are humbly the oldest established business on beautiful Cape Breton Island... and are indubitably a remarquable Canadian icon.
Step into the Royal Hotel and be transported to a bygone era, where the architecture and vintage decor create a truly unique ambience...
Staying here...
Immerse yourself into a distinctive reality, quite similar to entering the world of the old 1900’s, and witnessing its evolution through the years.
From the main floor a massive staircase will lead you to the second and third floors. There are located the beautiful rooms of our boutique hotel.
The Royal Hotel offers 9 unique suites, each depicting a rustic feel... allowing for the natural beauty of time to shine by sharing its story.
Come for a stay and take part of our Royal Hotel family, for we are a very personalized hotel and together we forge memories, and create history.
Questions & Answers (1-10)
1. Where is the Royal Hotel located?
The Royal Hotel is located in the heart of Sydney, Nova Scotia, on beautiful Cape Breton Island. We are surrounded by charming shops, the waterfront boardwalk, restaurants, and key attractions—everything is just a short walk away.
​
2. What makes the Royal Hotel unique?
Our historic building holds the history of the beginning of Sydney and beyond. We have been hosting guests since 1785, the premises have been lovingly restored, featuring a blend of timeless elegance and boutique hospitality. Each room is individually styled, preserving the hotel’s heritage while offering today’s comfort and convenience.
​
3. Is breakfast included with the stay?
We offer breakfast! Guests can enjoy a delightful breakfast each morning for $15/guest. We serve a full hot breakfast and it is always fresh, delicious, and thoughtfully prepared.
​
4. Do you offer free parking?
Yes, complimentary parking is available for guests.
​
5. Do you offer special discounts?
We have three types of very attractive discounts:
Stay for 3 days and save 10%
Stay for 7 nights and save 20%
Stay for 2 weeks and get 30% off!
6. Do you have private bathrooms in every room?
Absolutely. Each room includes its own modern and exceptionally clean private bathroom.
7. Are pets allowed?
At this time we are not able to accommodate pets. We do have a cute toy poodle and an affectionate Siamese cat that live on premises and guests are welcome to pet them. Unfortunately, our pets prefer not seeing other pets.
8. What is the check-in procedure?
The front door always stays locked. Ideally someone will be there to greet you. You will receive your personal 4 digit keycode (the same code to unlock both, the front door and your private room). Please remove your exterior shoes upon entering. Check-in starts at 4pm.
9. Can we cook a meal at the hotel?
You can enjoy our convenient kitchenette. It is equipped with a microwave, an airfryer, a toaster oven, an ice machine and a kettle. You will also find silverware as well as disposable plates and bowls. Each room has its own mini-fridge.
10. Is Wi-Fi included?
Yes. We offer fast, free Wi-Fi throughout the entire hotel.
Welcome to the Royal Hotel
To ensure everyone enjoys a peaceful stay, please follow these simple guidelines:
Questions & Answers (11-20)
11. Are there restaurants and things to do nearby?
So many! We are steps away from the boardwalk, live music venues, the new waterfront development, great dining, coffee shops, artisan shopping, scenic drives, and ferry access to Newfoundland. Cape Breton’s world-famous Cabot Trail is also an easy day trip.
​
12. Are the rooms newly renovated?
Yes. Every guest room has been beautifully refreshed and updated while maintaining the character and warmth that define the Royal Hotel.
13. Is the Royal Hotel suitable for special occasions or celebrations?
Definitely. Our hotel is a favorite for romantic getaways, anniversaries, milestone birthdays, elopements, and celebrations of life. If you’re planning something special, we are happy to help make it memorable.
14. Do you offer long-term or extended stays?
Yes. We welcome extended-stay with special seasonal or weekly pricing options. Contact us directly for details.
15. How far is the Royal Hotel from the Cabot Trail?
We are a perfect starting point (or ending point!) for the Cabot Trail. It’s an ideal day trip if you are staying with us for a few days as your Cape Breton base.
​​
16. How do I book a room?
You can book directly online through our website (for best prices), or contact us by phone or email. We are always delighted to assist with reservations.
​​
17. Is the hotel quiet at night?
Yes. The Royal Hotel offers a peaceful and relaxing environment. Many guests tell us they sleep better here than at home!
18. Do you serve alcohol at the hotel?
Yes, we do. Guests are welcome to enjoy a selection of wine, spirits, and drinks onsite. You are also welcome to bring your own alcohol to enjoy in your room or in our common areas, as long as it is consumed responsibly.
19. Do you have any rules at the hotel?
We like to keep things simple and relaxed. We just ask for a few courtesies to help keep the hotel peaceful and comfortable for everyone:
-Please remove exterior shoes when entering.
-This is a quiet house, so we appreciate guests being mindful of noise when moving around.
-And please keep the front door locked at all times for everyone’s comfort and safety.
20. How close are you to the cruise ship terminal, ferry, and airport?
Whether you arrive by cruise ship, ferry or plane, the Royal Hotel offers a central and convenient base — easy walking distance from the cruise terminal, reasonable drive from the ferry, and very short drive from the airport.
-
The Cruise Ship Pavillon Terminal: It is approximately a 15 minutes walk from the Royal Hotel.
-
The Newfoundland ferry terminal is located in North Sydney: It is approximately a 20 minutes drive from the Royal Hotel.
-
Sydney’s regional Airport (YQY): It is roughly a 15-minute drive from the Royal Hotel.
Our boutique hotel
Immerse yourself in the vintage setting of the Royal Hotel and experience its rich history. Let us be your home during your visit to Sydney.
Questions & Answers (21-30)
21. Is the hotel smoke-free?
Yes, the Royal Hotel is a completely smoke-free environment.
​
22. Do we need to pay a damage deposit?
Yes. The damage deposit is $250 and must be made by credit card.
23. What are the hotel amenities?
There is a tea and coffee station on each floor, breakfast is available in the morning, ask for our drink menu, have access to a kitchenette, balconies, we have parking, a beautiful indoor fireplace, a piano, a small art gallery, etc.
​
24. Do you offer laundry services?
Yes we have laundry services onsite, $10/load washed and dried. Also a stem or traditional iron is available for guests.
​
25. Do you offer corporate or group bookings?
Yes. We can accommodate corporate travelers, small groups, workshops, family gatherings, and events. Please reach out for availability and pricing.
26. Do you have any connecting rooms?
Yes we do! You can have a two bedroom suite. The two bedrooms connect to each other by your own little private hallway. It is the same bathroom for these two bedrooms since it is a two bedroom suite.
27. Is there an elevator in the hotel?
Our establishment is not wheelchair accessible. There are five exterior steps to enter the lobby and all our rooms are located on the 2nd and 3rd floors.
28. What is the check-out procedure?
Check-out time is 11am. Please text us at 902-539-2148 to let us know you have left the premises. There is nothing special to sign upon leaving. Try not to forget anything in your room and kindly lock the front door behind you upon exiting. Thank you so much for coming here :D
29. Who do I contact if I need help?
You can always text 902-539-2148 or call directly if it is more urgent.
30. What is the cancellation policy?
Enjoy a full refund for cancellations made more than 5 days before arrival. Cancellations made within 5 days of arrival will incur a 50% charge.