Whale Cove Inn

A Disappointing Stay in the Basement Suite at Whale Cove Inn Our time in the "Basement Suite" at Whale Cove Inn was quite a letdown, to put it mildly. Right from the start, it was clear that the reality didn't match up with the expectations. Despite the fancy name, this place fell short in so many ways. Frankly, it was disgusting. When we walked in, the place felt damp and stuffy, and we couldn't even open the window because the screen (on the single window in the space) had holes in it. The blinds were broken, so we couldn't even get privacy from the family staying directly across from us. The kitchenette area was a mess. Everything was filthy, like it hadn't been cleaned in years. The handles on the cupboards were sticky, which was pretty gross. The bedroom was even worse. The bedside lamp didn't even have a bulb in it, and the ceiling light was full of dead bugs. There were dead bugs all over the floor as well. They had put sticky paper ("mac tac") on surfaces, but it was peeling off everywhere, making the place look even worse. The bathroom had a problem with water pooling between the toilet and sink, and there was an odd piece of board covering a hole in the shower wall, barely hanging on with some caulking. There was also a water pipe running through the main hallway that was dripping water on the floor constantly. Spiders and cobwebs were practically roommates with us, and thick layers of dust were everywhere. It was pretty clear that cleaning and upkeep were not high on their list of priorities. Even outside, the so-called "sitting area with firepit & bbq" was a disaster. The BBQs were old, rusty, and covered in cobwebs and bugs. It was like they hadn't been used in ages. The sofa in the living area had a large glob of something sticky on the armrest – it looked like gum, but who knows. And it was so filthy that it seemed like it had been there for ages, gathering dirt. This inn prides itself on being the closest accommodation to the ferry to Brier Island. However, given our experience, I would strongly suggest considering alternatives, even if they're slightly farther away in Digby. While proximity is a plus, it's essential to prioritize a comfortable and pleasant stay over convenience. In short, our experience at the basement suite of Whale Cove Inn was far from pleasant. It felt like they hadn't properly maintained, or even cleaned, the place in a long time. If you're considering staying here, I strongly urge you to seek alternative accommodations, as this place is truly disgusting and should be avoided at all costs.

Nice one night stay in the Cove Inn. It is a house that is shared among 4 very nice rooms with a half bath in each room; there is a large shared full washroom. The beds were comfortable and the rooms clean. The shared kitchen, dining area and living room were clean and large areas. The Inn/campground in a unique and rustic area and little fun quirks abound. I would like a few more things in the kitchen napkins, salt and pepper, but otherwise very well stocked. We enjoyed a sunset from the front step and had a nice fire. Very private as it is a quiet time of year.

1) They asked for my review through their booking system. They didn’t like my review, so they removed my booking from the booking system in order to remove my review! So they’re purposely removing bad reviews in order to trick customers into thinking the reviews are all good. VERY deceptive business practice! 2) When I booked, I told them I could book through Booking . com cheaper than their standard rate because I get a “Genius discount” online. The lady who runs the place told me they would give me the same deal if I pay them directly. When I arrived, she refused to give the discount. Why should I pay more booking DIRECTLY than through a 3rd party website??? I was trying to do them a favour by saving them the commission they would have had to pay the website, and they thanked me by cheating me (by overcharging me). VERY deceptive business practice! 3) The basement apartment didn’t come with shampoo, soap, or TOILET PAPER! This is the ONLY accommodation in Nova Scotia that didn’t provide these things. We stayed at 5 different places as we travelled throughout the province and EVERYONE provided these basic amenities. And where can you get toilet paper in the middle of nowhere at 9pm at night? Nowhere! 4) Apartment STANK like mold. They left the windows open before arrival to try to keep it aired out. Didn’t work. I have asthma and an allergy to mold. Not telling me in advance this apartment had lots of mold was a huge health hazard. I had to take pills. 5) They said they sell ice. Ice machine was broken. Where can you buy ice in the middle of nowhere? You can’t. And the fridge didn’t even have a freezer in it. So food that should not have defrosted ended up defrosted. This is the only accommodation in Nova Scotia that didn’t have a fridge/freezer in the room. 6) No window covering on the entrance door, which leads directly to… the bathroom and bedroom. This is great if you’re a nudist, but otherwise this is not appropriate. Many people are walking right outside and can see in. 7) The blinds on the bedroom window are broken. I had to cover a big hole in the blinds with a towel so people couldn’t see in. I could go on, but why bother. We stayed there for 1 night and it was 1 night too many. The location was convenient to where the ferry lands after whale watching, but staying ANYWHERE else would have been better. We enjoyed all the hotels/motels we stayed at in Nova Scotia except for this one. Shady business practices, trying to deceive people with skewed positive reviews (which I question the authenticity of), substandard accommodations. Why would anyone want to rent this apartment?

A review with mixed feelings… I normally don’t say anything but here we go - when returning from Calgary last month we decided that this summer we want to check some things off of our bucket list this summer and have some fun with the kids. The first thing we decided to do was book a trip to the digby neck to do some hiking and see this side of the province since I never really have. I booked at the campground not only closest to the attractions we wanted to see but with the best reviews as well. So, we rent a camping trailer on their property. We get here and everything is great - from staff was friendly and l easy to get along with and seemed excited when saying we’re the first campers of the season to stay in the trailer. We get unpacked and settled and go to cook some food, open the microwave and there was moldy meat inside - yup you read that right. I go back up front and the lady at the front desk was more then apologetic and immediately upgraded us to a suite and offered us 10% of our money back. Great right? After cooking up some food we headed out on our adventure across the ferry over to Tiverton and to the balancing rock (all very near by and beautiful btw). We get back (keep in mind it’s now down pouring) and they had given us the wrong key so we cannot get in. About 15mins of trying their “after hours” number I get ahold of the owner and the promptly sends her husband to grab us the right key. So we get in and get both kids settled and ready for baths - NO hot water 🤦🏼‍♀️ so here I am again calling her. About an hour later we get a call back… The hot water heater is broken and now we have no hot water. But she is quick to offer us to go over to the suite across the lane for a shower & offer us a 100% refund of our money. Although lots went wrong, she went out of her way to do the best she could for us and explained she’s been having staffing issues and there’s been someone on their last chance for a while. I really hope they’re able to get some reliable workers as they seem like honest people who want to provide the best stay for their guests. Hopefully we’ll get to return here some day and have a better experience. I just wanted to share this experience for anyone who’s looking to stay down this way - like I said a review with mixed feelings.

Trailor very old, part of door taped, vents dirty, found mouse droppings each time we returned. Linen appeared not fresh, looked slept in, an extra blanket had large stain. No amenities other than ice. No one available at night, no one answered phone in the evening. Beach is quite a walk...about 20 min away.