DesBarres Manor Inn

Overall this was a treat of an experience. We booked a 'romance package' which included a deluxe room (Wolfe room) for two nights, three course dinner on one of the nights and a spirits tasing experience. Heartily recommend going for this whole experience. Room was spacious and comfortable. Staff were welcoming and friendly. Meeting them was a real highlight. The dinner was a really fantastic experience, so glad we did that. Don't hesitate to book for dinner or you will miss out. Guests travelling to the area should be aware that there is not a lot to do in Guysborough. There is only one restaurant which is an informal pizza-type establishment. Seems there is more activity in the summer (July/August) but we didn't get to experience it. There is an interesting local museum/visitor info spot next door at the historic courthouse that is run by a local curator who is great to talk to. Very happy we stayed. A few small fixes would make this property exceptional - carpets need replacing in some areas and some general minor maintenance (our toilet did not seem to be firmly attached to the floor). A nice hot breakfast included would make this the boutique experience one would expect from a romantic manor house. Book this Inn. Also visit the connected distillery down the road and check out all the local alcoholic and nonalcoholic products. We brought some of both home to the West Coast.

The DesBarres Manor Inn is a very old inn with antique furnishings. The small staff of three ladies look after everything from check in, to cleaning, to cooking and serving breakfast and dinner in the large dining room. The staff could not have been any kinder or friendlier. They were so helpful and we felt like we had known them forever. Our room on the front of the second floor of the inn was very spacious. The bed linens were probably the nicest we have ever experienced in a hotel setting and we have traveled all over the world. The very high thread count and sheen made for a very comfortable sleep on a pillow top bed. The wifi had a strong signal. We stayed three week nights. On one of those nights, we were the only guests in the inn and we realized after coming back from dinner that evening, we were the only people in the building. It seemed a bit odd that there was no staff there during the night but it was fine, and obviously they are very trusting of their guests! There were not really any negatives, but if I were to make any suggestions to the innkeeper, it would be to offer a more substantial and hot breakfast each morning to the guests. Breakfast is included in the room rate. We were offered the same basic continental breakfast each day - coffee, OJ, small yogurt tubs, cold cereal, a tiny bit of one choice of fruit and tiny bites of cheese. The only hot offering was toast upon request.

We reserved a room at the sister property The Distillery House and had reservations for dinner at the DesBarres Manor Inn. We checked in at the Distillery House tasting room and were looking forward to doing a tasting in the very nice, air conditioned tasting room. We then went across the street to our room. It was a very humid 85F / 30C summer day. It had no air conditioning and was hotter than outside. We asked if the Des Barres Manor Inn had air conditioning. We were told no. We asked for our money back and were told no, that the website said it had no air conditioning. Screen shots of the web site showed no such thing. The room was so hot we immediately knew we were walking away from our paid room. Which we did.

My wife and I had our adult son and girlfriend and headed to Cape Breton for the week. I thought an afternoon sipping rum at Seaside down the street and finishing the evening with a 5 course meal and night at this historic inn would be a great start and it was. The rooms were massive yet the vintage intact and comfortable. Make sure you make time for drinks in the lounge before dinner. The personal attention and the use of all local sources for dinner were amazing. We all enjoyed the experience and was definitely worth the side trip.

Wow what a beautiful house and property. We were fortunate to have the place to ourselves. The staff working here were very friendly and made you feel at home. Our room was on the second floor and it was beautifully decorated with a large bathroom. Dinner in the dining room was delicious.

We found the DesBarres Inn through a travel reporter who praised the food and the inn. Well, the food was fantastic, our room large and beautifully appointed (Room 1) and the bed extremely comfortable. What made this stay perfect was the staff. Somehow they managed to balance professionalism with kindness and warmth. We felt so welcomed! I think that is the best part of a stay is when you are greeted, and treated, as a valued guest. These people were the best example of how an inn should be run. We will never forget what gracious people they are and how we will value them as one more example of the good people of Nova Scotia. Thank you so much to Anna, Bonnie, Jill and John for making this a most memorable stop on our journey. I hope that we shall meet again!

This is not the cheapest but I loved my night in this hotel/accommodation. Wonderful historic building and it is tastefully decorated and furnished. The staff were amazing. It is tatty in places from wear and tear, such as the front steps, but for the most part it is delightful and the wonderful ladies made the stay. It's a quiet village now, some closed down places on the waterfront, but worth heading out on the coastal road and stopping here. The in house evening meal is a select menu but was wonderful. Breakfast is not a full cooked but there is plenty of selection. Nice little museum next door.

We stayed at the sister property, The Distillery House, but had dinner at the Manor. Genuinely warm, fun staff and a gorgeous, delicious meal in a beautiful white tablecloth dining room with a casual and relaxing atmosphere. If you're in Guysborough, do not miss this treasure. Calling for a reservation is highly suggested. Not that it's super busy; I believe they pretty much make their dinner hours to fit the daily customer needs.