The Scotsman Inn
74 Coleraine Street, Pictou, Nova Scotia B0K 1H0 Canada
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About
4.5
#1 of 4 inns in PictouLocation
Cleanliness
Service
Value
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The hotel was built in 1865 as a family home and business. It is a historic listed 4 story brick and stone building located in the heart of Pictou; yet less than 2 minutes walk to the water front, museums, the ship Hector and the marina. Shops and restaurants are right outside the front door. The rooms are furnished with beautiful furniture, artwork, and some hand made quilts. All rooms have full bathrooms en suite, free WiFi. Our rates include a continental breakfast, Free WiFi, and free private off street parking. We are happy to help with anything to make your stay more enjoyable. From dinner reservations to route planning. Just ask! Check in is between 4pm and 7pm We have no elevator so if staying only 1 night just bring in what you need for the night.
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Property amenities
Free parking
Street parking
Free High Speed Internet (WiFi)
Free breakfast
Books, DVDs, music for children
Baggage storage
Non-smoking hotel
Private check-in / check-out
Wifi
Outdoor furniture
Room features
Air purifier
Air conditioning
Walk-in shower
Complimentary toiletries
Hair dryer
Room types
Non-smoking rooms
Good to know
HOTEL CLASS
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Mid-range
Charming
Languages Spoken
English, French, Spanish
Location
74 Coleraine Street, Pictou, Nova Scotia B0K 1H0 Canada
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
Grade: 78 out of 100
78
Charlottetown Airport
75.3 km•
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Halifax Stanfield Intl Airport
109.2 km•
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Rental Cars
13 Restaurants
within 0.5 kilometers
Reviews
4.5
192 reviews
Reviews summary
This summary was created by AI, based on recent reviews.
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The Scotsman Inn garners acclaim for its deluxe and cozy accommodations, where the period furniture and attention to detail have not gone unnoticed by the guests. The high level of cleanliness, with spotless rooms and fresh linens, is a constant theme in reviews.
Moreover, the hosts at the Scotsman Inn are celebrated for their warm hospitality and the personalized charm they bring to the breakfast service. With its historic ambiance and thoughtful amenities, including delightful outdoor spaces, the inn provides exceptional value that often surpasses guests' expectations.
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Superb
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Warm
Amenities
Well-appointed
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Detailed Reviews
This historic Inn in downtown Pictou NS has been beautifully renovated with such attention to detail. Comfort, class and a convenient location, but the proprietors Sandy and Cathy made our stay extra special and so very memorable. We enjoyed lively discussions and lots of laughs over breakfast in the elegant dining room as well as on the large deck over glasses wine.
We felt so welcomed and valued as their guests and would highly recommend this Inn. We can’t wait to return.
We felt so welcomed and valued as their guests and would highly recommend this Inn. We can’t wait to return.
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Date of stay: August 2021Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from sandy best, Owner at The Scotsman Inn
Responded Aug 24, 2021
Hi Anne Thank you for staying with us and for such a kind generous review. We want all our guests to enjoy our inn and all that Nova Scotia offers. We believe in "come as a guest and leave as a friend" and have guests all socialize is part of that. We look forward to seeing you here again in the future Regards Sandy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We both really liked the quality and elegance of our room's decor. The quality of bedding is exemplary. The mattress was firm and fantastic for the way we like to sleep.
The host, Sandy, is prompt and jovial, and his wife, Kathy, is in constant motion to provide upkeep and friendliness.
The Breakfast Dining Room is large, and it has very tasteful Decor of antiques and historical wall hangings. The Breakfast Table is set elegantly and welcoming. Continental Breakfast is served by Sandy, and he is wearing his Tartan Colors Kilt and special Belt and Buckle.
Sandy serves the Breakfast in a gracious formal manner, yet the friendliness of conversations among guests with Sandy is quite enjoyable.
Every aspect of the Interior is fresh and new. The flooring and stairs are polished and bright, the walls of every room and the corridors are freshly painted, and there is a calming feeling to the entire Interior.
The host, Sandy, is prompt and jovial, and his wife, Kathy, is in constant motion to provide upkeep and friendliness.
The Breakfast Dining Room is large, and it has very tasteful Decor of antiques and historical wall hangings. The Breakfast Table is set elegantly and welcoming. Continental Breakfast is served by Sandy, and he is wearing his Tartan Colors Kilt and special Belt and Buckle.
Sandy serves the Breakfast in a gracious formal manner, yet the friendliness of conversations among guests with Sandy is quite enjoyable.
Every aspect of the Interior is fresh and new. The flooring and stairs are polished and bright, the walls of every room and the corridors are freshly painted, and there is a calming feeling to the entire Interior.
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Date of stay: October 2022Trip type: Travelled solo
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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If you're heading to Pictou, this is the place to stay. Sandy and Cathy have done a wonderful job in restoring the building. They have also installed a beautiful garden area on the grounds. Breakfast is served on the lovely deck or in the elegant dining room, or in your room, if you prefer. The inn was very clean and well appointed. My room was furnished with antique furniture and the bed was very comfortable, It reminded me of staying in an old family home. The inn is centrally located, just a few minute walk from the waterfront. Sandy and Cathy are more than happy to recommend places to dine and will even make the reservations for you. I enjoyed my stay very much.
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Date of stay: August 2020
Value
Location
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pros: Beautiful house full of antiques. High quality shampoo and conditioner. Very clean. Bed is comfortable. A couple of nice restaurants within walking distance. Keurig coffee machines on each floor.
Cons: Most rooms are on upper floors, perhaps even four flights of stairs up. Our small room did not have a window you could open, just an A/C (the use of which was discouraged). Nice linens (but don’t eat in the room as you might make them smell).
Breakfast is continental only. Yogurt and a bit of granola and berries (not too much!), coffee/tea, and a fresh croissant. Seated around a beautifully laid table and served by the Scotsman in his kilt.
I felt more uncomfortable here than I have every felt due to the crotchety manner of the owner. I was surprised there was not plastic on the furniture in case a guest should mark it. Maybe he was having a stressful time. He was certainly stressed about Covid protocols. Or perhaps he just took a disliking to me because I wanted to use the fridge and microwave. I won’t detail the five unpleasant interactions I had, nor the three my husband had. My husband found his manner awkwardly amusing, but agrees that we would not return, nor recommend.
Cons: Most rooms are on upper floors, perhaps even four flights of stairs up. Our small room did not have a window you could open, just an A/C (the use of which was discouraged). Nice linens (but don’t eat in the room as you might make them smell).
Breakfast is continental only. Yogurt and a bit of granola and berries (not too much!), coffee/tea, and a fresh croissant. Seated around a beautifully laid table and served by the Scotsman in his kilt.
I felt more uncomfortable here than I have every felt due to the crotchety manner of the owner. I was surprised there was not plastic on the furniture in case a guest should mark it. Maybe he was having a stressful time. He was certainly stressed about Covid protocols. Or perhaps he just took a disliking to me because I wanted to use the fridge and microwave. I won’t detail the five unpleasant interactions I had, nor the three my husband had. My husband found his manner awkwardly amusing, but agrees that we would not return, nor recommend.
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Date of stay: September 2021
Value
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from sandy best, Owner at The Scotsman Inn
Responded Oct 31, 2021
The house was built in 1865 so no elevator it is now a historic building so again no elevator. Because all the rooms have original artworks quality linens and antique furniture we don't have fridges microwaves or coffee makers in the rooms. Many of our friends have closed or stopped serving breakfast because of covid protocols so yes it has been a stressful 2 seasons! We feel we serve a nice continental breakfast with quality foods and a room rate that is lower than many of our competitors. We did say if you wanted a fridge and a microwave you should stay at the Holiday Inn but you didn't want to pay their price. Just demand it here knowing we didn't have them and then complain when you left
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
My wife and I recently stayed at The Scotsman Inn during a trip to Pictou County.
The innkeepers, Sandy and Cathy Best, are experienced and wonderful hosts and we felt welcome from our first calls and emails to book our room to the minute we left.
The 155 year-old Inn was built in 1865, just over 90 years after the Ship Hector transported nearly 200 native Scots to settle in the New World.
Sandy and Cathy have put a lot of effort into bringing the Inn up to their standards and they have achieved something great in Pictou.
Located just 5 minutes from the Hector Heritage Quay, I highly recommend the The Scotsman if you are staying in Pictou County.
The innkeepers, Sandy and Cathy Best, are experienced and wonderful hosts and we felt welcome from our first calls and emails to book our room to the minute we left.
The 155 year-old Inn was built in 1865, just over 90 years after the Ship Hector transported nearly 200 native Scots to settle in the New World.
Sandy and Cathy have put a lot of effort into bringing the Inn up to their standards and they have achieved something great in Pictou.
Located just 5 minutes from the Hector Heritage Quay, I highly recommend the The Scotsman if you are staying in Pictou County.
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Date of stay: August 2020
Rooms
Location
Service
Room Tip: We picked room number 5 for the King Bed and it was great. I would like to try room 6 in the...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy and Cathy were excellent hosts. He’s a character, has some stories and offers great tips on the locality and where to visit.
Cathy, his wife and partner in the business, was right to tell Sandy to pay for high quality beds, bedding and towels. These little things make a difference and are appreciated.
I’ve read some comments that breakfast was stingy, it is not. It was delicious. I’ve seen guests in some hotels take enough from the hotel buffet and back to their rooms to feed an army, or at least themselves for a day and exceed all calorie intake guidance. I’m therefore not surprised Sandy opts not to provide a buffet.
The free wine on the terrace is a nice touch and we enjoyed meeting and chatting there.
Sandy & Cathy- thanks for a great stay.
Cathy, his wife and partner in the business, was right to tell Sandy to pay for high quality beds, bedding and towels. These little things make a difference and are appreciated.
I’ve read some comments that breakfast was stingy, it is not. It was delicious. I’ve seen guests in some hotels take enough from the hotel buffet and back to their rooms to feed an army, or at least themselves for a day and exceed all calorie intake guidance. I’m therefore not surprised Sandy opts not to provide a buffet.
The free wine on the terrace is a nice touch and we enjoyed meeting and chatting there.
Sandy & Cathy- thanks for a great stay.
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Scotsman has everything you would expect at a great B and B - eclectic decor, comfortable furnishings, spotless cleanliness, healthy breakfast. Even with the road out front under repair (July 2021), the location is convenient to Pictou's attractions. Its 1860's four storey red brick facade anchors one end of the town's historic main street.
But it's the hosts, Sandy and Cathy, who set The Scotsman apart. The breakfast service was casual but elegant and formal, peppered with tales of their own extensive world travels. And Sandy's kilt tells us whom the inn is named after.
But it's the hosts, Sandy and Cathy, who set The Scotsman apart. The breakfast service was casual but elegant and formal, peppered with tales of their own extensive world travels. And Sandy's kilt tells us whom the inn is named after.
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Date of stay: July 2021
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from sandy best, Owner at The Scotsman Inn
Responded Aug 6, 2021
Thank You for the great review I am sorry it took me so long to reply! We believe customer service is everything and try hard to ensure our guests have a great stay at the inn and in Pictou Regards SAndy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Inn is located in a great location in Pictou, right in the main area of town but not too close to the waterfront. Parking not a problem in their enclosed yard. The Inn and the rooms are quaint and well decorated, and everything was clean and well maintained. They have a lovely deck in the back where everyone gathers for a glass of wine or to relax and chat. Sandy and Cathy are wonderful hosts and make you feel welcome and part of their family. Sandy gave us great tips on where to go and what to see in the area. Cathy made sure we had everything we needed and also makes scrumptious croissants!
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Date of stay: July 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sandy Best, Owner at The Scotsman Inn
Responded Jul 17, 2022
Thank You! I am glad you enjoyed your stay. We want people to experience what it was like to stay in a Scottish baronial home. We want guests to meet each other and swap stories over a glass of wine or maybe a wee dram. Regards Sandy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This was a legitimate bed and breakfast. Sandy and Cathy are such welcoming hosts who take great pride in their business and want to make sure you are relaxed and comfortable during your stay. They are so personable and gave us recommendations for restaurants and advice on how best to make our way to PEI. It was the best sleep we had during our entire trip! Ample parking and a lovely patio to enjoy the summer. The beds and pillows and sheets are luxurious, and the toiletries Cathy had in each room were really thoughtful touches. Breakfast the next morning was homemade granola, yogurt, and croissants made from scratch served in their spectacular dining room filled with antiquities and history of Pictou and Nova Scotia. We will absolutely be returning to stay next time we are in the area.
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Date of stay: June 2022
Rooms
Cleanliness
Service
Room Tip: We were on the top floor and it was very quiet
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Sandy Best, Owner at The Scotsman Inn
Responded Jun 26, 2022
Wow, Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed your stay with us. Cathy and I try hard to create a memorable experience not just sell a room. We look forward to seeing you again on the patio Regards Sandy
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This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We had a very comfortable 2 night stay at The Scotsman. The owners Cathy and Sandy are great hosts, very sociable and helpful with suggestions of places to visit and where to eat
Our en-suite room had a comfortable bed with nice linens. A good breakfast was to be had in the dining room
There is a very nice seating area out on the deck where we met up with other guests before taking ourself off for dinner in the evenings. We enjoyed our stay!
Our en-suite room had a comfortable bed with nice linens. A good breakfast was to be had in the dining room
There is a very nice seating area out on the deck where we met up with other guests before taking ourself off for dinner in the evenings. We enjoyed our stay!
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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"This gem is old world charm!! It is in a quaint little town minutes of walking to the waters edge offering restaurants and shops!"Read full review
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PRICE RANGE
C$213 - C$254 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
LOCATION
CanadaNova ScotiaPictou
NUMBER OF ROOMS
10
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Scotsman Inn
Which popular attractions are close to The Scotsman Inn?
Nearby attractions include deCoste Centre for Arts & Creativity (0.07 km), Hector Heritage Quay (0.2 km), and Northumberland Fisheries Museum (0.1 km).
What are some of the property amenities at The Scotsman Inn?
Some of the more popular amenities offered include free wifi, free breakfast, and free parking.
What food & drink options are available at The Scotsman Inn?
Guests can enjoy free breakfast during their stay.
Is parking available at The Scotsman Inn?
Yes, free parking and street parking are available to guests.
What are some restaurants close to The Scotsman Inn?
Conveniently located restaurants include Alladin Syrian Canadian Restaurant, Stone Soup Cafe, and Harbour house ales and spirits.
Is The Scotsman Inn located near the city centre?
Yes, it is 0.3 km away from the centre of Pictou.
Which languages are spoken by the staff at The Scotsman Inn?
The staff speaks multiple languages, including English, Spanish, and French.
Are there any historical sites close to The Scotsman Inn?
Many travellers enjoy visiting McCulloch House Museum & Genealogy Centre (1.1 km).