Welcome Mrs. Goldstein: Keltic Lodge Review. One of the Best Cape Breton and Nova Scotia Luxury Hotels

Well, I just got back from Cape Breton and the first word that comes to mind is “Wow.” Until a couple of months ago, I had never heard of the place. Now, after a four day stint there, I can’t get this incredible place out of my mind. I can confidently say that this is one of the most scenic places I have ever been and its beauty just scratches the surface of this magical little island in Nova Scotia, Canada. Cape Breton is filled with a rich cultural heritage, fascinating history, the best fiddlers on the planet, and some of the warmest people I have ever met. There is no wonder why its inhabitants have so much pride in their island. While you make your way around this magical island, you must stay at The Keltic Lodge Resort and Spa.

The Keltic Lodge offers incredible scenic views in every direction, a gorgeous lobby and sitting room, rustic and modestly luxurious guestrooms, all of the amenities you can ask for as well as great food and some live entertainment. Founded in 1940, The Keltic Lodge offers its guests relaxation, romance and an overall good time set to the backdrop of amazing views of the Atlantic Ocean.

Our Greeting Upon Arrival

 The Lobby

As you roll up to this gem upon a hill, you can tell it’s going to be wonderful. The lobby has a warm and welcoming feeling to it and is only a glimpse into the specialness this place has to offer. If you want to quench that thirst you’ve built up after a long day of travels you can grab a drink from a fresh strawberry-filled water cooler. Right before you check in, I recommend you take a quick glance to your left at the Purple Thistle dining room and prepare for the great food you will eat later that night followed by a drink or two on the other side of the lobby in the Highland Sitting Room where you can witness some live entertainment that will immerse you right into the resort’s Keltic vibe.

The Room

Guests can stay in the Main Lodge, the Inn at Keltic, or in one of the Cottages the hotel has to offer. Once you figure out the type of experience you are looking for you can choose your treat and plop down on the bed for a couple minutes, take a load off, and get ready for a nice time.

The Main Lodge offers warm and comfortable rooms that will put you at ease with their placid views and comfy beds. Want to make your stay a little more special? If so, try out one of the two luxury two-bedroom suites. While rooms at the Inn at Keltic will position you right at the spa, restaurant and golf course as well as provide you with great views. The Cottages offer a little more of a rustic feel, but in a good way. The cottages give you the opportunity to enjoy some beautiful scenery from your window while you cozy up to the fireplace.

Cozy Fireplace!

And everyone knows I’m a sucker for some good toiletries!

White Glove Inspection

What can I say? The beds were comfortable and I got a great night sleep. Despite a good deal of bugs outside around sunset, the room I stayed in comfortably hosted my husband and I alone and kept all of the critters out.

Enjoying Our Fabulous Cocktails

The Grounds

As I drove up the scenic Cabot Trail, I could see the charming Keltic Lodge in the distance, surrounded by green trees perched up on a hill along the water. I was pleased to find out that this was where I would be staying. The hotel is not only surrounded by natural beauty on all sides but also blends right in as it maintains a well kept landscaping and native flowers.

Picturesque, eh?

The Dish

The Namesake of the Purple Thistle Dining Room

The Keltic Lodge has a few options for enjoying some great food. Whether you’re looking for some of the great seafood Cape Breton has to offer or just some basic fine-dining staples, The Purple Thistle Dining Room as well as the Atlantic Restaurant will satiate your palate. On the other hand, if you’re looking for some light pub fare, The Highland Sitting Room will do the trick.

Once you’ve eaten to your hearts content, get on into the Highland Sitting Room for some lively entertainment and a couple of drinks while in the company of other hotel guests and natives alike. When I dropped by this warm and friendly lounge, I happily took in the mellifluous sounds of both authentic Keltic music as well as some of the gold old American classics that I love, which were played by a friendly Cape Bretoner, Deron Donovan.

Thanks for the wonderful tunes, Deron Donovan!

I must also say a word about the martinis here! They were so professionally made and the spirits were so original. I had a Cape Breton style Manhattan made with local maple syrup! All the cocktails had style. I’d definitely enjoy a happy hour on the back porch or in the gorgeous chairs in the back. Gorgeous views. Do remember to bring bug-spray though as the mosquitos came out at dusk.

The Amenities

As for activities on-site or nearby, this place offers a great variety of ways to enjoy your stay. The hotel has a top notch golf course as well as an outdoor heated swimming pool (with a sick view). The fun doesn’t stop there: nearby, an adventure seeker can do some mountain biking, kayaking, whale watching or fishing. Others may decide to check out some saltwater as well as freshwater beaches or play some tennis. There are also great hiking trails that start right at the property. One thing is for certain, if you stay at this hotel you will not be bored.

The Spa

The Keltic Lodge also offers a chance to take relaxation to a whole new level in its full service AVEDA concept spa. The spa has panoramic views of Cape Smokey Mountain as well as some beautiful beaches. So, feel free to pamper yourself with typical yet wonderful treatments and the like.

Is it For Me?

Yes! Although The Keltic Lodge is not the most luxurious hotel I have stayed in, it offers enough comfort for all but true divas. Rooms are clean and offer nice amenities but are not over-the-top. However, what it lacks in luxury it surpasses in one-of-a-kind views and that special vibe that only Cape Breton can offer. Plus, the hotel’s restaurant and sitting lounge are Five-Star and this is where you will spend lots of time.

Location, Location, Location

Don’t think of the 1hr 45 minute drive from the airport as a drag. Rather, it is an activity in itself as it is simply one of the most scenic drives there is with plenty of things to do along the way.

The Last Word

If you have decided to take a journey to this mystical gem of an island called Cape Breton, I highly recommend you stop by The Keltic Lodge as it is a true gem! I loved my stay here, which was made magical by the wonderful people who work here. A special thank you to a wonderful manager, Matthew who has a keen eye for detail and makes sure everything at the hotel is perfect!

For more information, visit the Keltic Lodge website or call 1-800-565-0444.

Cheers to Keltic Lodge!

*I was a guest of Keltic Lodge as part of a Press Trip to Cape Breton but as always you can’t buy the love here. There are plenty of places I visited that I will not be featuring on my site. I always only write about the special ones*

About The Author

Katie

Katie is a luxury lifestyle expert. She runs luxury lifestyle sites, KatieLara.com and Smartypanties.com. But she's not only a luxury lifestyle blogger, she's also a freelance writer for The Huffington Post, Fodor's, Forbes, Pursuitist, Just Luxe and She Knows. She's also a professional photographer and her photos often appear alongside her writing.