The Customs House Inn

Location: 38 Depot Street, Pictou, Nova Scotia, B0K 1H0, Pictou, CA

Star Rating: 3 Stars

Property Type: Guest houses

About this Property

Important Information

Policies

Check-in: 02:30 PM - 09:00 PM

Check-out: 11:00 AM

Instructions: The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 10 PM. To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation. If you are planning to arrive after 7:30 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation. Guests planning to arrive outside of normal check-in hours must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions and key retrieval information. The front desk is staffed during limited hours. For any questions, please contact the property using the information on the booking confirmation.

Amenities & Facilities

• Health or beauty spa nearby
• Express check-out
• Free WiFi
• Luggage storage
• Express check-in/check-out
• Front desk (limited hours)
• Express check-out
• Smoke-free property
• Free wired internet
• Wheelchair accessible parking
• Free self parking
• Health or beauty spa nearby
• Coin laundry on site
• Wheelchair-accessible van parking
• Upper floors accessible by stairs only

Rooms Available

• Room, 1 Queen Bed

  1 Queen Bed

  200 sq feet

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi and wired internet access

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV with digital channels

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator and coffee/tea maker

  Sleep - Hypo-allergenic bedding

  Bathroom - Shower/tub combination, free toiletries, and a hair dryer

  Practical - Iron/ironing board, desk, and phone

  Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and climate-controlled heating

  Accessibility - Wheelchair accessible

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • TV
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Desk
  • Private bathroom
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding available
  • Free Local calls
  • Ceiling fan
  • Free WiFi
  • Bathtub grab bar
  • Accessible bathtub
  • Visual fire alarm
  • Wheelchair-width doorways

• Room, 1 King Bed

  1 King Bed

  Soundproofed room

  
  

  Internet - Free WiFi and wired internet access

  Entertainment - Flat-screen TV with digital channels

  Food & Drink - Refrigerator and coffee/tea maker

  Sleep - Hypo-allergenic bedding

  Bathroom - Shower/tub combination, free toiletries, and a hair dryer

  Practical - Iron/ironing board, desk, and phone

  Comfort - Air conditioning, daily housekeeping, and climate-controlled heating

  Accessibility - Wheelchair accessible

  Non-Smoking

  Max Occupancy: 2 (2 Adults)

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • TV
  • Telephone
  • Air conditioning
  • Hair dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Desk
  • Private bathroom
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Hypo-allergenic bedding available
  • Free Local calls
  • Ceiling fan
  • Free WiFi
  • Bathtub grab bar
  • Accessible bathtub
  • Visual fire alarm
  • Wheelchair-width doorways

Guest Reviews

• Kristen (10/5): - Beautiful heritage property, and Doug is an absolute delight.
• John (10/5): Historical stay - What a treasure! So cool to stay in the old Custom House. A quick walk to everything, with water views. (As well as construction views, as to be expected at the beginning of the off season). The room was so spacious, with 11-foot ceilings. The furniture’s somewhat scuffed condition only enhanced the feeling of going back in time.
• Michael (10/5): - Our host was fabulous. Went out of his way to help. Always accommodating. Can’t say enough.
• Sharon (10/5): - I love my room! Beautiful high ceiling, spacious, terrific bathroom.
• Jared (10/5): - Family has run the hotel since the 1990s. Staff are onsite and courteous. Housekeeper was a lifesaver when I forgot my video camera. Innkeeper is friendly and informative. Breakfast is not offered so rate was discounted without us asking. Area is by port so more commericial but had great views of the water and the ship Hector.
• Angele (10/5): - Great location, one of our favorite stops ! Everything is walkable and in a safe area!
• Susan (10/5): - Loved it, very clean and quite!!
• Sharon (10/5): - Large room..clean Comfy bed
• Kate (10/5): Wxcellent - What a fabulous place to stay. Our room was huge. That shower was the best. Everything was sparkling clean. We had a locking mishap on our pickup truck, and Doug sorted us out no problem. Will definitely make a detour to stay there on any trip we take.
• Roy (8/5): -
• Stephane (10/5): - Amazing place. So beautiful and unique.
• Nancy (10/5): - Enjoyed the historic Custom House building.
• Regina (10/5): - We loved our stay at the Custom House. Our room upstairs was so spacious and Clean! I was surprised to find it had more electrical outlets than some hotels. The bathroom and tub were clean and looked new. We were greeted upon our arrival which was very nice. We enjoyed being able to walk around town to the shops and restaurants. EXCELLENT
• Daniel C (10/5): - We stayed here before and were very satisfied with the location and the town of Pictou. Thanks for opening that space and spending time with us. We had a wonderful time. Look forward to next time. : )
• Kathleen (10/5): - This is an old building that has been wonderfully converted to a small B&B. It is beautifully done, very clean and comfortable. It is in walking distance of the waterfront with options for meals, even in the shoulder season. It is an interesting place to stay and a nice change of pace from a big hotel.
• Kerri (10/5): - Was a great place to stay.
• Linda (10/5): - A lovely spot, spacious room, clean bathroom and soft fluffy towels! A wonderful stay in a renovated historic building. Thank you. We will return!
• Michael (10/5): - Beautifully maintained and surprisingly comfortable historic building. Charming, centuries old Nova Scotia town. Great visit.
• Allison (10/5): - Good location on the waterfront. I was a little wary when no one was there to greet us, but rooms were quiet and secure. Easy walk to a couple of restaurants.
• Louis (10/5): - Nice service and very understable for my late check in.
• Kathleen (6/5): - Pillows need updating, and need more of them. Roomy bathroom, but there’s no place to set down toiletries. Please put in a shelf. Mattress is not comfy. Innkeeper was not on site, the key was in an envelope taped to his door. Neat old historic building.
• Jonathan (10/5): - Tracing our family heritage to the earliest days of the Pictou settlement, our choice to stay in the Customs House became a high light of our two week visit to N.S. We loved the rich history of the facility and surrounding community, that rightfully celebrates this 250-year heritage. The Customs House offers easy access to local museums, restaurants, shops and scenic attractions. Each of these contributed to a most enjoyable visit that met and exceeded our most optimistic expectations.
• Bruce (10/5): - Host was very friebdly and helpful!
• Anthony (10/5): - Inn keeper was great. Friendly and very helpful. Rooms are beautiful.
• Melissa (10/5): - We really appreciated our stay at the Customs House Inn. The room was exactly as shown in pictures, the bed was extremely comfortable and I particularly enjoyed the bathtub! The Inn is close to all amenities and yet very quiet. The inn keeper Doug was really available and kind. Highly recommend!
• Erik (10/5): - Really appreciated that they left a key for us, as we arrived after the front desk was closed. Beautiful room, mostly very clean, but needed a bit of dusting around the desk, where there was both a dust clump and a rather annoyed spider.
• James (8/5): - Quaint, historical good management
• Henry (8/5): - Nice old building. Winding stairway. 10 ft ceilings. Quite different than the norm.
• Innis (10/5): - Owner was very attentive. Rooms were spacious and very clean. The room colors were on the dark side/ gloomy look. Lighter colors would be nicer. The one big drawback was no elevator.
• Jennifer (10/5): - Beautiful heritage building, wonderful bed, close to everything and right across from the ocean. Hope to stay there again. There are stairs to the top floor, so if you can’t do stairs let them know you need a room on the main floor. I hope to stay here again.
• Gertrude (10/5): Handsome and handy to ferry - I highly recommend this place for the single traveller. Stay here just before boarding a morning ferry to PEI and you will spare yourself being gauged a hefty PEI accommodation bill for one night. If you don’t mind sharing a Queen bed with someone, it would be fine for two. However, this place should have some rooms with two twins since the rooms are big enough for this. I did not stay long enough to use the kitchenette, but it looked great! Very clean, but not enough pillows for more than one sleeper. Shower was hard to figure out but worked well.
• Beth (10/5): - Beautiful old inn. Charming and quaint. On the waterfront. Reasonably priced
• Grant (10/5): - A unique Heritage propertyclose to the waterfront.
• Jacob (8/5): - Xxrt
• Verified traveler (10/5): - A great experience!Period appointed, clean , spacious and within walking distance of shops and great dining. Enjoyed feeling a part of historic Pictou.Highly recommended.
• Cindy (8/5): - The heritage building was unique. Bed was comfortable with good quality cotton sheets and great pillows. Ocean view was lovely. Beautiful, huge jet tub. Couldn’t figure out how to get the jets to work. Only things that I would suggest is to have more pillows, tea pods and bottled water.
• Susan (8/5): - Lovely spot, nice rooms!!
• Kent (8/5): Great location in Pictou - Nice large room. Beautiful restoration of a historic property. Walking distance to restaurants and waterfront
• Tiffany (10/5): - Beautiful building and unique, clean comfortable room. Very much enjoyed our stay. Walking distance to just about everything.
• Carl (10/5): - Great location. Beautiful historic building. Rooms were well appointed. Host was very nice and informative.
• Simon (10/5): - Very nice stay.
• Roz (8/5): - I enjoyed the property. My only recommendation is to put a nightlight in Room 1C bathroom. Once I turned off the lights in the bedroom, it was very dark.
• Nikki (10/5): - Doug was very helpful from providing suggestions on places to explore to lending a pair of Scissors. Loved the size of the room. Liked the old building and how it was redone for current purpose.
• Robert (10/5): - During last weeks heat wave it was nice having central air.
• Tim (10/5): - This is a beautiful historical building. Everything as clean but dated. It was incredibly quiet.
• Christine (6/5): - The property is centrally located and quiet (Pictou is a very small place). There was no staff to welcome us (an envelope was taped on the door with our room key in it!) nor was there any information about restaurants, attractions in the area, etc Room and bathroom were tired (peeling paint, stained bathtub), the ac was terribly noisy and there was no way to adjust it…and finally, no bar, no restaurant, no breakfast…
• Leonard (10/5): - Beautiful big rooms with alot of character. Very clean!!
• Phyllis (10/5): - A lovely historic building. Our room was immaculate with tasteful decor. Quiet and private, with plenty of food options within walking distance.
• Martha (10/5): - I loved the history. Nice big rooms great location It would have been nice to have some seating outside.
• Edita (10/5): - Impressive Building!
• David (10/5): - Beautiful Historic refurbished building. Doug the Innkeeper was very accommodating and shared the history with us on the building. Location is right on the water and a short walk to dining options. Great stop over place if you are catching the ferry from Caribou. Would not hesitate to recommend Customs house to anyone!!
• Edward (8/5): - Great atmosphere but breakfast not included as per advertised. East to obtain off site and refunded accordingly
• Theresa (6/5): - Beautiful historical building. No tea or water in room.
• Lynne (8/5): - An impressive looking stone building. The room was large, bright and clean and included a mini-fridge and Keriug coffee maker with plenty of pods. The location is terrific, near the quiet end of the walkable waterfront area. We had noted in other reviews that breakfast was not currently offered so brought along some instant oatmeal and spoons so we could enjoy “slow mornings” with coffee in the room during our 2 night stay. When researching were to stay it appeared that accessible accommodations in Pictou are minimal. We chose an accessible room presented on Expedia (booking engine linked Custom House Inn website) it appears that information was not transmitted to the innkeepers and were assigned a 2nd floor room. However, upon talking to another couple who arrive for the contactless check-in about the same time they were assigned the 1st floor accessible room, they were agreeable to make a switch, so we made a call to the innkeepers and solved our problem. (Thanks so much to that couple for being so accommodating!). If you are looking for a truly accessible room, be aware that the toilet is extremely low and the grab bars are not placed to allow for leverage when rising. Also be sure to email and advise the Inn directly of need for 1st floor accessible room. We did miss the chatting with others and the innkeepers that make the Bed and Breakfast experience but all in all would recommend the Custom House Inn for being exceptionally clean, comfortable and the location.
• Allison (6/5): - Cool old building in a good location. Easy parking and walkable to various dining options.
• Eve-Lynn (10/5): Wonderful stay in Pictou - Beautiful building in wonderful location. Able to easily access downtown Pictou and its wonderful harbour area. Had to walk up to the second floor so speak to the owner if you have any accessibility issues. Free and easy parking on site.
• Robert (10/5): - Loved our stay here. Great property and room, pleasant staff and a great area to walk around and grab some food.
• LAID (10/5): A unique place - This place is UNIQUE. Wonderful room with old and very nice furnitures. The kitchen corner is greatly appreciated. Will return here for sure!! ❤️
• David (10/5): - Best hotel that we stayed at during our two weeks of vacation in Canada!
• Diane (10/5): - A beautiful Historic Inn that needs a little TLC in our room We enjoyed our stay but was disappointed that breakfast wasn’t available but we were compensated
• Rod (8/5): - Nice spot! Huge room with 12-14 foot ceilings and tall windows to match. Very airy. We were rained in one day and the room size made all the difference. Beautiful king size bed, but only two pillows. We bought two extra at the nearby Walmart, we could use them at home anyway. Key was on the office door in n envelope with receipt and instructions to leave it in the lock when we left, too easy! We appreciated the quick check in. Yes, We'd go back here.
• dennis (2/5): - We booked what was advertised as a Bed and Breakfast. However, there was MO breakfast! If we just wanted a room we would have booked a motel. Very disappointed.
• Judy (10/5): - This property is loaded with history , very clean , well appointed room, located right on the shore, lots of fabulous restaurants in walking distance and local music every weekend throughout the summer! I would definitely return and highly recommend Of note there is no elevator so make sure to request a lower level room if you can’t do stairs
• Susan (10/5): - Great place!!
• kathy (8/5): - Unfortunately they cancelled Breakfast which was to be included and we didn't find out till after we checked in. Gave us a very small discount for the inconvenience. The town was a lovely surprise.
• Robin (10/5): - Beautiful stay
• Joni (10/5): - This is a wonderful hotel in a historic building. Lots of wood and high ceilings. We had a coffee maker and refrigerator. A very modern bathroom with an old fashioned bedroom with a loveseat and desk. Short walk to restaurants and drinks. Right on the water. I would love to live here! (Except for winters) If you like unique this is the place for you.
• Fiona (10/5): - Grand style. A very spacious room with plenty of windows. Immaculate, comfortable, great mattress and linens. Appreciated the kitchenette (more than just a fridge and coffee maker). Close to many dining options and waterfront.
• Kyle (6/5): - Beautiful conversion of a vintage office building. Large rooms with high ceilings and big windows. Very nice!
• Russell (6/5): - We loved how spacious our room was as well as how clean it was. The bed was comfortable but we were dismayed that there was not an Innkeepr on sight. We went with the expectation that breakfast was included but when we arrived we had a note telling us our rate had been reduced because they couldnt serve breakfast. Building was left open all day and we were the only customers there. it was a bit concerning with lack of security
• Richard (10/5): - Good size room, good location with parking.
• Nancy Lisa (10/5): - Beautiful old government building. Lots of character. Clean and included all amenities.
• Susan (10/5): - Easy to deal with.
• Linda (10/5): - Down on the water. No breakfast available.
• Ronald (8/5): - A grand old building right on the water & a short walk to town. Very large, comfortable room. Nothing fancy but very nice. Good value for the price.
• Marilyn (8/5): - Thank goodness they alerted us days ahead that the property was unavailable after storm damage so we had time to locate other lodging!!
• Robert (4/5): - The inn cancelled my reservation due to over booking 6 days prior. Had to find another place, though they helped transferrer my reservation.
• Holly (10/5): Amazing!! - Wow what a beautiful place! The building is breathtaking and the room amazing! This was by far the best place I’ve stayed! Wish it was longer! The owner Doug was very kind! The location was great! Quiet and iconic! Definitely would go back!
• Eric (6/5): A touch of the past, potential not filled - Nil personal contact during stay - neither check in nor check out. Note left with key advised as no continental breakfast was to be provided the nightly rate was reduced by $8; wonder where a continental b’fast for 2 people can be purchased for $8??? Room 2f cool air pumped out throughout the night could not be switched off, or temperature raised so room was quite cold during the night. Lovely building and room otherwise very nice… too bad missed potential
• Robert (10/5): - Accommodations were wonderful. Door was left open to the building and we had self check in. We were disappointed by the fact that when we booked The Customs House Inn, breakfast was provided in the rate. When we arrived, we were told that there was no breakfast but would receive a discount. The discount amounted to $6.00 for the 2 of us. It would have been nice to have known about this prior to arrival.
• Patricia (10/5): Unique Stay - A truly unique Inn. The room has very large and featured high ceilings and lovely long windows. The bed was comfortable, but more pillows would be appreciated. The TV is a bit small for the size of the room. Otherwise, no complaints. Check-in and express check out were both easy.
• John (10/5): - Great repurposing of this heritage building with views across the waters of Boat Harbour. Spacious and comfortable air conditioned room and well fitted out en-suite. No dining currently but coffee and tea provided. Nothing flash but we had an enjoyable one night stay. We even saw a couple of eagles feeding on fish nearby.
• Catherine (8/5): - Loved the building but it was spooky and seemed un-cared-for with cracked cement steps and weeds instead of any kind of landscaping attempt.
• Michel (8/5): - .
• Michel (10/5): - it’s our second stay. so we enjoy the location. Very large rooms.
• Steven (10/5): - The hotel itself is an excellent building and a real treat for those of us who enjoy staying in heritage buildings. The room was large and well furnished as well as very clean. The location is superb.
• james (10/5): - Historic buiding near the bay. Close to good dining. The manager or owner Doug, is most helpful, great to work with. Room was great. Very spacious with16 foot ceilings. Well kept, super clean. Great bed, pillows and inen. The room desparately needs a microwave and a coffeee maker to become a 5/5 instead of a 4.5/5
• Laura (10/5): - What a great stay! Doug is a great host and so welcoming. Customs House has so much character, everything was clean and so relaxing and quiet. Great area to walk around and had a lovely dinner 2 minute walk away at Harbour House! Will be back to Customs House next time I am in the Pictou area!
• Valerie (8/5): - Large room, quiet place, easy parking, close to everything.
• Dianne (10/5): - Easy checkin, wxtra latge comfortable room.
• Lynn (10/5): - Owner was helping and communicated well. No breakfast at this time and gave a refund. So appreciated. Lovely views and quiet comfortable stay. Only comment would be wish there was more counter space in bathroom but not a big deal.
• Theresa (10/5): - Love our stay ...close to everything..RM was very clean
• Alan (10/5): - We had a wonderful experience in this historic building. Doug was an excellent host.
• Jeanne (8/5): - Very clean historic property.
• Leisa (8/5): - Doug was very accommodating and helpful!
• Tina (10/5): - We stayed here for an evening and enjoyed ourselves very much! The room is charming and the AC was much appreciated! The location was excellent for our purposes, which was walking around the waterfront and enjoying local restaurants and shops. We will definitely return to The Customs House Inn in the future.
• Nancy (8/5): - Beautifully refurbished and well located property. No elevator, or in-room coffee.
• Randal (8/5): - Beautiful building and view. Loved the old charm and woodwork. We were awakened early morning to beeping as there was work being done to the parking lot.
• Ross (10/5): - Doug was an amazing Innkeeper and very knowledgeable about the history of Pictou. The room was very clean and comfortable. We have stayed at a number of the hotels in Pictou and this is by far, the best! We look forward to our next visit with Doug at the Customs House!
• Erica (10/5): - The location and property were terrific. Doug the Innkeeper was friendly and a great guide for local information ( : If you are a history buff you should love The Customs House Inn!

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