S Y.
Yelp
The last time we stayed at this hotel, it was known as the Heritage Inn (20+ years ago). Back then, it was as authentic as you could get in a heritage establishment (and still is!).
This time around (2 decades later and with the use of technology and internet to book), we booked online. If you're booking online, a few tips to consider to avoid any surprises at check-in.
* Tip#1*
If you're booking via Expedia or booking.com you need to realize that there are 2 types of rooms currently available at the Hume Hotel.
1) Heritage aka Classic (which are non-air conditioned and non-renovated. These will be the rooms listed that you will be comparing to other hotels online on lowest price. So essentially, a clean, hot, non-air-conditioned, "Motel style" room with a classic heritage decor (right on down to the brass door key). You should also note that these non-renovated rooms are located above Mike's Place (Bar) so be aware of the noise factor.
2) Renovated Rooms. They did an excellent job on the renovation of these rooms (right down to the room card keys). If you are accustomed to the comforts closer to a 4 diamond hotel accommodation, then this would be the option for you. For us, it was offered at an additional $50/night Premium (but like everything in life, you get what you pay for. The furnishings are new and we'll coordinated. The rooms are large. Our room which needed had 2 queen beds had a great sitting area with a love seat, coffee table, and another chair. It also had a great desk work area and a separate area for the fridge.
The bathroom was well done. Nice new tile work on the floors. The entire room had been modernized as well with humidity controller in the bathroom and built in ceiling air conditioner in both sleeping areas.
Their Spa just recently opened so it wouldn't surprise me to see their sample size bath products to promote quality bath products sold in their spa.
The only thing missing was a room safe (probably not common in smaller town hotels, funny when I temporarily lived in Nelson 20 years ago people laughed at me for arming my car alarm.) The Keurig coffee maker located over the good size bar fridge was a nice added touch.
Anyways, a bit of an explanation how I was able to describe both room types despite being away for so many years.
When I first booked online, I was not aware of the two types of rooms (as it did not appear obvious to me when I was comparing accommodations).
When we arrived at the front desk, the girl mentioned we had booked the heritage style (essentially no frills) room with no AC. She did bring up immediately that they had a renovated room for an additional $50 per night. It thought, here we go with the classic upsell. Without even requesting she offered for us to see each of the rooms ourselves before deciding (an excellent and effective upsell strategy as the renovated room was amazing compares to the "heritage" unrenovated hot rooms). We chose to go with the upsell which I later appreciated after we settled into the room.
* Tip #2 *
Free parking is very limited (about a dozen spots) but hey this isn't a big city hotel. As tempting as the neighboring parkade is, you will find it cheaper to park on the street. Street parking is free from 5pm to 9am. If you are checking in by 4pm don't bother paying $8 for the 9am coverage in the parkade. Go on the street and pay for the 1hr till 5pm and then again from 9am onward unless you're already out and about.
The free breakfast that was included with our stay was excellent! The breakfast options were really good! Only thing I would add (but not the end of the world) would be pancakes.
Since it was so busy in the morning, service was a bit on the slow side. Our eggs were a bit cool by the time they reached our table but understandable due to the number of people who filled the restaurant. The service level for what our server was able to control was excellent as our coffee cups were constantly refilled.
All in all, if you are looking to stay in a classic style Hotel that is central with options to pay for various room experiences, the Hume Hotel will not disappoint. The staff are extremely friendly and accommodating, and the decor throughout is so cool!
We would definitely consider staying here again on our next trip back to this beautiful city.