Upon entering the two story lobby we were amazed at the decor and stuffed mounted buffalo (and other wildlife) heads on the walls. This was only the beginning of our adventure (wait til I describe the dining room!!) The ladies at the reception were friendly an efficient in getting us checked in for our 2 night stay just after Christmas.
We were there for a local hockey tournament and had booked a block of rooms for 10 or 12 of the team families. The rate was good at about $135 (incl taxes) per night. It did not include breakfast but you could go to the lobby for free coffee and local newspapers. The hotel also provided a hospitality room that all the players used one night for a pizza party.
Our room was pretty standard with two double beds, 2 wing back upholstered chairs, a dresser and a tv table with flat screen tv. It was satelite tv and during a windy, snowy day the signal kept cutting out. Lots of wall paper and floral prints but everything did match(unlike other hotels we've stayed in ) The bathroom was clean, and everything worked well.The bath looked recently redone. We had no view. We had two doors, one opening onto an interior hallway(access to pool,lobby,restaurant...yes, the restaurant....wait for it.!!!.....) and the other door opening to the parking lot. Our car was right there. When we used that door we were constantly dripped on because there were no gutters on the roof above and any rain streamed off right on you.....we became masters at making that card key work on the first swipe!!!
OK. Now for the dining room! The lady at the desk at check in told us to make a reservation if we were going to eat there that night. We did even though the hotel didn't seem that full. We arrived at 6:30. The place was hopping! There were lots of large tables with people all dressed up in their Holiday finery enjoying some after Christmas parties. We were seated right in front of a HUGE brick fireplace and crackling fire (those logs were DRY). After looking at the wine list (one page was all local Valley wines) we all ordered different local wines to give them a good try! We settled in and started to take in the decor! Oh My Goodness...This place was GREAT....wooden beams, stucco, bricks, guns...yes GUNS(maybe the very guns that shot the buffalo in the lobby), jugs,jars, antlers and so much MORE, all lit by big black lanterns hanging everywhere.
Now I don't know what to mention next: the waitresses or the food! The waitresses worked that room like pros. Remember the place was BUSY. One waitress walked by with plates in one hand , drinks in the other and still managed to throw another log on the fire! Even though it was busy we were never left waiting for anything...drinks, bread, water, refills, appetizers, mains, desserts all arrived when they should have. The only thing that seemed a bit odd were the waitresses' long red dresses. I'm not sure if this was a Christmas thing or what....I think an outfit more "Pirates of the Caribbean" or "Alexander Keith's" serving wench with a tight bodice and white apron with big ruffles would be better suited to the decor....OK I digress...
All the different entrees were delicious. I especially liked the pan fried haddock with a garlic lemon butter served with a medley of fresh vegetables and roasted potatoes. It even had a little garden salad with homemade dressing on the corner of the plate. Others enjoyed scallops, chicken stuffed with havarti, pastas. My son and I shared a very tart sour cream and lemon pie for dessert.
The view from the dining room was an old orchard.....hey..the place is called the Old Orchard Inn.....and if you look further you might catch a glimpse of the old dykes.
I didn't use the indoor pool or hot tub but my son certainly did. They also have a spa and hairdressing salon on site but these facilities were closed when we stayed there.
Another plus was that when our team made the finals in the tournament we were able to get a late check out...no problem!!

We traveled to N.S from Florida the first week of December. It was one of our "warm" experiences in finding the Old Orchard Inn. We were welcomed by a friendly staff at the desk. Our room, king size, was cozy with a beautiful view over the apple trees. The bed was comfortable and the room was very clean. We had dinner in their restaurant and again the waitress was great and the food was delicious along with being fairly priced. If we get a chance to return to N.S. we will see them again! Thanks for a nice evening.

Two of the four employees that work the front desk were two of the rudest people ever! I asked for a room upgrade the first one didn't know how much and quoted me a price, when I went to check out the next one tried to charge me double when I explained what I was quoted she said that I couldn't have been because her staff all knew the price, that's when I told her that all of them didn't know the prices because the first lady had to look the price up in the book and I didn't appreciate being called a liar. This didn't even fizz her because she keep going on without an apology so please find a better hotel and save your grief, they didn't seem to care its our money that pays their salary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Stayed here last w/e, while attending a scrap-booking seminar. The view out over the back, toward Blomidan, was spectacular, and perfect for going outside for photos and fresh air. The food was absolutely phenominal, and I usually do not enjoy a brunch or buffet ; these were fantastic. Lobby qwas nicely decorated for Christmas season, adding a warmth and cheer we really enjoyed. Vert close to malls in New Minas and Kentville : great grounds for brisk walks when we got tired of sitting. All in all, can't wait for the MArch seminar!! will be there with bells on!!!