Caveats (small): no WIFI (for those who neeeeed WIFI).

I've had two rooms so far (and if I keep putting off leaving Halifax, I may eventually get a third). For $30, I got a boxy, basic room on the 2nd floor. The bed was a single and there was a colour TV w. cable. The whole place is like visiting your feisty, lively senior of an aunt (which Helen, the owner, is). You're out of luck if you want trendy furniture, all mod-cons, hotel or youth hostel amenities, etc but in luck if you don't mind chintzy bedding and a stuffed animal of the kapok-kind as a bed accessory. But that's what a real guest house is all about, anyway. It's about clean, decent, basic rooms and this place is just that at an incredible price.

Located right across the street from the North Common. Got to watch softball and soccer games from the porch an my room and some street hockey tournament that seemed like it was enormously popular and a good time. The location is great. Perks coffeeshop, with WIFI is just three blocks away on the restaurant-laden Quinpool Road. Also: a large grocery store and a Canadian Tire.

Downtown is a 15 minute-ish walk around the Citadel and about a 20-minute walk to the Citadel front gate (I take walking up hills slowly).

The second room I got was $45 and was on the same floor but came with a mini fridge, mini kitchen and kettle. Roomy.

The 2nd floor I was on has two bathrooms; each with a toilet (one you basically have to sit sideways on unless you're under 5'4") and one with a bathtub and shower. Again, it was clean and serviceable.

Parking: as of now, there is a pilot project on one street for decalled-parking for local cars. This may be a problem if the project expands. However, I haven't had problems just parking one block over and one block up at a streetparking area that looks like it was developed for a small local church (which means it isn't in use except on Sunday or when a big event is happening on The Common).

This is perfect for a budget traveller or someone who just doesn't see the point of spending over $100 a night on a hotel room that will hardly be used except for sleeping and a shower.

This will definitely be my first choice of accommodation when I come back.