As a former award winning innkeeper I know a thing or two about hospitality and how so many folks fail on a few points. If I was to design a motel for the 21st century, this would be it. The Marmalade Motel have got it all sorted. Very good bed, terrific pillows, spotlessly clean, quiet location, good shower, fridge and excellent media access. Our room design and paint scheme (Under the Sun) was simple but very clever. Excellent communication from Cheryl regarding local food allowed us to bring a picnic. We sat on the deck as the sun set and consumed a bottle of chilled wine. All this helped the evenings 'shenanigans'! My only minor question is why the fridge in the room was placed where it was as it really didn't help the flow of the room. Why it wasn't placed in the corner bemused me...and the only reason i could fathom out was that the power point was in the wrong place. The place is in the middle of nowhere so if you want nightlife don't come. Do come if you want to enjoy a small slice of wonderful Nova Scotia as it should be enjoyed.

The hot tub didn't appear to be working. Minor disappointment......

Very minimalist, modern style room that includes everything you need. As this is a motel style facility, there are no extra amenities like gym, pool, or ice machine, so keep that in mind. There is a refrigerator and coffee machine, which is all we need. The owner put a lot of time and effort into making the room very pleasant, clean, and comfortable. The room included a small plastic table and 2 small chairs. The views from the private balcony were beautiful, and you can walk right down to the water.

1 extra hook on the wall by the glassware bar would've been great, as there wasn't much room for hanging clothes or setting things on. There was plenty of room for a small desk, in minimalist style, in the corner to the right of the bed, which would've completed the room. The screen door to the deck kept sticking. We were afraid to break it, very tricky to open, it might just need a little WD-40.😊

Beautifully restored rooms, excellent bed, very clean. Staff was friendly and helpful.

The information on booking.com is misleading regarding the hot tub. It is shared with other guests, and the image on the site does not correspond to reality. The tub is surrounded by a fence of wooden pallets for privacy as there is a house nearby and a (hardly used) public road between the lawn behind the motel and the lake. The wooden platform on the lake is much more worn out then portrayed on the site. There is a sign warning access is at your own risk.

Room was so comfortable, stylish, and clean! Location was gorgeous! but more remote than we had realized, and we booked last minute, so we weren't prepared with food, milk for coffee or toothpaste, upon arrival after local grocery had closed. But with a 15-20 minute drive in the morning we found everything needed at the local food mart and wonderful cafe!

Just be aware there's the Keurig (with coffee) and fridge, so if folks bring their own provisions (or arrive in daytime when shops are open) they will be fine. Also, we're on a working vacation, appreciated the excellent wifi, but worked a bit awkwardly on bed and sitting on the (adorable) swings and (super comfy) Adirondack chairs. It's def a vacation haven and not as easy to manage a work/leisure combo.

We love the Marmalade! Bright, cheerful, very clean and a comfortable, cozy bed. Neil and Cheryl are very responsive to any request via text or email - they live right next door. Each room has a fabulous view of the quiet cove, individual parking place, and close to great restaurants in Sheet Harbour. Coffee and fridge. Breakfast in bed is a wonderful amenity. There is no AC, but the cross breeze when you open the front windows and balcony doors is very refreshing and not having the loud AC noise helps create the quiet and calm atmosphere.

Jam with the breakfast would have put it over the top.

The breakfast and location were as expected.

We stayed in the Llama room. Two guests, only one chair. One tiny night table was not adequate to accommodate two guests and one CPAP machine. The tiny lamp was not adequate for reading. Winter coats had to hung with dressing gowns. Shelving for personal items in bathroom was insufficient. We didn’t use the shower as water was lukewarm. It’s the dead of Winter. The snow to the door and along the walkway could have been removed for our arrival on Sunday.

The Marmalade Motel is a pleasant, chic boutique motel. We ordered the very fresh and tasty Charcuterie Box which was waiting for us when we arrives and the "Breakfast in Bed" Box which was delivered in the morning with fresh coffee, yogurt, fresh berries, and wonderful muffins and biscuits. Delicious, It is a beautiful location even on a gray day. The rooms were nicely decorated ands a comfortable. The location was a great stop on our way from Cape Breton to Halifax.

Could have used another small table either on the patio or in the room. Would have made eating breakfast a bit easier.

Balcony overlooking the water. Easy check in and out. Clean facility with lots of natural light.

Product used to clean room was strong. We personally liked the smell but someone who was scent sensitive would find it overpowering. Also where our deck was close to the new glamping units that are being built we couldn't see the sunset from our balcony as the view was obstructed. We so enjoyed seeing this the last time we were here 2 years ago.

Location is a bit isolated on the eastern shore. Rooms are nicely decorated and very clean.

Motel is a bit pricey for being in an isolated area, not many places to eat, or things to do. Could use a microwave. There is no air conditioning although leaving the windows and patio door open gives a nice breeze, but a ceiling fan would be beneficial. Could use a chair by the desk and a full length mirror. We stayed in room#8 Boho, wicker chairs although stylish were not comfortable, a small couch or settee would have been more comfortable.

Traveling from the south shore of Nova Scotia, on my way to Cape Breton Island, The Marmalade Motel in Port Dufferin was a perfect stopping distance, and I love the name! It's very cute and beautifully decorated with fun themes. My room was No Drama Llama! It's a great place to overnight.

I had a slight challenge with the no-contact check-in. My phone stopped working just as I arrived, and I couldn't access the entry code for my suite. After a bit of dithering around I was able to find the owners' house and get assistance. It's a learning process for a non-techie person like me.