Westin Nova Scotian

The Westin Nova Scotian

Hotel Class: 4 out of 5 stars4 Stars - 7 Reviews and 515 Opinions

1181 Hollis Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 2P6, Canada

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81%

of people enjoy staying here

4.0 our of 5 stars 522 Opinions

Excellent
 
191
Very Good
 
140
Average
 
94
Poor
 
62
Terrible
 
31

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  • ShellAnne profile photo
  • Reviews: 1
Worst Hotel Experience

I stayed at the Westin in Halifax last year for 1 night. Thank God it was only 1 night, I refuse to stay there again. I stayed with some family on an overnight trip. When we got there, the lobby was nice, people were everywhere enjoying themselves and we thought it was going to be a good place to stay, we got on the elevator and onto our floor. When we got off the elevator the floor looked nice and then we went looking for our room, it wasnt on the main hallway so we turned down the next hallway which seemed a little darker and dingier and kept looking for our room, we had to turn off onto yet another hallway that only had lighting about every 4 rooms or so and it reminded me of the Addams family house. When we got in out room, it was very small and stuffy. We couldnèt sit on our room, we need better air so we decided to walk around and try to find the pool, after walking around for about 10 minutes, we discovered that we were the only people on this creepy floor, it took us 20 minutes to find a worker to find out where the pool was. When we finally got to the elevator to go to the pool, we had to go through a small stairwell that looked like it hadnt been updated since the place was built.
The pool and hot tub were another story, the pool was dirty, I didn't feel comfortable letting my feet touch the bottom. When we got in the hot tub and looked at the water, it looked like someone had dumped a full lint trap in it.
I just found out I have to stay there again and I am trying to find a way out of it. I was very unsatisfied with this place and wish I didn't have to stay there again.

Unique Quality: Pool:dirty
Hot tub:looked like a lint trap was dumped in it
Elevator:tiny
Staircase:dark and creepy
Room:tiny, stuffy, dark

  • Opinion of Price: N/A
  • Written March 1, 2012

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  • tvor profile photo
  • Reviews: 722

4 out of 5 starsUser Rating

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Classic hotel

The Westin is locally known as the Nova Scotian which is what it's original name was and they've incorporated that into their name "Westin Nova Scotian". It's a large older hotel next to the Via rail station and Acadian lines bus station, the Westin is a popular place to hold weddings and formal events. Nearly 300 rooms, well appointed. All En suite. The back rooms have a great view over the harbour. The Hotel offers fine dining, a lounge bar and a cafe. There is also a Yuk Yuk's comedy club in the hotel now. There are even some pet-friendly rooms, ask when making reservations. Hotel is next to the train station as mentioned, also on bus routes and near a few good restaurants. It is at the south end of the downtown area but it's not a long walk. Also, behind the hotel on the waterfront is Pier 21 historic museum, the cruise ship docks, Pier 20 theatre, the Cunard Centre venue and the new Seafront Farmer's Market and access to the rest of the lovely Halifax waterfront. Specials and packages available, see website. Prices as low as $139 plus taxes and up. ($60 per person)

I stayed a night here recently because I was attending an event and the staff were great, the bed and pillows comfy and breakfast delicious. Obviously, breakfast in the hotel isn't going to be cheap but I was splurging so why not go all the way?

Unique Quality: Spa on site, also Yuk Yuk's comedy club
high speed internet access in rooms, wifi in the lobby
pool and fitness center on site.
100% smoke free
Pet friendly rooms available

  • Opinion of Price: about average

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  • Aafia profile photo
  • Reviews: 67

5 out of 5 starsUser Rating

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Good downtown location

Back in the 1930's this hotel was built as a Canadian National Hotel and was considered quite grand in its day. The hotel has had its ups and downs since then. At the moment, it's a hotel that I really enjoy staying in. It is in an excellent location on the waterfront and if your destination is too far you can use their free shuttle service, which is a Hummer (for those who care). It has a friendly and welcoming staff. What I really like about this hotel is the following: the windows open, the rooms are cozy and the beds are so comfortable that I always have a good night's sleep the first night. There are coffee makers in the room but there's also a Tim Horton's close by so my husband can nip out to get me my morning coffee. Hotel rooms in Halifax are at a premium, so book as soon as you know you'll be travelling to Halifax.

Unique Quality: Location, excellent restaurants close by.

  • Opinion of Price: about average
Westin Nova Scotian

Westin Nova Scotian


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  • victorwkf profile photo
  • Reviews: 4529

2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Westin Hotel

The Westin Hotel is located along Hollis Street near to the waterfront boardwalk of Halifax and Pier 21. This hotel is very good and has impressive views of the harbour. The only problem is that it is not so centrally located, but still within walking distance from major attractions.

  • Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
  • Related to: Family Travel, Business Travel, Luxury Travel
Westin Nova Scotian Photo: Westin Hotel, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Westin Nova Scotian Photo: Westin Hotel, Halifax, Nova Scotia


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  • Cashee profile photo
  • Reviews: 117

2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Close to Waterfront



Unique Quality: This place is attached to the train station.

The Westin is alright.

The pool is really small with a deep-end that won't go over your head. The sauna has a glass wall and it is co-ed so you can't get naked.

This hotel is overpriced if you ask me.

The location is in an alright place. It is close to the waterfront so you can walk down the waterfront boardwalk.

This wouldn't be my first choice of hotels but it is alright.

  • Opinion of Price: about average

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  • pieter_jan_v profile photo
  • Reviews: 3600

2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

The old RailRoad Hotel



Unique Quality: Next to the Railroad Station (it has its own entrance to the station!) and close to Pier21.
Somewhat away from the downtown action (10 minutes walk).

  • Opinion of Price: most expensive
  • Related to: Business Travel, Luxury Travel, Trains
Westin Nova Scotian Photo: Halifax Westin Hotel

Westin Nova Scotian Photo: Halifax Westin Hotel

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  • deptlads profile photo
  • Reviews: 161

4 out of 5 starsUser Rating

2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

The Westin Nova Scotian - Halifax's Station Hotel

Large, but nice friendly hotel close to the waterfront (and Pier 21), with direct access to the railway station concourse.

We paid a bit more for a higher (8th) floor room with a view over the habour (and a small fortified island with a lighthouse). This was worth it just for the fabulous sunrise we saw on our first morning there.

It is slightly out of the very centre of the downtown area, but no more than a 10-15 minute walk from the historic properties, for example (and a nice walk it is too - along the waterfront).

We were really pleased with this hotel and the very friendly and efficient service they provided. It was an excellent first experience of Canadian hospitality.

Unique Quality: Direct access to the station (the small pale building with the portico which you can see in the picture).
Close to the waterfront.
Right by Pier 21.

  • Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
  • Related to: Trains
Westin Nova Scotian Photo: The Westin Nova Scotian Hotel and Halifax Station

Westin Nova Scotian Photo: The Westin Nova Scotian Hotel and Halifax Station


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More about Westin Nova Scotian

I'm Glad I didn't pay to Stay at the Westin

by TripAdvisor Member mciolfi

I had a complimentary weekend stay at the Westin Nova Scotia April 7-9, Thankfully it was complimentary because this place is not worth the money they charge to stay there!! Our room was a sauna, with a heating/cooler system that barely pumped any air out. On top of that we could only open our windows not more than an inch. Stuffy is the word for the air condition in this building, couldn't wait to get out of there for some fresh air. It was hard to get a good sleep in the heat plus our floor was very loud at all hours of the day.

Another minus for the Westin is all the added charges. I can't believe they change an extra fee for a harbour view room, it's a great view if you like oil refineries. Also, it was very nice for the hotel to give me a complimetary 250 ml bottle of water to cool me down but then turn around and charge me $1 for every local call I made.

If your thinking of staying here, think again. With some research you can find some great places to stay in the Halifax at a much cheaper rate with some great value added perks. Hint: Waverly Inn - where we stayed prior to the Westin, look for my review.

Stay Clear

by A TripAdvisor Member

I stay at the Westin Nova Scotian because I have enjoyed Westin's world wide. This hotel does not have the service standards of a Westin Hotel. There seems to be alot miss understandings. The food outlets were understaff and there seemed to be no real mangement around to help the staff. My husband and I found a mouse droppings in our guest room, which does leave you with a unclean feeling - But the service we were given by the lobby bartender was the worst service by far. The young lady working in the bar was rude and seemed to be untrained leaving her careless. And after she broke the cork opening our bottle,she then pour red wine on my husband pants. To which she responded to as if it was our fault for going to the bar.
Take it from me, this Hotel does not know the 1st thing in service so any money you spend there is too much. Stay Clear.

Getting a little old and dirty

by TripAdvisor Member CheltheChef

My husband and I went to the Westin Nova Scotian trusting in the Westin's reputation and their "heavenly bed" experience. We found the hotel with no valet, bellman or concierge available so we had to wait around until someone showed. The lobby plate glass was filthy not to mention all of the other window/glass doors in the lobby area. The carpets were stained and littered with pieces of paper. The restaurant is dated and service was very slow.

Our room was only adequate, small and dated. There were cracks in the bathroom, hair in the bath tub. The door paint was chipped as was paint in the room and the carpet was stained. There was almost NO amenities in this room. It had a small bottle of shampoo, conditioner and lotion. None of this was replaced the next day nor was the soap. The room was provided with one water glass and two hangers. We were there for a wedding and called for more, they sent a whopping four.

The internet was extra on a per day charge. It was hard to find staff often only one fellow doing concierge and bellman, valet duties. Very disappointing hotel....we would not return.

Enjoyed our Weekend Get-away

by A TripAdvisor Member

We just returned from a fabulous weekend stay at "The Westin Nova Scotian Hotel" in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia. It was truly pleasure to stay there, we enjoyed every minute of our stay!!! During this particular weekend they gave as a gift basket to welcome us, it had imported chocolates in it and a little candle lamp and a $50 gift certificate for the local shopping Mall (part of the “special offers” package --not sure if this is always available, but it sure made us feel like real special guests!) We asked for the “special offers” and took the one offered to us – a great deal. Plus we requested a harbor-view room and although they could not promise it, they did promise to mark it down as a special request.

The lobby of the hotel is absolutely beautiful!!! Grand looking and special!!! The front bell-men wear handsome Scottish Kilts --- which adds to the joy of visiting the Maritimes – like a little taste of Scotland!

The bell-man also kindly gave us some tips on where to park too, which we really appreciated. (they do offer valet service on some weekend packages, be sure to ask about that) My husband really appreciated the bell-man taking the time to help us find parking.

Sure enough we arrived in our room and DID receive a lovely harbor-view room. The room was very clean. The bathroom was not modern and had older fixtures, but was very clean and charming. (the main thing is that it was so nice and clean) We were so happy!!!

The BEDS are HEAVENLY – they call it their “Heavenly Bed ®” and they are right! The beds are so LUXURIOUS & COMFORTABLE. Felt like Egyptian cotton sheets with DUVETS and mountains of pillows – and the MATTRESS was HEAVENLY – deep, plush and perfect support. We have never had such a good night’s sleep! You have to experience it to know what it’s like – it’s so wonderful that you won’t want to leave!

There was a nice little coffee shop downstairs, and a very nice dining room too. Very pretty, clean and quiet and the food was delicious! In the mornings there was a lovely breakfast buffet offered. My husband opted to order from the menu – ordering Eggs Benedict (which was wonderful) but after we realized the breakfast buffet was a great deal and should have just opted for that. (sometimes there are “special offers” that include the breakfast buffet which is a great deal)

Friday night we went to a charming little FABULOUS ITALIAN RESTAURANT – called “Piccolo Mondo Restorante” (1580 Argyle Street in Halifax) – we found it when doing research for our weekend getaway. (you will find articles about it online) It was beyond wonderful! Reservations are suggested (needed). It’s perfect for a quiet romantic dinner (ask for one of the 2 quiet corner booths). Another treat is “Opa Taverna” a fabulous Greek restaurant (1565 Argyle Street in Halifax). Of course with Halifax, the lists are endless for great restaurants, but here are just a couple and one that we went to this past weekend!

It was such a relaxing visit – great to unwind. We will return to The Westin Nova Scotian Hotel very soon and highly recommend it to all. (try to request a harbor-view room, if possible) - it's a great hotel to be near everything too.


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Forum Posts

Westin Nova Scotian hotel

by joyjoy1979

Has anyone stayed at the Westin Nova Scotian? If so, how was it?

Re: Westin Nova Scotian hotel

by swissfondue

www.tripadvisor.com lists 67 reviews, the most recent this month, for the Westin Nova Scotian in Halifax.

Re: Westin Nova Scotian hotel

by pieter_jan_v

I almost stayed there once and had trouble getting my money returned.
They were quick in charging.


PJ

Re: Westin Nova Scotian hotel

by pieter_jan_v

Took a new picture of the hotel this week; it's on my Halifax page.

Also see:
http://cache.virtualtourist.com/4018395-The_Westin_Nova_Scotian-Halifax.jpg

PJ

Re: Westin Nova Scotian hotel

by babygrand

Pricey, nice enough, near waterfront, taxis easy to get, restaurant on site.
valet parking if you're bringing your own car. My preferred location is Country Inn and Suites Just off the McKay Bridge. If you type in "Country Inn and Suites, Dartmouth" you can print of quite a good quality map to get there.

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deptlads profile photo

 Direct access to the station (the small pale building with the portico which you can see in the picture).
Close to the waterfront.
Right by Pier 21. 

460 members live in Halifax

 

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Q: Cheap Nova Scotia Travel "I live in Toronto and on a fixed income. I am thinking of visiting relatives that live in and around Yarmouth this summer from..."

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 Westin Nova Scotian

We've found that other people looking for this hotel also know it by these names:

Westin Halifax
Halifax Westin
Westin Hotel Halifax

Address: 1181 Hollis Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia, B3H 2P6, Canada

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