Westin Nova Scotian

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

Directions: Water front

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

Directions: South on Barrington Street, next to the VIA rail station. Busses 7, 8 or 9 all stop near the hotel.

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.

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.

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.

Directions: Go to the train station... it's attached to it.

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).

Directions: Next to the railway station.

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.

Directions: Right next door to the VIA railway station, at the end of Hollis Street.