OverviewThe Westin Nova Scotian overlooks the Halifax Harbour and is located 1.2 km from the downtown Halifax city centre.
This property is 100% non-smoking and pet-friendly (pets stay free, permitted in second floor rooms only, and dog beds available upon request). All 310 guest rooms are equipped with a 32" LCD television, iron and ironing board, in-room safe, radio alarm clock, hair dryer, pay-per-view movies, wired and wireless Internet (at an extra charge in standard rooms and suites), video check-out, coffee maker, free daily newspaper, and individual climate control. Rooms may be furnished with one queen or two double beds, but for an extra charge, the room can be upgraded to a king sized bed.
The hotel's Harbourview rooms feature a panoramic view of the Halifax harbour and in-room wired and wireless Internet access is included in the room price. This hotel also offers studio suites with balconies overlooking the city and Jacuzzi-style tubs. One-bedroom suites at this property include a sitting area (with pull-out sofa) and have one or two bathrooms.
Outdoor parking is available for $18 per day and valet parking costs $22 per day. This hotel also offers complimentary shuttle service to downtown Halifax, while shuttle service to the airport is provided at an extra charge ($19.50 for one-way).
Amenities at this hotel include a business centre with desktop computers, copy and fax services, Internet, and shipping services (some service fees may apply). There is also a fitness centre on site which offers a variety of strength training equipment and cardio machines, along with an indoor pool, whirlpool, and outdoor tennis court. Within the hotel, guests will also find the Yuk-Yuks Comedy Club, Sykea Spa (open Saturday to Monday 9:00am - 6:00pm and Tuesday to Friday 9:00am - 9:00pm), a conference centre, and banquet facilities.
The on-site restaurant, Elements on Hollis serves breakfast (6:30am - 11:00am), lunch (11:00am - 2:00pm), dinner (5:30pm - 10:00pm) and Sunday brunch (11:30am - 2:00pm). Roy's Lounge serves coffee, wine, drinks and appetizers from 6:30am - 11:00pm, seven days a week. Eve Lounge is open until midnight every night and serves wine, drinks and lighter fare. The Westin Nova Scotian also provides 24-hour room service.
This hotel is 37.1km from the Halifax International Airport (YHZ) and 83m from the Halifax VIA Rail Station. Spring Garden Road (Halifax shopping area and Public Gardens) is 1.2km from the hotel, the Citadel Hill National Historic Site is 1.7km away, and the Pier 21 Immigration Museum is 550m from the hotel (distances: Google Maps).
Verified by a Front Desk Agent on April 18, 2012: Pets stay free, permitted in second floor rooms only, and dog beds available upon request.
The GoodThere were many positive reviews for this hotel with most guests praising the location and friendly service.
Most guests found the hotel located close to a variety of amenities, including a grocery store, liquor store, farmer's market, the waterfront boardwalk area, a variety of restaurants, the VIA rail station and shopping destinations. Many reviewers also cited that the hotel's location was its best feature.
The customer service at this hotel was also often complimented. Most reviewers found the staff to be helpful and professional. One guest described the front desk agents as "friendly, well trained, and empowered to make things happen quick and efficiently." Another guest commented on the superior service he received in the lounge. He mentioned that he was served by Roy, who has worked at the Westin Nova Scotian since 1963 (the hotel's Roy's Lounge is named after him).
Many guests agreed that their room was clean and well appointed. One guest described the property as "A pretty hotel with nice furnishings. I have stayed here before and I hope to stay here again." A few reviewers were impressed to find LCD televisions in their room.
Guests found the in-room Starbucks Coffee and on-site fitness facility to be value added features. The view of the Halifax harbour and the quality of food served at the lounge were also complimented.
The Bad
Guests who had negative experiences at this hotel complained about extra charges not included in the room price and problems resulting from the hotel being an older property.
Many guests were unhappy to learn that Internet access, parking, and local calls were not complimentary. One guest was particularly upset about paying for the Internet service because he found it to be unreliable.
Many reviewers also found the age of the property a problem. Some guests found that noise from the halls and adjoining units permeated their room. Other guests found it difficult to control their in-room temperature. And a few guests mentioned that the elevator was slow and noisy.
Guest reviews also mentioned that some of the hotel rooms were in need of renovations. A few guests found their room cleanliness unsatisfactory and requested to change rooms upon arrival. A couple reviewers recommended that guests ask for newer rooms or Harbourview rooms for the best experience at this hotel.
MyTravelGuide.com gave this hotel an average score of 8.5 out of 10, based on 1362 reviews.
TripAdvisor.com ranked this hotel #17 out of 29 properties in Halifax, from 507 guest reviews.
Expedia.ca gave this hotel an average score of 4.1 out of 5, with 84% of 130 reviewers recommending this property.
Verified by a Front Desk Agent on April 18, 2012: Pets stay for free, are permitted in second floor rooms only, and dog beds are available upon request.
