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Review: Westin Nova Scotian, Halifax

by Brad
Last updated December 31, 2018

I had a business trip to Halifax earlier this winter.  Its a city I’ve looked forward to visiting for some time, but I was hoping for a trip in the warmer months.  Fortunately, when I visited, it was unseasonably warm, so I was able to explore the city during my limited free time.

halifaxharbor

view of Halifax Harbor from the Westin

There are various full service hotel options in central Halifax, including a Delta, Radisson, and some non-chain properties.  I booked a stay at the Westin Nova Scotian.  The property is an older hotel with some unique design features, and many rooms with odd shapes.  Many of the rooms and the public areas have been renovated.

Harbour View Suite at the Westin Nova Scotian

I was upgraded to a Harbour View suite at check in.  It was basically just adjoining rooms with one room on a corner of the building configured with a couch instead of a bed.

halifaxbedroomtv

TV/dresser/desk in bedroom

halifaxbedroom

Heavenly bed

halifaxdesk

Same furnishings in the second room

halifaxsitting

couch replacing the bed in the extra room

 

While the extra space was nice, it wasn’t that functional.  The door in the sitting room did not open.  The bathroom was attached to the bedroom and was quite small, and not really updated.

halifaxbath

Restaurants and Activities on property

The lobby bar was pretty typical of hotel bars, with overpriced drinks, although I did get a certificate for a free glass of wine when I checked in.  I had breakfast at the restaurant, Elements a couple of the days.  It was fine, and again, pretty typical of hotel restaurants, I go there for convenience rather than any special food.

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There is also a small theater in the hotel that has comedy shows.  This is more active on weekends, and my stay was mid week.

I had limited free time, and most of it was after dark, but I did my best to venture out and explore the city.  I went for a nice run along the waterfront one evening and also tried some local restaurants.

halifaxbicyclethief

Torch near the enterance to The Bicycle Thief

One evening a colleague and I went to a restaurant near the waterfront which was a short walk away.  The Bicycle Thief was suggested to us by a client.  The food was excellent, they describe it as “North American Food – Italian Soul”.  I would definitely recommend this place if you visit Halifax. Another restaurant suggestion I would pass along for a much more low key experience is Shiraz, which is a tiny little place across Hollis Street from the Westin.  They serve tasty Persian food, mostly for take out, as there are only a few tables available.

Halifax Airport

After my work was concluded, I headed back to the airport, about 40 minutes away from downtown.  A toll is required for crossing either of the bridges across the harbor.  I had a brief visit at the Maple Leaf Lounge prior to my departure.  This lounge was quite small, but offerings are similar to what is available at other Air Canada hubs.  I did have some difficulty finding the lounge, but eventually discovered it was one level above departures, accessible via an elevator above the security area.

halifaxmll Halifax Maple Leaf Lounge entry

In all, it was a nice trip to Halifax. I’d still like to return to spend some more time there, maybe for leisure, and definitely in the warmer months with more daylight to enjoy more of the sights.

halifaxqueen The Queen is in Halifax!  Do you know where she is?

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About Brad

Brad is a frequent traveler, based in Milwaukee. He typically travels in around 200,000 miles per year, much of it for business, and often in economy. This blog focuses on experiences and tips from the perspective of a frequent business traveler trying to maximize value. In addition to frequent work trips, he uses miles and points for even more travel with his wife and young child.

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