The Westin Nova Scotian

The staff are what made this hotel stand out. Everyone, from the front desk to the bar and wait staff, was top notch. If Tracy serves you, you’re in good hands. Thank you for a wonderful weekend. We spent Valentine’s weekend at this beautiful landmark, with downtown Halifax, the Seaport Market, local flavours, and great restaurants close by. You can also stay in for a fantastic meal, since the restaurant serves some of the best dining you could experience. I wish I could give it more than five stars.

I stayed at the Westin Nova Scotian from December 5 to 10, 2025. The restaurant meals were very good, and the staff were excellent. The lobby, meeting rooms, and other shared areas were well maintained. My room was great, though there seemed to be some dust buildup, perhaps from the air handling equipment. The location beside the Via Rail station and bus terminal was useful, and many popular places are within a 15-minute walk. The hotel had car rentals, a gym, a pool, and work stations. It was mobility impaired accessible.

The waterfront setting is lovely and tastefully developing, and the hotel was especially welcoming to our two Goldens. The bellhops and general manager were friendly with the dogs. Staff across departments were unfailingly helpful and professional. The bromine pool and whirlpool are great, as is the gym, though I wish they stayed open later at night. Our eight-night stay had some drawbacks. The room and closet were small, the closet door shut automatically and was inconvenient, and the plumbing is outdated. There should be more hooks or towel bars, more hangers, a microwave, and slippers. The room and elevator cards also didn’t read very well. The place increasingly feels like a convention centre, with large groups filling the halls and elevators. People hang out in the lobby with drinks, and loud parties are allowed there until midnight, with noise reaching the rooms. That doesn’t match the “experience” or “wellness” Marriott promotes. It isn’t elegant or restful, and there’s no little extra like a complimentary breakfast. We enjoy the hotel for its welcome to our dogs and its waterfront location. Westin and Marriott should build on guests’ appreciation for this city, which conventions won’t care about.

The rooms were spacious, quiet, and clean, and the staff were professional, helpful, and responsive. We had excellent service. It’s a great, roomy place for professional conferences, and it’s accommodating to clients’ needs. The hotel is also near the Superstore and walking paths. Highly recommended.