The Westin Nova Scotian Blog

At our Halifax hotel, we’re committed to giving back to our local community. Recently, two of our Sales & Catering Managers attended the Ride for Dad Halifax event.

We are pleased to announced the launch of our free internet service at the Westin Nova Scotian. Our Halifax hotel now offers basic internet services at no-charge to all registered guests.

Pairs well with seafood and ocean views!

Every wine region hopes to have wines that stand out and get recognized for defining what they do best. Officially launched in June 2012, Tidal Bay brilliantly reflects the terroir, coastal breezes and cooler climate of its birthplace. World-class craftsmanship brings a distinctive brightness and nose that's fresh yet complex. The palate is dryishly crisp, with a full body that lingers in every sip.

WALK THE OVAL

Get ready for summer by walking this spring! Every Tuesday evening from May 28 to June 25, join members of the Westin Nova Scotian and of the local community at the Oval from 7 PM to 8 PM.

New Castle Hotels and Resorts was named one of the Best Places to Work in Atlantic Canada!

Our Halifax hotel would like to extend a big congratulations to New Castle Hotels and Resorts! The hotel management company, which owns & operates the Westin Nova Scotian, was recognized as one of the 27 Best Places to Work in Atlantic Canada  by Progress magazine and Best Companies Group.

And the scene to week two of the Seaport Summer Scenes Contest is....

Pier 21 Canadian Museum of Immigration!

Pier 21 is one of two National Museums outside of Ottawa and is located in the Halifax Seaport District, just steps away from our Halifax hotel!

Photo compliments of Sports Entertainment Atlantic

Exciting news for sports fans in Halifax, Nova Scotia! Sports & Entertainment Atlantic has announced the return of SANDJAM Halifax 2013, the third installment of the international beach volleyball tournament on the waterfront!

What a great success the day was! In recognition of National Occupational Health & Safety Week, our Halifax hotel decided to organize a wellness fair for all our associates.

New Castle Hotels & Resorts, Canadian Region
Left to Right - Darlene Power (Residence Inn Moncton), Rick Norman (Hampton Inn & Suites Dartmouth Crossing), Matthew Mackenzie (Keltic Lodge), Susan Malana (Director of Human Resources), Denise McNeil (Director of Revenue), Guido Kerpel (Award Recipient - Vice President), Karen Wenaus (Liscombe Lodge), Glenn Bowie (Director of Sales & Marketing), John Wilson (Area Controller) and Denise Bradbury (Director of Sales, Westin Nova Scotian)

The stars were out last night as Atlantic Business Magazine awarded the 2013 Top 50 CEO’s in Atlantic Canada.

The Discovery Centre is coming to our neighbourhood in Halifax, Nova Scotia! The Discovery Centre is embarking on a new era in their evolution and is poised to build a unique, state of the art Discovery Centre.

Celebrate Mom this Mother's Day with the Westin Nova Scotian and support the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. We will be offering our Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday May 12, 2013 on the Banquet Floor at the downtown Halifax hotel.

Celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Blue Nose Marathon (May 17-19, 2013) and stay at the Westin Nova Scotian. Whether are planning on an intense run, jog, or leisurely walk, you'll be sure to enjoy yourself at this Halifax event.

Take a chance at winning our Name That Space Contest at the Westin Nova Scotian!

We have a new boardroom at our hotel and we invite you to be part of naming this new Halifax meeting space.

Looking to escape to Halifax, Nova Scotia this spring? Our Halifax hotel is offer our new package for weekend travelers for a limited time only!

How could the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market have the greatest impact on our lives and our city?

Join us for the upcoming Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market community engagement sessions.

Celebrate Mom this Mother's Day with the Westin Nova Scotian. We will be offering our Mother's Day Brunch on Sunday May 12, 2013 on the Banquet Floor at the downtown Halifax hotel.

We’re excited to launch our Ballet and Stay Contest.

Now is the chance to have your name entered into a draw to win tickets to Ballet Jorgen - Swan Lake and an overnight stay at the Westin Nova Scotian! Simple visit us on our Facebook page to share and like our Ballet and Stay photo.

Thank you for spending time with our Westin Nova Scotian Sales & Catering Managers this week.

Are you a rock n’ roll fan? Then you’ll be happy to hear that KISS is returning to Halifax, Nova Scotia this summer! The band will hit the stage at the Halifax Metro Centre on August 1, 2013.

Our Halifax hotel from the Seaport Farmer’s Market

Our Seaport Summer Scenes Contest is back.  Based on the popularity of the photo contest last summer, we are doing it again!  

We decided to start a little earlier this year because there are just so many great scenes to be photographed in the Seaport District & Southend Halifax! We couldn’t wait to get started... 

We’ve done it again! Glenn Bowie, Area Director of Sales & Marketing New Castle Hotels & Resorts, couldn’t wait to jump in the pool yesterday & celebrate our conversion to salt water! Our Halifax hotel opened our revitalized Fitness Centre and pool on March 1, 2013 after an extensive renovation. 

Glenn Bowie, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Westin Nova Scotian
presented cheque to Katrina Leighton, Funding Coordinator with Children's Wish

This morning, our Halifax hotel presented a cheque for $3920.00 to the Children's Wish Foundation.

Do you know a funny Haligonian saying or quote? Share with Halifax Comedy Fest for your chance to win their I LAUGH LOCAL staycation package. Contest runs from March 8th to March 14, 2013.

All for a great cause… Last night the annual Chefs for UNICEF dinner was held at the World Trade & Convention Centre.

Did you know that the Westin Nova Scotian is home to one of the best Halifax restaurants? Maintaining a #5 ranking out of 416 Halifax restaurants has been a high point of elements on hollis since reopening in our downtown Halifax hotel in September 2011.

At the Westin Nova Scotian, we’re committed to eco-friendly initiatives, making us the ideal location for your next green Halifax meeting. Our hotel has received a four leaf rating out of five with Green Key Global and with The Audubon Green Leaf Eco-Rating Program.

If you’re staying at our Halifax hotel this weekend, take part in the fun and join in the adventure with Little’s Ray Reptile Zoo February 15^th to 17^th.

Enjoy time with your family this March Break and switch-up the routine with our Family Pizza Package without having to worry about the mess! Join us at the Westin Nova Scotian for fun-filled family mini-getaway.

The Pirates of Halifax paid a visit to the Westin Nova Scotian last month to “raid & pillage” the Sales & Catering team. The surprise visit was orchestrated by Marina Atwell of Velocity Event Management.

February is an exciting month at the Westin Nova Scotian! Throughout the month of February, we are offering exclusive weekend rates. With an abundance of exciting activities in our neighbourhood, our downtown Halifax hotel offers all that you need for the ultimate February weekend away with your family or friends.

This year is the 10th anniversary of A Different Stage of Mind, one of premier Halifax events and a signature fundraiser for the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.

Our Halifax hotel is partnering with the 2013 Halifax Comedy Fest. From April 24 to 27, the festival will take over the city’s downtown core and we're offering a variety of exclusive packages and rates during this event.

Now is a great time to book your Valentine’s weekend with one of our February packages at our Halifax hotel. From our Chocolate Lover's Package to our Valentine's at Yuk Yuk's Package, the Westin Nova Scotian helps create those special moments this Valentine's Day.

Looking for great live music close to home this winter? Well look no further than downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia!

Photo compliments of Metro News

Coming to Halifax, Nova Scotia this winter? Be sure to pack your ice skates for one of the best Halifax attractions! Join local Haligonians and skate on the Emera Oval, our outdoor skating rink located in the heart of the city.

What inspires you to be your best at home, at work, with friends and family? At the Westin Nova Scotian, we are inspired by our guests to keep improving.

Are you planning on attending the Everything to do with Sex Show at the Cunard Centre January 25 to 27, 2013? Our Halifax hotel is offering a Romance Package to heat up your January.

From February 1^st to 10^th, celebrate the Nova Scotia Icewine Festival throughout the province. Sample Icewine paired with local cuisine, learn how Icewine is made or try your hand at pruning.

Playing our part… I often think that what we do in the hospitality industry is simple. We give people a place to stay, meet and network. We make it easy for them to do business, that’s what we do for all of our groups. One Halifax conference in particular has come to be an annual event that touches the world and has taken our role as host hotel to a whole new level. 

Off-site meetings can be great motivational tools for the workplace! A Halifax meeting out of the office is often the best way to generate enthusiasm, ideas, and renewed perspective.

From our Halifax Airport Shuttle Service to our Downtown Halifax Shuttle, whether traveling for business or pleasure, the Westin Nova Scotian offers a variety of transportation services to ease the stress of travel.

I think we’ve all experienced an awkward Movember moment... You see someone at the grocery store who you think you recognize, but he has a moustache, or something resembling a moustache, which he didn’t have before. So you don’t say hello and look away. Then you remember that it’s Movember so maybe you do know him…

Christmas is just around the corner and we are hosting a variety of Halifax events this holiday season! Join us at the Westin Nova Scotian throughout the month of December for special rates and our famous Holiday Happenings.

Planning a wedding in Halifax? The award winning Westin Nova Scotian offers the finest Halifax wedding ceremony and reception facilities. With two beautiful historic ballrooms, our Halifax hotel is seen as one of the premier wedding venues.

New to our South End neighbourhood…Welcome Layers and Kitchen Door Catering to 1276 Barrington Street in Halifax, Nova Scotia! 

The Westin Nova Scotian is pleased to announce the launch of Westin New Balance Gear Lending Program!

On Monday November 5, 2012, associates, guests and partners joined together to kick off the new program with a five kilometre walk/run around downtown Halifax!

We welcome all guests at The Westin Nova Scotian. Your four-legged companion is invited to stay at our pet-friendly hotel in Halifax.

Eighty children from Atlantic Canada left Halifax, Nova Scotia very early this morning on their way to Disney World for the day.  The children and their families arrived at the Westin Nova Scotian yesterday creating a very emotional experience at check-in. 

Great Big Sea celebrates 20 years of music! The band just announced that they will play at the Metro Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia in April 2013.

Last night as I was leaving the Atlantic Superstore next to our Halifax hotel, I heard scary Halloween sounds coming from the parking lot.  The sounds drew me to a big pumpkin patch display with a GIANT pumpkin from the famous Dill’s Pumpkin Farm in Windsor, NS.

Join Halifax Nova Scotia and the celebrations for the 2012 Halifax Pop Explosion. Halifax events are planned from October 16 to 20, 2012 throughout Halifax. There will be over 150 bands in 20 venues over five days to over 20,000 fans and industry delegates from around the world!

Photo was taken in March 2012
L to R: regular local guest of Roy’s, Greg Murphy, former bartender Roberto, me & Roy

Roy’s Lounge was recently included in Janice Tober’s Great Canadian Bar Hop. We are in good company if you look at Janice’s other picks.

Our Halifax hotel has partnered with the Children’s Wish Foundation this holiday season for the Take the Elevator Home promotion. We will donate $10 from every room booked through this promotion back to Children’s Wish Foundation Nova Scotia Chapter.

Halifax, Nova Scotia will celebrate the 25^th Anniversary of the East Coast Music Awards (ECMA) in March 2013! The ECMAs are one of the leading music events in Atlantic Canada and features the best of local artists and musicians.

Join us at our Halifax hotel this holiday weekend and enjoy our Canada Long Weekend promotion. For every two nights you stay, you receive one night free!

With the Bluenose II launch this weekend in Nova Scotia, we thought we’d share one of our Halifax hotel associates delicious Bluenose Chowder recipes. Liz Feltham's Bluenose Chowder is a must-try this weekend.

Looking for a unique Halifax event this Christmas? Check out the 23^rd Annual Victorian Christmas at Halifax Citadel Hill on November 24th and 25th.

Enjoy delicious local cuisine while supporting a great cause at elements on hollis, located on the lobby level of our Halifax hotel! From now until Sunday September 29^th, elements on hollis will be taking part in the Yelp Eats event to support FEED Nova Scotia.

Stay close to home this fall for a “winecation” and enjoy the fruits of the vine as Nova Scotia celebrates the Fall Wine Festival.

New Castle Hotels & Resorts supported The Zed Charity Golf Classic on September 13 by sponsoring a hole on the course, and donating several items to the auction. Two of the Management team at our Halifax hotel attended to represent New Castle Hotels and Resorts.

At the Westin Nova Scotian, we encourage our associates to get involved in their communities by supporting and volunteering with their charities of choice. Recently, two of our Halifax hotel associates volunteered with Make-A-Wish Atlantic Provinces and helped make a little boy's wish come true. This is their story about this wonderful volunteer experience...Joyce Nifort (Make-A-Wish) with BeckyAnne & Abigail (Associates at The Westin Nova Scotian)

At the end of July, our Halifax hotel was buzzing with preparations for the TELUS World Skins game held at Glen Arbour Golf Course July 29 – 31, 2012.

We're pleased to announce the official launch of WestinWORKOUT® at our Halifax hotel. Stay fit while on the road for a Halifax meeting, conference or vacation.

This weekend is your last chance to sit outside and watch live theatre in Point Pleasant Park in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Shakespeare by the Sea, wraps up their 2012 season this weekend with Titus Andronicus at 7 pm tonight (Friday), Alice in Wonderland at 1 pm & The Merry Wives of Windsor at 7 pm tomorrow (Saturday).

Did you know that Christmas is less than four months away? When planning your Halifax vacation this Holiday season, be sure to check out the Holiday Parade of Lights on November 17th.

We’re excited! Let’s show the world what Canada is all about, from our point of view!

The Canadian Tourism Commission launched their 35 Million Directors campaign and contest. Halifax along with other Canadian cities is encouraging Haligonians, visitors and friends to capture their amazing Canadian moments on film!

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy a Staycation in Nova Scotia and this summer the weather has been perfect for going to the beach. In less than 45 minutes from the city you can be at a beach in beautiful St. Margaret’s Bay.

Enjoy a relaxing, stress-free and rejuvenating Halifax vacation at the Westin Nova Scotian. Our Halifax hotel offers our guests a complimentary shuttle service around the downtown area.

Photo Compliments of Walter Hayes

We’re just over a month away from the Nova Scotia Fall Wine Festival! The 7th annual festival will run throughout Nova Scotia from September 13 to October 14, 2012.

Halifax dining has never been better. Did you know that elements on hollis was recently named one of the top five Canadian restaurants by Food Network Canada?

Since my last post, a lot has been going on for planning of the FIVB Beach Volleyball SWATCH Junior World Championships. Everything from logistics and sponsorships to promotions has been busy.

Tomorrow, street performers from around the world will hit the Halifax waterfront for the 2012 Halifax International Buskers Festival - the largest, longest running outdoor festival of its kind in Canada! From August 2 to 12, 2012, the Buskers Festival will take place along the boardwalk in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Summer time at the Westin Nova Scotian means it's curb side check-in time!

TELUS World Skins lobby transformation is underway!

Our Halifax hotel will host invited guests and clients of the 2012 TELUS World Skins Game. From July 29 to 31, we transform our lobby into a TELUS destination to celebrate the World Skins.

What a wonderful Tall Ships weekend in downtown Halifax… fireworks every night, live music, food & wine samples and Tall Ships representing 1812 to tour & experience.

We love long weekends at the Westin Nova Scotian! Book a Canadian long weekend at our Halifax hotel and enjoy Halifax attractions, events, festivals and more.  For every two nights you reserve, you receive your third night free.

The Westin Nova Scotian is located in the heart of the vibrant Seaport District in Downtown Halifax. Our Halifax hotel is just steps away from many great restaurants, shops, pubs, cafes and more. One great neighbour is the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market.

The Tall Ships are coming, the Tall Ships are coming…Thursday, July 19th will see the start of the Tall Ships Festival in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Hi, my name is Christian O’Neill and I work as the Social Media and Promotions Coordinator with Sports & Entertainment Atlantic (S|E|A). In my role, I am responsible for creating buzz online about the 2012 FIVB Beach Volleyball SWATCH World Junior Championships.  I’ve been meeting with fellow social media friends from our valuable sponsors to bring energy and excitement to the waterfront for Sand Jam!

Seaport Summer Scenes - Where in Halifax by Denise Bradbury

'Tis the season for getting outside, exploring the city and taking photos…and that’s just what I’ve been doing. Most recently, I took a walk amongst the tourists in the Halifax Seaport District and looked at the sites through the lens of a visitor.

The Westin Nova Scotian Halifax hotel is the official sponsor hotel for Sand Jam 2012! The FIVB Beach Volleyball Swatch Junior World Championships are taking place in downtown Halifax from August 29-September 2.

This year from April to October, the Port of Halifax will host 136 cruise ships. Seeing these massive ships in Halifax, Nova Scotia prompted me to explore the world of cruising. Last week, I was far from home, cruising the West Coast from Vancouver, BC to Glacier Bay, AK.

Photo compliments of the Friends of the Public Gardens

While visiting Halifax, Nova Scotia, be sure to take time to explore the beauty and breathtaking magic of the historic Halifax Public Gardens.

elements on hollis restaurant is located in the lobby level of our Halifax hotel. The downtown Halifax restaurant recently launched their new summer menu featuring the best of Nova Scotia cuisine.

Photo: Jeff Vienneau

Tickets are now on sale for the Georges Island Concert in Halifax, Nova Scotia - presented by Waterfront Development and Captain Morgan. During the 2012 Tall Ships Festival on Saturday July 21, Hey Rosetta! will perform for thousands of spectators on the historic and desolate George’s Island.

One of the biggest Halifax attractions is returning to Nova Scotia this summer. Make sure you don’t miss the Tall Ships 2012 experience happening along the Halifax boardwalk. From July 19 - 23, the vessels will be docked in Halifax Harbour and will be featured during public events, celebrations, and tours.

The Halifax Citadel 1812 Commemorative Band Concert was held last night inside the walls of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site!

Our Halifax hotel launched our new summer menu in Roy’s Lounge! Stop by Roy’s and try a delicious selection of tasty treats, local and international beverages and of course a chat with Roy himself.

We always appreciate hearing feedback from our guests, especially when they’ve had a memorable experience at the Westin Nova Scotian. Recently, we receive this glowing review from one of our loyal guests...

Do you want to own a sports car? I certainly do now that I’ve seen 70 Mercedes-Benz 2013 SL 550’s parked at our Halifax hotel.  Mercedes-Benz Canadian Dealers were in Halifax, Nova Scotia last week launching the car and experiencing the city.

The Westin Nova Scotian recently received a glowing review from a frequent guest of ours. This business traveler stays at our Halifax hotel while visiting the city and here is what he had to say about his Westin experience.

On a recent business trip to Toronto with our Destination Halifax partners, we hosted clients to a fabulous Maritime themed lobster dinner and we gave back to the community.

On May 12 & 13, Downtown Halifax will host OpenCity to showcase the unique experience of our seaport city. This weekend is a great way to get out and explore this city we call home. A variety of shops, restaurants and Halifax attractions will open their doors to encourage Haligonians and visitors to take part in all the fun, delicious and amazing things our city has to offer!

The TD Canada Trust Atlantic Jazz Festival is the ultimate summer Halifax attraction.  Take in Atlantic Canada's largest and best known music festival, featuring an unforgettable mixture of blues, jazz, world music, and more.

Combine your musical experience with a rejuvenating stay at our Halifax hotel, an official festival sponsor which is conveniently located steps away from the festivities.

The Westin Nova Scotian Halifax Hotel received an inquiry from Bill Cummins; he has copies of the Nova Scotian menus from May 18, 1939. After speaking with Mr. Cummins, we’ve learned a lot behind the history of these menus and the Nova Scotian’s connection to the Royal Family.

Did you know that Mom’s want to go to Mother’s Day Brunch for Mother’s Day? Give Mom one of the top 4 things she wants this Mother’s Day.

On Wednesday night, Robert Herjavec spoke to an audience of approximately 550 people in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  The crowd was a mix of young entrepreneurs, sponsors and seasoned business people.  His message was clear, do what you love and the money will come.  People know when you are not genuine and happy and his motto has been to always be “wonderful” when people ask how he is.

We’re excited for the 2012 Regional Communications Gemstone Awards on May 10^th at our Halifax hotel. The Halifax-known TV host, actor and writer, Nancy Regan will host the awards. Nancy Regan is well-known in the Maritimes as the former host CTV’s Live at 5 for 15 years.

Jade is an energetic, fun-loving and kind young woman with Cystic Fibrosis and is about to graduate from high school in Fredericton, New Brunswick this year. Our Halifax hotel helped Make A Wish Foundation grant Jade’s Shopping Spree Wish here in Halifax, Nova Scotia, just in time for prom!

At 8:00 AM yesterday morning, the Azamara docked in Halifax, Nova Scotia on it’s way from New York - to the site of the sinking of the Titanic on April 15^th. The Azamara set sail on April 10^th and is an eight night cruise and it is one of two Titanic Memorial Cruises.

'Titanic the Fated Voyage' dinner theatre actors
welcoming us aboard the voyage

On Thursday night, I attended ‘Titanic the Fated Voyage’ at the Cunard Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  What a fabulous and surprising dinner theatre.  The acting was superb and the story very creative.  I wondered how the writer, Jamie Bradley, would conclude a story with such a tragic and legendary ending.  I was not disappointed!

April 15, 2012 marks the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Halifax, Nova Scotia played a large role in the days following the disaster. We were the first port city called to help in the rescue and recovery of the passengers and wreckage. In honour of the centennial anniversary, Halifax is hosting several commemorative events during the month of April and continuing throughout the summer months.

The Westin Nova Scotian will be turning out the lights at the Halifax hotel during Earth Hour 2012. On Saturday March 31, 2012 from 8:30 to 9:30 PM Atlantic Standard Time, the Westin Nova Scotian will join million of people around the world by turning out the lights and reducing power consumption.

With Easter around the corner, it's a great time to book the Canada Long Weekend Specials we're offering at the Westin Nova Scotian. Book any two nights at our Halifax Hotel and receive your third night free! This offer is only valid on long weeends throughout 2012.

As we wrap up a week of sales calls during the Starwood Sales Blitz, it’s another warm sunny day in Halifax, Nova Scotia!  Yesterday we saw an all time high of 27°C in the city. 

We're celebrating the launch of the new elite benefits for members of the Starwood Preferred Guest® program with cake and prizes in our Halifax hotel lobby! 

Our Halifax Hotel will be hosting the 2012 Atlantic Canada Wine Symposium (ACWS) on May 27 to 29. The 4th-annual event is the only Atlantic-focused wine conference and is specific to the needs, climate and interests of East Coast grape growers, winemakers, winery owners and wine enthusiast.

The Westin Nova Scotian is offering a special Easter promotion for the long weekend. We are offering 99 rooms starting at $99 over Easter weekend. Stay with us at our Halifax hotel from April 5-7^th and receive this special promotion.

Westin and New Balance® now offer shoes and athletic wear to use during your stay at the Westin Nova Scotian. Guests of our Halifax hotel can simply call Service Express® for more information and convenient delivery to their room while visiting with us

Denise Bradbury (right) from the Westin Nova Scotian
with Christine MacKenzie from Porter Airlines

On Monday, I had the privilege of boarding the Canadian Navy Frigate, HMCS St. John’s for a Day Sail.  I joined 100 women from across Canada who work as Teachers & Guidance Counselors in Schools and Community Colleges.  They were in Halifax, Nova Scotia for three days of activities to experience life in the Navy and increase their knowledge for recruiting purposes.

Graham Hyson and Little Buddy

Graham Hyson has been working at the Westin Nova Scotian for 15 years and over those 15 years, he has touched a lot of lives with his kindness.  The most recent recipient of Graham’s compassion is a little 4-month-old kitten he named ‘Little Buddy’. 

Take part in the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon and experience the Halifax race of a lifetime. This annual Halifax attraction draws thousands to this beautiful maritime city for the weekend's activities. Looking for a challenge? This spring Halifax marathon offers options for children, seasoned athletes, and everyone in between.

With March Break right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to visit Halifax, Nova Scotia. With plenty of family-fun activities, enjoy a Halifax vacation-staycation at the Westin Nova Scotian. Just steps away from our Halifax hotel is the Discovery Centre. They currently have an exciting exhibit, Grossology – the (Impolite) Science of the Human Body.

With a modern new look and feel comes a new name.  Our Halifax Hotel Cornwallis Room is now known as the Seaport Room!  In keeping with our commitment to promote our neighbourhood, the Halifax Seaport District, we decided to name our lobby level meeting room the same.

At our downtown Halifax hotel, we encourage our staff to get involved and be a part of our communities. This week, we will be highlighting Sales Manager Vanessa Jones who is an active community member and has been volunteering with the Woman’s Canadian Progress Club for the past year.

Roy Clorey at the Westin Nova Scotian Lounge - ROY'S LOUNGE

In 1963, Roy Clorey started working at the Nova Scotian Hotel. The Lounge was then called the Griffin and was located where Sykea Spa is currently.

The Westin Nova Scotian is the proud official sponsor hotel of the 2012 Halifax ComedyFest. Stay with us and enjoy the ultimate weekend of laughter and rejuvenation in the best of Halifax accommodations.

On February 9^th the Progress Club of Halifax hosted their 40^th annual Sport Celebrity Dinner.  The Halifax event is a fundraiser to support two of the Club’s local charities; The Progress Centre for Early Intervention and King’s Meadow Home.  The Westin Nova Scotian has been a proud sponsor of the event for the past six years. 

Surrounded by the vast Atlantic Ocean, Nova Scotia has a strong and long maritime history. To continue our sailing legacy for years to come, Nova Scotia's famous nautical ambassador is undergoing a major rebuild. The Bluenose II will return to sailing in the summer of 2012 after her restoration commenced in 2010.

April 15, 2012 marks the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Halifax, Nova Scotia played a large role in the days following the disaster. We were the first port of call for many of the ships carrying survivors and wreckage.

Saltscapes East Coast Expo is hosting its 8th annual show at Exhibition Park in Halifax, Nova Scotia on April 27th, 28th & 29th, 2012. The expo is one of the fastest growing consumer shows that highlights the best of Atlantic Canada.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and it’s time to make plans with your sweetheart in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  If you’re the lucky partner planning a Valentine’s treat for your special someone,  our Halifax hotel restaurant, elements on hollis is offering a tantalizing menu.

We’re just weeks away from the Annual Savour Food & Wine Show here in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This event is a showcase of Halifax restaurants, wines and beverages.

A good friend of mine, Alison DeLory, is the Halifax/Saint John City Editor for Chatelaine Magazine...

Our Sales & Catering team at our Halifax hotel had a surprise visit from a wise old soul last Wednesday. Yoda, of Star Wars fame, showed up just as we were about to start our meeting.  He was bringing exciting news from Velocity Entertainment and Marina Atwell.

The countdown is on for one of Halifax, Nova Scotia’s big events – The Halifax ComedyFest. The four day event is just over 3 months away! Many of the Halifax events will take place at different establishments in the downtown core from April 25^th to 28^th 2012.

On January 16, 2012, we were thrilled to present Make-A-Wish Atlantic Provinces with a cheque for $3760.00!! Over the Holiday Season, we offered the Take the Elevator Home promotion where a portion of each booking went to support the Make-A-Wish program in Atlantic Canada.

Eat, stay, love. Rediscover each other this Valentine's Day when you indulge in an escape to Halifax and savour a romantic five-course dinner with your loved one.

Motorcycle enthusiasts of every level will discover something unique from the latest in accessories to unique touring destinations. Join us in February in Halifax Nova Scotia for the Halifax International Motorcycle Show presented by Joe Rocket Canada and produced by Bikerboy Powersports Ltd.  This is the first show of its kind east of Quebec and will showcase everything new for the 2012 riding season.

Congratulations Wenda & Chris!  On November 9^th, 2011 Reegan Christopher Berkvens entered our lives several weeks ahead of schedule.

Image Compliments of Destination Halifax

We have so many things to see and do in our own cities that we never get around to because we think we’ll do it some other time.  This winter, I challenge you to take the time to be a tourist in your own city or even neighbourhood. Stay in a downtown Halifax hotel, eat in a new Nova Scotia restaurant...

Our historic Halifax hotel is one of the original railway hotels in Canada. The 82-year-old historic gem is situated in the Halifax Seaport District along the beautiful Halifax waterfront. Many Haligonians and Nova Scotians have treasured memories and stories of the old dame.

Planning to visit Halifax, Nova Scotia this winter and looking for fun adventure? Halifax and Nova Scotia offer a variety of different winter activities.

Laugh & be merry this Holiday at Yuk Yuk's Comedy Club, located in our Halifax hotel. With weekly comedy shows, this is the place to celebrate the festive season.

We're getting excited! You can experience skating outdoors in Halifax, Nova Scotia starting on December 23, 2011. The Halifax Emera Oval Outdoor Skating will be open to the general public 7 days a week.

When the Titanic’s maiden voyage ended, the story of the liner’s connection to Halifax began. April 15, 2012 marks the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic and Halifax, Nova Scotia will be hosting a 100th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony.

On April 10, 1912, the RMS Titanic left Southampton for its journey to New York City with 2 223 passengers. Only 4 days into the sail on April 15th, the Titanic collided with an iceberg and sunk approximately 400 miles off the coast of Newfoundland.

Overlooking downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Ocean, topping the 11^th floor of the Westin Nova Scotian, is our recently remodeled and redecorated Crown Suite. The suite is looking better than ever after undergoing a modern make over.

With your support, we’re excited to Make-A-Wish this Holiday Season! Our Halifax Hotel, the Westin Nova Scotian has partnered with Make-A-Wish Foundation for the Take the Elevator Home promotion.

The dust has settled, and The Westin Nova Scotian has once again successfully hosted the biggest and brightest in the world of National defense; The Halifax International Security Forum.

Queen Mary docked in front of Pier 21 - Halifax Seaport District

Our Halifax Hotel, the Westin Nova Scotian is located in the Halifax Seaport District. We have many great attractions steps away from our front door. We wanted to take the opportunity to share with you some of our favourite places for Nova Scotia cuisine within minutes of our hotel.

Looking for a unique way to celebrate Christmas with your loved ones? Join your family & friends this holiday season for a new tradition unlike any other. Attend The Waterfront Christmas Market at Bishop's Landing from December 8^th to 11^th in Downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Written by Steven Schwinghamer

If you go out the back door of the Westin Nova Scotian and walk down the street, you may notice it has one quality that doesn’t seem right in Halifax: it is flat!  That’s because much of this area was actually filled in as part of a huge construction project during the First World War.

Nova Scotia Archives - Robert Norwood Fond - Accession no 1987-480 no 61

Mr. & Mrs. Pitt visiting the Nova Scotian

Tony Pitt came to Halifax, Nova Scotia by train from Ontario with his father in 1936, he was 11 years old. Mr. Pitt's Dad, Robert, came to the Nova Scotian from the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa (another CN Rail hotel), and he was Resident Manager of the Nova Scotian from 1936 to 1941.

Halifax Hotel Fear Factor Winners: Guido Kerpel & John Wilson

Congratulations to our Employee Fear Factor Challenge winners - Guido Kerpel & John Wilson! The reigning champions won the competition for the second time at our Halifax hotel.

This Wednesday, November 2, our Halifax hotel had three new, youthful & vibrant employees - we were lucky to have special grade nine students come to work with their parents at the Westin Nova Scotian. The students worked in Banquets, Catering & the Kitchen.

Low tide at Halls Harbour - Bay of Fundy Nova Scotia

Last week our Premier, Darrell Dexter, urged Nova Scotians, and friends of Nova Scotia & New Brunswick, to place their votes for the Bay of Fundy to become one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. If you have never been to the Bay of Fundy it truly is a natural wonder. Billion tones of water flow in and out of the bay twice a day.

Congratulations Sarah Williams & Kiya Willman on completing their American Hotel & Lodging Association Certified Restaurant Manager (CRM) designation.  Sarah leads our elements on hollis team as Restaurant Manager and Kiya is a big part of our Banquets Supervisory team.

It's nearing the end of Waste Reduction Week, October 17-23, 2011.  Waste Reduction Week in Canada is intended to raise public consciousness about waste and its environmental and social ramifications.  Over the last five years we have made great strides in reducing our waste at the Westin Nova Scotian.

Join Halifax Nova Scotia in celebrating this festive season and the spirit of the holidays for the 16th Annual Holiday Parade of Lights. The Chronicle Herald Parade of Lights is on November 19, 2011 and brings over 100,000 spectators to Downtown Halifax.

Join Halifax Nova Scotia and the celebrations for the 2011 Halifax Pop Explosion. Halifax events are planned from October 18 to 22, 2011 throughout Halifax. There will be over 150 bands, 18 venues, 5 days and over 17, 000 fans joining in on the festivities.

Cornwallis Park across from the Westin Nova Scotian - Halifax, Nova Scotia

When I tell guests and conference delegates that Halifax Nova Scotia is a city with a resort feel, they know what I'm talking about when they take a walk along the Halifax Harbourfront Boardwalk. Known as the City of Trees, Halifax often feels like a park with an extraordinary ocean view

Halifax Nova Scotia is home to many local & talented musicians. Join us this November to celebrate the Men of Song with Symphony Nova Scotia at the Rebecca Cohn Auditorium.

Join us this holiday long weekend at our Halifax hotel while you relax, unwind & rejuvenate. At the Westin Nova Scotian, visit us over Thanksgiving long weekend and for every two nights you stay, the third night is on us! Let us take care of you and yours this long weekend and book your stay now.

The associates of the Westin Nova Scotian are amazing at supporting organizations that have touched their lives through community involvement and fundraising efforts.

Join Halifax Nova Scotia in celebrating the birthday of Alexander Keith. Every year on October 5th, Halifax unites in the celebrations of this historical figure and of course, the product of his creation. Every 1 in 3 beers sold in Halifax is an Alexander Keith's and we're proud of our history.

April 15, 2012 marks the 100th Anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic. Halifax Nova Scotia will be hosting a 100th Anniversary Commemorative Ceremony in April 2012 and acknowledging the events and tragedies of 1912 during the Titanic 100.

Are you looking for the perfect autumn Nova Scotia Vacation? Fall is a beautiful time in Halifax Nova Scotia with many festivals, events, and scenic views!

The Atlantic Film Festival is a ten-day celebration held every September in Halifax, Nova Scotia and is currently underway! The celebrations highlight film, music and video from Atlantic Canada, across Canada and around the world.

Our Crown Suite at our Halifax hotel is under renovation. The executive suite at our Downtown Halifax will be converted into an ideal space for our business clients.

Meeting Professionals International President's Welcome Reception and Sponsor Recognition

Halifax restaurant, elements on hollis opened their doors for the soft-opening Tuesday night with the new menu & concept for our Halifax hotel guests. Our guest have the opportunity to try the new sustainable dinner menu provided by the innovative & creative restaurant.

At our Halifax hotel, we're celebrating the year you were born. With this special offer for two or three night stays, you'll receive rates equal to your birth year at the Westin Nova Scotian!

Halifax restaurant, elements on hollis is having its Grand Opening on October 5, 2011. The new restaurant focuses on fresh, local ingredients with inspiration from around the world.

Our Halifax hotel lounge, Eve Patio is open for business!

One of our Halifax hotel loyal guests is on the verge of retirement!

Peter Windsor with (left to right) Diane Rose, GM Guido Kerpel, Glenn Bowie & Jackie Collins

New locally-inspired Halifax restaurant, elements on hollis is opening its doors in September in our Halifax hotel, the Westin Nova Scotian next to Yuk Yuks.

elements on hollis has extended their recipe contest & changed their prizes! Check out the updates!

Our Halifax hotel, the Westin Nova Scotian is preparing for its annual employee Fear Factor Challenge. This horrifying challenge encourages hotel staff to take part in this contest based off of the show Fear Factor.

The Halifax restaurant, elements on hollis will be opening in September 2011 and will be located in our Halifax hotel. The restaurant will feature a 50-mile diet menu with ingredients from local farmers, producers and markets. To kick off the launch of the new restaurant, elements on hollis is having a recipe contest where your food masterpiece could be part of our new local, fresh menu!

Sands at Salter, an outdoor leisure space on the Halifax Waterfront designed for the upcoming 2011 SWATCH Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) Junior World Championships. The kick off to this space is this Sunday August 21!

Halifax restaurant, elements on hollis is launching in September 2011 and will be located in our Halifax hotel, the Westin Nova Scotian. The design of the space and the concept are now starting to show signs of a new, innovative and locally focused restaurant.

Our Halifax restaurant, elements on hollis is showing signs of a new space and design.

At the Westin Nova Scotian, we've supported the Halifax tradition of shipbuilding for over 81 years. Irving Shipbuilding is competing for the Canadian frigate program against 3 other Canadian cities for the Federal Government.

The Westin Nova Scotian gives you more ways to make the most of family time. Discover the mysteries of science at the interactive, hands-on, and fun, Discovery Centre -- just five minutes from the hotel.

The space is starting to shape up. The transformation of Elements on Hollis is in full-swing!

The Elements facelift continues...

Just like a movie star, Elements Restaurant is getting a facelift and will be back looking absolutely fabulous by September! Our new concept will focus on local food and global taste.

Could it be that I just participated in my 13^th Destination Halifax city familiarization tour?  I think I began partnering in 1999?  Wow how time flies!  I look forward to the annual Destination Showcase Halifax every June.  Each year our Destination Halifax partners spend two full days and three evenings with 20 - 35 meeting planners from across Canada and the US who have potential meeting & convention business for our city.

I was fortunate to meet Yvonne & Jim Price while on a visit home to St. John's, NL in May.  They are travelling Canada, spending one month in each provincial capital, and writing a book about living in each city.  I spent time chatting with them during their month in Halifax (June) and want to share their story and Project Zoom...

We're ready for business on the Eve patio and looking forward to sunny summer days and warm nights.  The sun is shining outside my office window now and it's scheduled to continue over Canada Day weekend, so come on in!   Eve patio officially opened last night with a party for our clients, suppliers and invited guests.  Our Molson partners were ‘on tap' pouring a new product, Rickard's Blonde.  Items from our exciting new menu were sampled including crab cake sliders and mini pulled pork sandwiches. Eve's regular entertainers, Mike Cummings, Ed Grant & Paul Tupper, were on deck to keep toes tapping! Eve lounge offers live entertainment weekday evenings from 5:00pm-7:00pm.

Jane, Leanne, Jennifer & Kaela, our friends from Zed Events (http://www.zedevents.ca/), paid us a visit last week.  We often work with the Zed team on creative, one-of -a-kind events, so to give them a new experience we toured our kitchen.  We made a pit stop for a bite to eat before moving on to Eve Lounge to listen to our Tuesday evening Jazz Duo, Ray MacNeil & Mike Cummings.  Ray & Mike are two-thirds of Waterford Jazz.  

Thanks for stopping by for a visit Zed team! 

"Offering guests superior Halifax Conference facilities, readers of Progress Magazine voted the Westin Nova Scotian hotel as the best place for special events in the 2011 readers’ poll. Progress Magazine polls savvy business travelers each year to determine their favorite old spots and new hot spots throughout Atlantic Canada. 

Over the past 3-4 years, we have seen tremendous changes in how the hotel industry operates, how guests book rooms, and how meeting planners negotiate rates and consider hotels. We understand that organizations, especially those in government have to be much wiser with shrinking budgets and limited resources. This is especially true when planning a Halifax meeting or conference.

Government meeting planners are being challenged like never before. How to come up with creative programs that accomplish your goals and let you stay on budget is the question all meeting planners face. One way to accomplish this is to bring your hotel sales manager into the planning phase earlier. Their suggestions may just give you the winning edge. Consider need periods of the hotel to deliver the best value for your program. If your dates are flexible, you may be offered a great deal on rates. Rather than just considering the rate being offered, look at other options such as reduced parking rates or special promotions being offered by the hotel. The more information you have about your group will assist the sales manager in creating the best possible value proposal for you and your group.

We had our youngest conference delegate at the Westin Nova Scotian last week. Three month old Bodie was here with his Mom (the MACU conference organizer) & Dad. According to his Mom, Bodie enjoyed the pool and flirting with the female delegates and hotel associates who adored him!

Here I am with the cutie after lunch in Eve Lounge.

Be sure to head to downtown Halifax tomorrow for the Waves of Summer papered. It starts at 2:30 at Bishop's Landing and ends at Casino Nova Scotia. The parade will be followed by live entertainment featuring parade participants.

The parade will showcase various festivals and events that will happen throughout the summer in Halifax. TD Halifax Jazz Festival and performers the Dixieland jazz ensemble and the Thunderbolts; the Lebanese Festival Halifax; Halifax Pride; Halifax Regional Municipality Civic Events; Federation Internationale de Volleyball; Nova Scotia Sea School; Select Nova Scotia - Nova Scotia Dept. of Agriculture; The Incredible Picnic; Alexander Keith's; Halifax Greek Fest; Halifax Firefighters; Shriners; Tangonova; and Atlantic Flamenco Productions will be there.

If you are wondering about Halifax events and festivals this summer, stop by and check out this parade! See you there :)

June is a busy month for Halifax. Here are a few top picks:

1. Greek Fest - St. George's Greek Orthodox Church

Photo couresty of Greek Fest website

2. Dartmouth Players presents "Be My Baby"....

Yesterday our team got out to Halifax's Hospitality Industry Awareness Job Fair. Hotels throughout the city got together in Victoria Park (across from Smitty's on Spring Garden Road) and let people know all about a career in hospitality. We also did our first Minute to Win It event in support of the IWK.

The team at the job fair: Kim, Kim, Morgan, Adam, Graham, James, and Jenn

Planning activities for smaller groups is really fun in Halifax. There is no shortage of delicious restaurants, exciting pubs and nightclubs, and tourist attractions throughout Halifax. We asked our LinkedIn Members and here are a few ideas that we came up with:

Jennifer Alexander, Executive Meeting Manager: I would suggest Harbour Hopper, Queen Anne Harbour Cruise and I hear that Greyline/Ambassatours has a VIP bus.

Glenn Bowie, Area Director of Sales and Marketing for New Castle Hotels: In Halifax, there is absolutely nothing like a traditional Pub crawl, complete with Logo'd Sou Wester, branded T-Shirts, and one of our famous Bag Pipers. It is a great way to bring the group together.

One week after Mother's Day at the Westin Nova Scotian and the stats are in! We served 1046 hungry diners over Mother's Day Brunch. Working in a busy hotel we see food being prepared in our kitchen every day and see banquets of 400 being served with little thought to the actual volume. Chef Raj Gupta has provided some staggering numbers to help us understand what it takes to feed 1046 people. Over 2 days, 6 cooks prepared for brunch = 96 hours of preparation.

When planning your next event have you thought about how to deal with the cash bar vs. host bar question?

From those of us here at the Westin Nova Scotian hotel, we want to wish all the Mom's out there a very special Happy Mother's Day! We hope you have a wonderful day filled with family, love, and joy. 

Teri Green, Sales Manager with the Westin Nova Scotian, at our booth

Last weekend the Saltscapes East Coast Expo was a success for another year. This Atlantic Canada focused consumer trade show highlights the best of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island & Newfoundland & Labrador tourism. There are food, wine & beer samples / arts and crafts for sale / accommodations & attractions booths / live music / culinary, garden & healthy living demos / and much more...

I love Saltscapes for travel and gift ideas. There is a mixture of down home kitchen ceilidh and innovative, sophisticated new products. A few companies to watch for as you travel around Nova Scotia this summer are:

Ironworks Distillery, Lunenburg, NS-They have a Cranberry Liqueur and a Blueberry Liqueur that are delicious! Their vodka is distilled from apples making it very smooth. Their packaging is sleek and modern, I love it.....

The annual Bluenose Marathon is quickly approaching. More than 10,000 people will hit the streets on May 20-22, 2011 to celebrate active living in Nova Scotia. The event is a significant fundraiser for the Halifax Regional Municipality, with over $130,000 in donations last year to 17 different charities.

The Bluenose Marathon began in 2004 because Halifax wanted its own marathon like other cities throughout North America. Organizers decided to take the event one step further by creating a weekend that celebrates active lifestyles by people in our communities.

There will be fun activities planned for all ages, levels, and abilities. There are options to participate in a full marathon, ½ marathon, 10 K run, 5K walk-run, and a youth run.

The team and some of our guests watching the Royal Wedding this morning

Most of us here got up really early this morning to watch the Royal Wedding. We had to come into work but many of us made a pit-stop into Eve Lounge to watch the big kiss on television.

What did you do for the big day? Did you get to watch anything or will you catch some of it when they replay it on television this evening?....

In the spirit of Earth Week, we wanted to share some tips on how to host a green meeting. Here are 8 tips for hosting a green meeting:

1. Think local- hosting your meeting or convention locally can greatly reduce your carbon footprint. If the meeting is for a closer crowd, it will have on flights and road trips.
2. Arrange transportation for delegates- having a shuttle to transport delegates to certain locations, and special events and dinners will reduce the use of personal vehicles and taxis.
3. Choose activities and special venues that are within walking distance- if you decide to host a dinner off hotel property, host it nearby to reduce vehicle carbon emissions.
4. Eliminate paper- post information on your company's website. Use a hotel's digital reader board, and provide information downloadable on flash drives rather than handing out notes.
5. Use pitchers of water instead of bottled water- you can request to have pitchers of ice water on the tables during meetings and conferences rather than bottled water. This will also reduce your costs as bottled water costs much more than tap water.

Mother's Day Brunch at the Westin is phenomenal! Chef Raj Gupta and the team put together an amazing day of Nova Scotia cuisine, entertainment, and service.

This year's brunch includes an extensive buffet with a ham and prime rib carvery, live music by Paul Brushett, kid's craft area, and prize draws! Prizes include gift certificates, Yuk Yuk's passes, Nova Scotia Crystal Bud Vase, and more. Each Mom will get a flower, chocolate, and a brunch cocktail.

The Diabetes Care Program of Nova Scotia (DCPNS) Spring 2011 Conference and CME Session - Diabetes: Reflect, React, Refocus - will take place on Thursday, April 28 (3:00 to 9:00 p.m.) and Friday, April 29, 2011 (8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), at our Halifax Hotel.

The audience will include physicians, pharmacists, diabetes educators and other interested healthcare professionals.

99 years ago today, the RMS Titanic sank off the coast of Newfoundland. On April 10, 1912, the Titanic made its maiden voyage leaving from Southampton, destined for New York City.

The Titanic hit an iceberg on April 14, only 3 days later, and sunk at 2:20 AM on April 15. There were 2,223 passengers on the ship and 1,517 died. Although they complied with regulations, there were only enough lifeboats to carry 1,178 people. Many men died because women and children were told to go first.

The Titanic was developed by the most experienced engineers and used advanced technologies and extensive safety features to ensure to make it unsinkable. It was owned by the White Star Line and constructed in Belfast, Ireland.

The Canadian Olympic Committee is doing their first-ever "Olympic Heroes Tour" that will feature 7 Olympic medalists and 2 Paralympians. The tour was developed to spread Olympic spirit and inspire personal excellence throughout Atlantic Canada.

Credit- 2011 Olympic Hall of Fame

Cleaning up the blitz! From left to right- Nicole Robinson, Teri Green, Me, James Stephen, Sarah MacInnes, and Jennifer Alexander

Last week we hit the streets again promoting Starwood Hotels, the Starwood Preferred Planner program and of course our very own Halifax Starwood Hotels, the Westin Nova Scotian & Four Points by Sheraton! ....

The annual Halifax Comedy Festival is about to begin! The festival will run from April 13-16 and is gearing up to be the funniest and most entertaining fest so far! With comedy shows and events being held at various locations throughout the city, Halifax will get a chance to experience laughter at its finest.

April is the first full month of spring and activity is starting to pick up! There are so many things to do in Halifax this month. Here are our top 10 things to do in Halifax for April:

1. Neptune Theatre presents "Westside Story" - April 5-May 29 - Neptune Theatre

West Side Story, music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by Arthur Laurents. Phone: (902) 429-7070
Website: www.neptunetheatre.com

2. Jackson Browne in Concert - April 12 at the Halifax Metro Center

Tickets are $73 each including tax and service charge. Tickets are subject to an additional $2 per order fee for online/phone purchases. Phone: (902) 451-1221
Website: www.ticketatlantic.com .....

Our March Break madness reminded me how much I love seeing and hearing the reactions of kids visiting a hotel. Be it their first time or one of many they always look around in amazement and discover something new in the grown up world of travel. As a child my family vacationed every summer. They weren't luxurious vacations, we usually travelled to destinations that we could reach by car and often camped along the way. One summer we travelled entire east coast of the US in the family car, without air conditioning! Our daily treat, and reprieve from the heat, was an ice cream sundae at the closest road-side Howard Johnson's. With this my love affaire with hotels began! I remember vividly the year my parents said we would be staying in motels instead of campgrounds for our vacation, Holiday Inns, with a pool of course, here we come! These vacations started my fascination with a career in hospitality.

"I wanted to drop you a line today to express how pleased we were with the catering last night. The team you sent, Kempton, Mike and Jonathan were easy going, engaging and very professional. The food was unbelievable. We have had many catered events but this truly ranks up there as one of the best experiences we have had. All of our guests commented on the service and the food. It was nice to be completely spoiled for the evening. When I did walk back into my kitchen after the crew left, it was spotless.

Thanks for a great evening.
Julie"

-Testimonial from one of our our recent off-site clients

Our Executive Chef, Raj Gupta and his award winning culinary team offer external catering services throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality. Chef Gupta has worked in over 11 countries and our team represents more than 9 countries worldwide. If you need Halifax catering services, let us exceed your expectations. Whatever your off-site function is, from a private dinner, to a halal or kosher event, wedding reception, or beyond, the culinary and service team at The Westin is uniquely qualified to deliver the standard and quality which your event deserves. Contact us and rejuvenate your event with catering from the Westin Nova Scotian.

For the third year, our Halifax Hotel participated in Earth Hour. On Saturday, March 26, our team, guests, and visitors helped send a powerful message to the world. We began turning off lights at 8PM and kept many of them off until 5 AM.....

Thursday night, our Westin Nova Scotian Sales & Catering team hosted a happy hour (actually two fun-filled hours) for our friends at Destination Halifax and the World Trade & Convention Centre. We partner with both DH and WTCC to promote the Halifax meetings and conventions industry so it was high time they came over to ‘our house' for a sociable!

When planning a Halifax meeting, conference, or convention, one should consider audio visual equipment. This includes projector screens, lap tops, speakers, sound systems, and lights. It is very important you have what you need and you should plan this well in advance to ensure the correct equipment is available.

We are fortunate to have a preferred supplier on site because of the size of our meeting facilities. This makes it easier for organizers to plan the audio visual component of their events. Our preferred supplier is AVW Telav. When planning your meeting, your Executive Meeting Manager or Conference Services Manager will assist you in getting what you need. If you want to contact the AV supplier directly, you can contact Brad Selig at (902) 496-7984 or via email at bselig@avwtelav.com.

If you have any questions in particular, you can contact us directly. Wenda Berkvens, our Conference Services Manager, can direct you to the appropriate person. You can find her on our Contact Us page or you can join her network on Linked In. We run a discussion group and they are there to answer any inquiries.

What do you normally need for your meetings and events?

Our General Manager, Guido Kerpel, in motion

The first annual Briga-Ski event was held on Friday, March 11 at Wentworth ski hill. The Westin Nova Scotian along with our awesome partners pulled off a stellar fundraising event for Brigadoon Children's Camp to the tune of $13,000.00 in pledge donations and silent auction purchases.

What is Brigadoon Village? Brigadoon Children's Camp Society is a not for profit society who is currently building a $7 million, year-round, recreational facility in Nova Scotia's Annapolis Valley (Opening in August, 2011). Once built, Brigadoon will offer programming in outdoor education, sailing, canoeing/kayaking, swimming, the arts, environmental studies, general camping and primary health. With a medical centre and mandates that include teaching and research, Brigadoon is one of a handful of facilities in North America, and a first in Eastern Canada, that will address the very large "unmet need" of children and families living with a chronic illness and seeking recreational programming. For more information on Brigadoon, please visit: www.brigadoonvillage.org

We could not have made it a success without help from Wentworth (lift tickets & Ducky's lounge for après ski), Ambassatours (transportation), Paul Brushett & Paul Tupper (entertainment), Bruce Agencies & Maritime Campus Store (ski toques), Garrison Breweries (beer), our own Chef Raj (fabulous breakfast & lunch), Fred Stillman (photos), 3M Trim-Line (signage), Chrystal from Goodlife (pre-ski Zumba), Currie Planning Works (logistics) and many others who donated money & prizes...Via Rail, Sykea Salon & Spa, Samuel & Co., the Unicorn, Olsen Europe, PMA Wines, Pepsi, Farmers Dairy, Bell Aliant, Homburg Canada, It's All Greek to Me, Investors Group, Le Meridien Versailles Montreal, Four Points by Sheraton Halifax, Marriott Residence Inn Moncton and Hampton Inn Dartmouth Crossing.

Thank you teams from Bishop's Cellar/ Southwest Properties....

Halifax was happy to have the CIS Final 8 Men's Basketball Championships back this past weekend and we, the Westin Nova Scotian, were happy to be a sponsor, one week after hosting the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) final 6. Halifax had hosted the National University Men's basketball championships for 24 consecutive years before it went to Carlton University in Ottawa for 2008 & 2009. The championships are with us again next year before returning to Ottawa to be hosted by this year's winners, the Carlton Ravens, in 2013 & 2014.

We decided to run a very interesting promotion for March Break 2011. We are giving you the chance to name your price, based on what you thought your stay was worth. We're a 4 ½ star hotel with a prime location in downtown Halifax and we're confident you'll have a fabulous Westin Experience!

Guests have the chance to stay up to 2 nights at our Halifax Hotel and name their price at check out. They will need to answer a few questions to determine how their stay went and then tell our front desk team how much they thought we were worth.

Savour is over for another year. Last night over 800 people wandered the aisles of booths in our Atlantic & Commonwealth ballrooms noshing on delicious samples of food, wine, beer and cocktails from restaurants, bars, caterers, wineries & breweries located in Halifax & beyond. It was a wonderfully warm and satisfying evening on a cold March night. Many of our hotel associates & I were there to ensure the event's success and I believe we met our challenge. Plates and glasses were stocked and restocked over & over again as dirty dishes were washed and returned to be filled with food & drink before making their way back to stewarding for another bath!

Exhibitors at the event showcased their specialties, cooking and creating dishes in front of your eyes. Scanway Catering offered Uni's famous Florentines, Chives Bistro stacked pulled pork sandwiches with winter slaw, Hamachi House displayed platters of sushi as works of art (see below), Chez Tess offered their signature crepes, Delta hotels served up braised pork belly, and our own chefs from the Westin Nova Scotian kept diners full with three unique sliders (crab cake, Tandoori chicken and beef), just to name a few. Drinks were flowing with Mosaic cocktails, draft from Garrison and Propeller breweries, wines from local wineries & distributors and Guinness from Durty Nelly's Irish Pub.

Photo courtesy of Savour Food and Wine Show 2010

Are you looking for an incredible culinary experience that showcases Nova Scotia food and beverage? Well, you've come to the right spot! Tonight is the 8th annual Savour Food and Wine show that is being held here in our Commonwealth Ballroom.

The Savour Festival is a month long event held throughout our beautiful province. Events showcase the culinary capabilities of many chefs and foodies, along with our fabulous wineries and sommeliers. The moth long festival ends each year with the Savour Food and Wine Show. There will be over 60 restaurants, chefs, and sommeliers showing off the best they have to offer.

Can you believe that this is the final weekend for the 2011 Halifax Canada Games? We can't! It flew by so quickly. It's been a great 2 weeks. We've been really busy here at the hotel hosting many of the sponsors, coaches, families, and VIP's. There has been a volunteer station set up here as well for the volunteers. Two of our staff members have also been volunteers for the event. Check out the blog post about Ashley and Glenn and what they brought to this year's Canada Games. We are very proud of the athletes and Halifax for pulling together such an incredible event.

Ticket sales were very high. We will know more next week but Halifax could go on record for having the highest tickets sales to date!

What have you participated in? Please share your stories, photos, and more! Stay tuned for highlights of the 2011 Halifax Canada Winter games.

Are you planning a meeting, conference, or bringing a group to Halifax? Check out what one of our Sales Managers, Teri Green, has to say about negotiating group rates:

The key is flexibility. If your dates are not set in stone feel free to ask your sales manager if there are any dates that might offer you the best rate.

Could your room block start on a Sunday? Sunday is notoriously a slower night for hotels so lower rates may be available. (READ BELOW FOR MORE INFO)......

Wine...Chocolate...Wine...Food...Wine...SAVOUR! This month is all about indulging. It's cold outside, warm inside, comfort food keeps calling my name. I don't think I'm alone, at least the Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia agrees that there are more people like me around town. RANS members have created signature events to be enjoyed in February:

‘Decadence' Wine & Chocolate pairing evening was on February 3rd .

I attended the ‘Rare & Fine Wine Tasting' at Windows in the World Trade & Convention Centre on Friday night. I was so excited to taste expensive wines that aren't always available in Nova Scotia, and are not in my price range! To see a list of the night's wines go to http://www.bishopscellar.com/news/rare/. The best of the reds were: Chateau Teyssier Le Dome 2007, Bordeaux, France ($185), Marques de Caceres Gaudium 2004, Spain ($82.00), Brancaia Il Blu 2007, Tuscany, Italy ($78.50). We tasted the Marques de Caceres Gaudium first and it was actually our favourite when we made our way back to it at

Buffet or plated dinner for your next event?

There are some misconceptions about the value of selecting a buffet dinner rather than a plated meal. Often times people think that they need a buffet for variety and pricing reasons. It's understandable that you want to make sure your guests are satisfied at a reasonable price. But a buffett dinner is not always the correct option. Here are some of my thoughts for you to consider:

1. Price: A plated meal can often be less expensive than a full buffet. With a buffet there is an average of 20% food waste. Plated meals are pre-portioned based on the average amount of food consumed over that given meal period.

How about volunteers? 

Are you a meeting planner or someone who could be repsonsible for planning your company's next conference? Our LinkedIn discussion group is for individuals like yourself. Join our Sales Team and Executive Committe to learn how to successfully plan and manage your next event- no matter where it is. When you visit our group all you have to do is click request to join.

The day has finally come- it's Febraury 11 and the Halifax 2011 Canada Games have arrived. The city is bustling with all the teams arriving, visitors checking out the city, and the volunteers rallying to make this Canada Games the best one yet!

We are a proud sponsor of Team Nova Scotia and we are also hosting the VIP's of the event- former athletes, politicans, speakers, and distinguished guests. The Harbour Suites, one of our Halifax conference rooms, is buzzing with volunteeers with the VIP's.

Love is in the air with the Westin Nova Scotian this Valentine's. From 3 course meals in Elements, to a Yuk Yuk's show, to a contest on Facebook, the Westin is the place to be this Valentine's!

We have the following packages available .... (READ MORE)

For the past several years the Westin Nova Scotian has been a proud sponsor of the Canadian Progress Club - Halifax annual Sport Celebrity Dinner. Over the years my colleagues, clients & I have met many sport celebrities including Pete Rose, Jim Abbott, Theo Fleury, Frank Mahovlich, Ray Bourke, Hurricane Carter, Joe Frazier and Dennis Hull to name a few. Last night at the Cunard Centre during the 39th annual dinner, 1300 guests were treated to stories from former Toronto Blue Jay & World Series Champion Roberto Alomar, famous Hockey Dad Walter Gretzky, celebrated NHL All-Star Jeremy Roenick, Grey Cup winner & Montreal Alouette Anthony Calvillo and Boxer Micky Ward....(continue reading below)

Wondering what to do in the dead of winter here in Halifax? The answer is lots! Halifax is always busy with fun events, theatre, festivals, and more. Check out just a few of the Halifax Happenings taking place for the month of February.

Neptune Theatre is playing Blithe Spirit and MacHome. Hurry now- they both end on February 13.
Nova Scotia Ice Wine Festival- this is one of our favorites- from February 3-13. Sample some of the finest ice wines this province has to offer. Meet local wine makers and master chefs as they pair these delicious wines with the best food in

For anyone who's ever had to plan a meeting or conference in Halifax, you probably know that there are premium periods and a small booking window. Traditionally Halifax is busiest during May, August, September, and early October. Some people are surprised by this because they assume June July, and August would be.

These periods are normally busy with conventions and conferences. Because of summer vacations, conference take place either before or after tourist season. That, combined with cruise ship and tour bus season, makes for a very happening Halifax.

So when should you book your Halifax Conference hotel? Here are a few guidelines:

Halifax is bustling with activity this month. We know how to handle cold weather here. This weekend some of our team took their families to see Sue the T Rex at the Museum of Natural Industry. Check out the pics below. Team Nova Scotia also held their pep rally to kick off the Halifax Winter Games. Next time you are considering a vacation in the winter, think Halifax. There are so many Halifax attractions to see all year long! 

Sue the T Rex

Sue is the largest, oldest

Las Vegas in January! Who wouldn't want to go to a conference in the desert in the middle of winter? Last week I attended the Professional Convention Management Association's 2011 Annual Conference at the MGM Grand Resort in Las Vegas. WOW! This was my first time attending this industry event and my first time in Sin City. What a conference it was...3800 delegates, fabulous keynote speakers & educational sessions, out of this world networking events and lots of time to connect with friends & clients old & new.

The Canada Winter Games is being held in Halifax this year and it is fast approaching. The games begin in just 21 days. That's only 3 weeks away! On February 11, Halifax will get to welcome our first ever Canada Games and the largest multi sport event to Nova Scotia. 

Welcome to the blog for the Westin Nova Scotian. We hope you like the design and content. Our blog will focus on all things Westin and Halifax. We will keep you updated on all the events taking place in our beautiful and exhilarating city. Our concierge will also give recommendations on things to do, places to eat, and places to shop.