The Westin Nova Scotian Blog

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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...

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.