The Westin Nova Scotian is an AAA Four Diamond hotel in Nova Scotia’s capital city of Halifax, featuring three dining options and the Westin’s Kids Eat Well Menu; an indoor pool; and complimentary Wi-Fi. If your family frequents Westin Hotels & Resorts, you’ll find this property to be less luxurious than most — something to consider if that’s important for your family vacation.

While it’s not our first pick for a hotel in Halifax, its location — just steps from Halifax Harbour — makes it a worthy choice for most travelers. The hotel is within walking distance of the Halifax Harbourfront Boardwalk, the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (famous for its unique Titanic artifacts), and ample opportunities to get out on the water — including the always popular Harbour Hopper Tours. It’s also convenient for those traveling by Via Rail Canada, with a train stop just steps away from the hotel.

The Westin Nova Scotian has 301 nonsmoking guestrooms and suites, all of which are equipped with coffeemakers (with Starbucks coffee), safes, radio alarm clocks, irons and ironing boards, and hairdryers. Flat-screen TVs (32 inches) and work desks are also included, as is a port for electronic devices, with two outlets and two USB ports. Mini-bars are also featured in most rooms. Shower/tub combos, bathrobes and Westin's signature White Tea toiletries are standard throughout the hotel.

Westin Heavenly Cribs are available free of charge for families traveling with infants. Rollaway beds are also available (for a fee).

Traditional Guest Room
Traditional Guest Rooms are small (200 to 200 square feet), though typical for a city hotel. These rooms have one king, one queen, or two double beds, all equipped with Westin's signature Heavenly mattresses. Traditional Guest Rooms offer views of other city buildings.

Harbor View Guest Room
Harbor View Guest Rooms feature the same amenities as the Traditional Guest Rooms, with the addition of views of Halifax Harbour.

Studio Suite
The Studio Suite offers more space than the guestrooms, with a living area, large bathroom with Jacuzzi, and a balcony overlooking the city. However, it comes with one king bed only, so it's best for grandparents or other relatives traveling with extended family.

Executive Crown Suite
The Executive Crown Suite is a nice space to rent for family gatherings of up to 25 people. It features a full bar, plenty of lounge space, and even live music on request! Only two people can sleep in the room, however (with one king bed).

Indoor Pool
Situated next to the fitness center, the pool seems to be intended for adult travelers looking for a place to exercise and relax. Still, kids are welcome to use it with adult supervision.

elements on hollis
Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at elements on hollis, which specializes in New American cuisine with a local twist -- expect to see lots of fish dishes on the lunch and dinner menus. Breakfast (weekdays) and brunch (weekends) are also popular, mainly for the buffet that features made-to-order omelettes.

elements on hollis, which is a good mix of fine dining and casual, also offers the Westin Kids Eat Well Menu. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner daily, though breakfast hours/days vary depending on the season.

Roy's Lounge
Roy's Lounge (situated next to the lobby) is the place to go for cocktails (and mocktails) and light bites such as salads and sandwiches. When the weather is nice, you can dine on the outdoor patio for a casual atmosphere that's perfect for kids.

Roy's Lounge is open daily, 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., serving pastries and Starbucks coffee in the mornings.

Room Service
In-room dining is provided 24 hours, and includes the Westin Kids Eat Well Menu.

All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
Basic Wi-Fi is complimentary and works well, though you can upgrade your service for a fee.

Check-In/Check-Out
Check-in time is 3 p.m., with a late check-out time of noon.

Fitness Center
Westin's official fitness program, WestinWORKOUT, is housed in a fitness studio that's open 24/7 and includes all manner of workout equipment. And Westin is so dedicated to fitness that if you forget/don't feel like packing your workout gear, you can borrow some via the New Balance Gear Lending program.

Pets
The hotel warmly welcomes pets (for a fee), who enjoy Westin Heavenly Beds of their own!

Parking
Self parking is available for $18 per day, and valet parking is available for $22 per day.

The Art of Smart Timing
The Westin Nova Scotia bustles with activity throughout the year, from business clientele to cruisers to families visiting Halifax for a few days. Summer is typically the busiest time for the city and its hotels, with "cruise season" occurring between May and October.

Getting There
Fly into Halifax International Airport, about 30 minutes from the Westin Nova Scotian and downtown Halifax. There is a $1 toll to get into the city. (The U.S. dollar is widely accepted in Halifax). A Via Rail Canada train station is within walking distance of the hotel, too.

Getting Around
From the Westin Nova Scotian, it's easy to walk to the Halifax Harbourfront for dining, shopping, a playground (where face painting and other activities take place), the Martime Museum of the Atlantic and boat tours, including the popular Harbour Hopper Tours. You'll want your own car to get to other parts of town, such as Citadel Hill, or to explore the nearby Annapolis Valley.

For Mom and Dad
Schedule a relaxing treatment at the hotel's Skylea Salon and Spa and/or head to Yuk Yuk's Halifax Comedy Club (next to elements on hollis) for libations and laughs.