cattle

My wife and I will be in Halifax the weekend of July 19 & 20 using one of ouor free weekends.

I have a been a FT reader for quite a while and thought I saw a thread somewhere about these two properties but couldn't find anything when I searched the thread.

I know the 4-Points is really new and costs 3,000 points for a free weekend night vs the Westin at 2,000 points.

Should I read anything into this?

Can anyone make any suggestions:

Thanks for the help.

Shareholder

I just stayed at the Westin Halifax last month and it is a fine, first class hotel. The only problem is its location, which is about a 10-minute walk from the main waterfront section of town, though in nice weather this is a pleasant walk past sites you'd want to check out. It is also a similar distance from Spring Garden Road, one of the nicer shopping and restaurant/night life streets. The Westin is a rennovated old [1930s] railroad hotel, and the rooms are large and well appointed. The ambiance of the bar and restaurant is very much old English club.

The Four Points has only recently opened, and is a few blocks closer [also on Hollis Street] to the city centre. But from the outside it looks rather ordinary, a conversion from an office building it seems. I am sure rooms are quite nice, but I haven't stayed there since it opened. My preference in the past on visits to Halifax has been the Sheraton, or the Delta Barrington [Delta being a small Canadian chain of 4-star quality properties.]

I suspect the "points cost" difference is based on location, which is the Westin's biggest drawback, and thus why it is cheaper than the Four Points. The old Sheraton, right in the heart of the waterfront district, was an excellent property for both location and amenities. I believe it is now owned by the casino operators, which is why Starwood opened up the Four Points.

I'd opt for the Westin if it is comfort and amenities you are after, Four Points for convenience of access to city centre points of interest. Note that the airport shuttle does not do all trips from the Westin [though it will drop you off there]. If you are also renting a car, then few of these drawbacks should matter since you can drive to more distant points of interest in the city and surroundings, and park closer to the city centre for harbour tourist activities. There is a large supermarket next to the Westin where you can stock up on supplies, too. Given the vagaries of Halifax weather, it is really a toss up if you plan to walk or cab it, since the properties are only three blocks apart.

Sorry I haven't made your decision much easier.

BTW, do check out the eateries along Argyle Street, and particularly one that has an old fashioned 1920s neon Shoe Store sign above it, but is really a very nice, relaxed restaurant/pub.

[This message has been edited by Shareholder (edited 06-05-2002).]

skofarrell

Shareholder is right, the Westin is a good property, but a relatively poor location. Of the two, it is the better choice.

The old Sheraton (Casino Nova Scotia hotel) and the Prince George are the best hotels in Halifax.

[This message has been edited by skofarrell (edited 06-05-2002).]

cattle

Thanks very much for the help. Mrs. Cattle has gotten used to flying J on AC points and her taste for hotels has also increased along with it.

We will have a car and a 10 minute walk isn't going to kill either of us on a nice day.

I finish up my 10 stays next Wednesday and will be booking the Westin once it posts.

Thanks again. (error plan friends )

IsleTraveller

Cattle
I stayed at the Westin last summer. It is a nice hotel, though, as mentioned earlier it is at the far side of town. I will have no hesitation in staying there again. The staff were very friendly, the rooms about on par with the Sheraton 3*. The walk to downtown is perhaps 10 minutes, a short cab ride. On a warm day, it is a nice walk. Spring Garden is also about 10 minutes away.

Parking on the street is free after 6pm and before (I think) 8am. There are many spots to choose from.

Enjoy!

Guava

I just stayed there about 2 weeks ago, at the Westin that is. Very good value if you stay on points for 2,000/night. The Concierge and manager on duty are excellent, friendly and helpful. If you are a Platinum, you should expect a one bedroom Suite with 2 separate rooms - one large living room and one bedroom each with its own bathroom. The hotel is old but they renovated it so it's not a big problem. Only saw the exterior of the 4P, I think KenHammer said the service was very good with free internet access.

I didn't find the location to bother me at all, as I like walking and Halifax really isn't that big and great for walking to discover the city if you are on vacation. From Westin to most major points in the centre can be done within 15 minutes of walking. It took me less than 10 minutes to get to the Garden Spring Road to buy hair gel on a Sunday morning! By the way, Sunday is horrible in Halifax, everything is closed, so pay attention to that.

While you are there, I recommend the Theater Dinner shows, which you will get comedy and dinner at the same time. The servers are the actors themselves!

The Citadel and Pier 21 are not to be missed if you are into Canadian history. As a Canadian, I found these two sites to be quite emotional for me as though the history and the origin of this country just revisited again in front of me.

Alexander Keith's brewery tour is a must! I swear you don't be disappointed. It's like going back to the Victorian times in Halifax and you will also have chance to sample some Keith Indian ale.

Also consider the Aquabus, which shows you the city on land and on water.

Shareholder

Just caught a program on our version of the FOOD CHANNEL which followed the exploits of two chefs setting up a new, moderately-priced, Canadian cuisine restaurant in Halifax. It is called CHIVES and is on Barrington, one of the main streets in the city, just up from Hollis which is where both the Westin and Four Points are located. Had I seen this program prior to my last trip, I would have gone there for lunch or dinner. Looked very nice, informal but nicely prepared dishes. Given the longevity of new restaurants, I don't know if it is still operating, but the program was taped last fall. You might want to check it out on your trip, in addition to the places you'll find along Spring Garden Road or Argyle.

Ken hAAmer

Well, I haven't stayed at the Westin, but I and my colleagues have spent a gazillion nights at the Four Points since last October. Every one that has stayed there has raved about it.

As noted, it's brand new (since September 2001.) It's also 100% non-smoking rooms and public areas (great for me,) very well equipped, and has an interesting layout with an unusual view for rooms facing the courtyard. The rooms are a good size, very comfortable, and well stocked with amenities. Perhaps the biggest bonus (for business travellers anyway) is that every room has FREE high-speed internet access! That's FREE, as in, no money changes hands. Two line phones, large TVs, you name it, it's got it.

The hotel itself is very pleasant, and has a nice restaurant (that does have a smoking section.) While the meals might not be as exotic as some properties, they are tasty, well prepared, and the menu is extensive. They have a pool, a whirlpool, and a fitness centre. The staff is energetic, friendly, knowledgable, and can't seem to do enough for you. And they are the best Starwood informed staff I have ever met. They seem to know the most minute details of the program, and alert you to every promotion going on.

If you read Joe Brancatelli's column, you'll know that he regularly rants about how hotels don't understand their business clientele. Well, this is one property that does, and has it down perfectly.

I know I sound like an advertisement, but the fact is, this Four Points property is as good or better than most (perhaps any) Category 3 Westin or Sheraton I've ever stayed at.


[This message has been edited by Ken hAAmer (edited 06-09-2002).]

Ken hAAmer

And while we're on about Halifax, and restaurants, let me add my recommendation for La Perla, in Dartmouth. It's a short car ride across the Bridge (75c toll each way) or take the ferry. La Perla is directly accross the street from the famous (but rather tired, IMO) MacAskill's.

It's an old house, converted into an upscale restaurant, so you'll never know where you're going to be seated. Food is superb, prices are moderately high, but reasonable for the quality you receive.

I recommend the smoked salmon pate wrapped in smoked salmon appetizer. It's only available seasonally, but if you call ahead, they'll make it 'specially for you. You might follow that with jumbo shrimp wrapped in veal with wonderfully fresh veggies.

Hmmm... now that I think about it, it's probably best you not go there. If you do, you might find yourself flying to Halifax for lunch just to satisfy the cravings you'll have to endure when you're not in NS.

cattle

Canadians to the rescue.

I RELLY appreciate all of the great suggestions. Ken hAAmer made the 4-Points sound appealing but I think seeing as Mrs. Cattle will be with me I think I will try to use my Free Weekend at the Westin first. I will however keep the 4-Points in mind for business travel as the Westins are out of my price range for work (I also like FREE high speed internet as well)

The suggestions for tours (mmmm - beer), restaurants and theatre all make this trip a really nice getaway for us. We missed out on a honeymoon last summer when we got married as we found the perfect house by accident 2 weeks before we got married and cancelled our trip.

We are holding off for once in a lifetime trip to Italy in 2 years 1st class on Star Allinace (if AC points are worth anything that is - sorry that's another post). Also anticipating between 100 -125K in Starwood points by then to make it even easier.

We will have a car on this trip so travelling isn't a problem. If anyone else has other suggestions I would love to hear them as well. We are in the area from Friday night until Tuesday afternoon so please keep the suggestions coming if you have any more.

Thanks again everyone.

(edited for some minor stuff)

[This message has been edited by cattle (edited 06-09-2002).]

Shareholder

That explains the double points for my stay back in May. As Plat, received a very nice corner suite, Heavenly Bath toiletries in the bathrooms. Problem with Halifax is the city has two very good Starwood properties, according to reports about the new Four Points I've read, which has replaced the waterfront Sheraton. Both properties are located on Hollis, the Four Points about two blocks closer to the city centre than the Westin. Westin is rennovated old railway hotel which still keeps elements of that 30s hotel character in a fully modernized building. The Four Points is a modern conversion from an office building. Looks a bit sterile from the outside.

TravelWeary

OK. So I bought a ticket yesterday to fly up to Halifax for a weekend in November. I'm sitting here trying to decide between the Westin and the Four Points and I think, "Search." And here's this thread custom made for my question with lots more useful information thrown in. You guys are the best!

I've decided to go with the Westin and get this--it's $89CAD a night! I'll be getting in about 10 p.m. at night on a Saturday--anyone know if I will be able to use the airport bus to get to the hotel? I'll use a cab as plan B but would actually prefer the bus and not just for economic reasons.

I'm very excited about this trip, as I've always wanted to see Halifax (even a short one possibly in the rain) and had to cancel a previously planned trip.

jeremys

I know this subject has been brought up before, but even after reading all of the previous threads, I cannot decide between the Four Points Sheraton and The Westin Nova Scotian. They are roughly the same price for the night I am going to be around, so it is a question of choosing between them!

Which in your opinion has nicer rooms? Location is not mega important as my business is outside Halifax anyway, but in terms of service, swimming pool and room quality, where will I be happier?

Any advice gratefully received...

767300ER

If the location is no big deal for you. My choice would go to the Westin. Even if this Four Point is nice, a Westin is a Westin. They have heavenly bed etc... For the same price I would not hesitate to go there.

The Westin is a older hotel (well renovated) and has much more charm that the Four Points IMHO. Each time I went there I had to ask for upgrade and was not always successful. Ended up 2 times having a regular room upgraded to a water view instead of the front view.

billyeggs

The last time I stayed at the Westin Halifax, I left the impression that it was a pretty dumpy hotel. My room was in need of renovation, but I suspect they have all been renovated. Its in a pretty seedy part of town, however.

I'd go with the 4 Points.