The writer was hosted.
I rose early during my stay at The Muir Hotel so I could experience the beautiful sunrises over the Atlantic right from my hotel room.
This Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection hotel sits on Lower Water Street in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia. During my stay, it was easy for me to relax in 5-star luxury accommodations at a Halifax hotel while exploring this quietly emerging city, making its mark on the world of tourism on the eastern border of Canada.
I had the good fortune to arrive at night. Thus, when my driver pulled up in front of the hotel, the brilliantly lit columns proudly announced their presence among some century-old buildings. I later learned the columns are made of the glass used in lighthouse mirrors, a nod to this nautical-themed hotel.
Read More: Best things to do in Nova Scotia
Check-in at the Muir
Upon arrival, you walk through two sets of glass doors designed to ward off Canada’s winter cold. The staff knew I would be arriving late, so they called me by name as I entered the space. It was a pleasant customer service touch.
I was off to my room with registration made easy, merely supplying my credit card for additional amenities.
My Guestroom
As a single solo traveler, hotel security is of paramount importance to me. My sense of safety was confirmed with key-only access to the elevator. The signage was conspicuous, so no need to wonder if I was on the right path.
The beautiful walnut panel alcoves house two rooms. Mine was on the left, and I breathed a sigh of relief; the card key quickly opened to reveal my room, for I was ready to unwind from a day of traveling.
My guestroom had a spacious bathroom with a large shower, enclosed toilet, and sink with a circular backlit mirror. I later discovered a pull-out makeup mirror as well, which meant I had all of the amenities I needed.
The enclosed closet held a suitcase stand, plenty of hangers, and the hotel amenity I appreciate the most: the coziest hotel robe I have ever experienced, with waffle weave on the outside and soft plush fabric inside.
Walking into the room, my eye was immediately drawn to the walnut bar with its sizeable backlit mirror circle surrounded by the top liquor brands on the minibar. Glasses and an ice bucket made ending the day on a high note more than inviting.
When it was time for morning coffee, drawers in the bar revealed china coffee cups, saucers, and all the condiments you need to enjoy coffee from the Nespresso coffee maker.
Rounding out my room was a beautiful walnut desk with a matching chair and a lounge chair tucked in the corner, all furniture that was handmade for this hotel.
A large screen television was placed above the desk, making it easy to watch from the king-sized bed. Free wifi makes it easy to connect with the world if that is what you desire.
Wellness Center at the Muir Hotel
After a long flight, there is nothing better than being able to swim and exercise to revive energy for exploring this charming city. The Muir did not disappoint.
Indoor Pool and Cold Plunge Pool
When you open the pool area door, I predict you will stop and stand there to take in the beauty of this space. The space was designed and constructed with granite from the local quarries. Pillars provide the perfect separation between the lounge beds that beckon you to drop your robe on one that will be your space for your visit before walking down the steps into the pool.
Once you have had your swim, the spacious infrared sauna room is waiting for you. Then, if you are brave enough, you will want to enter the cold plunge pool, which I understand will wake up all your senses. No, I didn’t try it—I dislike being cold.
If you have never tried a salt room, here is your chance. Himalayan salt lines the walls; if you stay there long enough, you can find your sinuses opening.
Fitness Center
Open 24 hours a day, this is the perfect place to have you refrain from any excuse you may use to say it was impossible to exercise while you are traveling.
Meditation
The Muir is building its programming for guests. The hotel staff is discussing offering meditation classes on the weekend.
Massages
The hotel does not offer massages but has a working relationship with the Interlude Spa Halifax right next door. They happily accommodate guests of the Muir who need a massage.
Dining in and Near the Muir
The Drift Restaurant
The Drift Restaurant, located immediately to the left of the lobby, is the perfect place to start your day. The hotel offers room service, but it is fun to note the locals dining and having business meetings.
When you dine with the locals, if you are like me, you want to try the local culinary fare. One of the local dishes is called Hodge Podge, a stew-like dish with root vegetables. However, the Drift’s chef ups the level of this dish by adding scallops.
Known for their craft cocktails, spend time perusing the restaurant’s extensive cocktail menu. For a fun experience, order the Boom at Noon, a cocktail created honoring the cannon shot every day at the nearby Citadel. It arrives with a covered dome that helps infuse applewood smoke into the cocktail ingredients.
Restaurants in Queens Marque District
Surrounding this magnificent waterfront community square are numerous restaurants. All the restaurants were designed under the watchful eye of the Amour Group, the creators of the Muir Hotel.
Restaurant themes have been chosen to allow guests to try different cuisines just steps away from the hotel.
Salt + Fish is a community gathering area for live-fire cooking and East Coast family-style favorites such as pizza, hearty meat dishes, and seafood.
Bar Sofia serves Latin-inspired cooking and offers shared small plates and cocktails.
Darya pays homage to the traditions of Eastern Mediterranean food. The atmosphere combines elegance in a comfortable atmosphere on the water’s edge.
Work off the calories with a stroll down the boardwalk to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which you will want to be sure to visit while you are in the area.
The Speakeasy: A Delightful Discovery
BKS space is open only for hotel guests, providing an indoor and outdoor view of the Harbor. Elegant but not pretentious, this is the perfect space for having an intimate conversation with your partner over their creative craft cocktails.
The Marriot Bonvoy Muir Hotel Autograph Collection is the best hotel from which to explore Halifax, Nova Scotia. On the other hand, if you decide to relax and be pampered in a beautiful setting, you could not ask for a better place to stay than a luxury hotel in downtown Halifax’s heart, where English-speaking residents will warmly welcome you and show you their charming city.
Muir Hotel Details
The Muir Halifax is about 34 miles from Halifax Stanfield Airport. It is an easy drive if you rent a car, and there is valet parking. Taxis and Uber also are available.
Check-in time is 3 p.m. and check-out time is noon.
