A recent addition to the Autograph Collection, Muir Hotel is redefining the standards for luxury hotels in Halifax.

It is nothing less than the quintessential architectural craftsmanship of Studio Munge that thrills and amazes the tourist who stays at the Muir. In every detail, in every nook and corner, like a concentration of Nova Scotian identity elevated to the highest standards, this resort could be, no pun intended, the Autograph, the signature, of Halifax.

Let me tell you more about it.

Despite the fact that I booked a Signature King room (paid around $700), I was lucky enough to be upgraded (I was in low season!), to the Shannon Suite (worth around $1400) on the top floor, overlooking the ocean.

Upgrading is really no small benefit when you have status; it really does take the experience to an unsuspected level in some cases, like here with this beautiful suite.

The best way to earn Marriott Bonvoy points for free stays at over 8,000 hotels worldwide is to have the Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card (and/or the Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^®* Card).

In addition to the exceptional welcome bonus of each of these two cards, you’ll earn 2 points per dollar on all your purchases and 5 points per dollar at any of the Marriott establishments. On top of that, every year, you’ll receive a free hotel night certificate (worth 35,000 points) and 15 Elite Night Credits toward your Marriott Bonvoy status.

Located directly on the Halifax waterfront, which runs along nearly 4 kilometers of shoreline, the hotel is in the heart of one of the most vibrant parts of Nova Scotia’s capital city. In fact, you could spend an entire day walking along the promenade, as it not only offers sublime views of the sea and McNabs Island, but a multitude of artworks, cafés, restaurants, brasseries and boutiques dot the route.

The hotel’s location close to all the attractions is perfect for anyone who wants to get the full picture of Halifax for a weekend. As a bonus, the hotel is only a 30-minute drive from the airport!

Even having checked in beforehand on the Bonvoy app, I was guided by the valet who gave me outstanding service.

From baggage claim to a short wait while sitting comfortably in the warm lounge adjacent to the lobby, everything went very smoothly.

As soon as you enter the suite, it is the view of the sea that catches your eye! Indeed, as the room is located on the top floor, it feels like you’re perched in a luxurious nest on the edge of the promenade. The large living room furnished with a comfortable sofa allows you to relax, with a panoramic view, after a day of sightseeing. Pretty cool!

The uncluttered decor, the Scandinavian-designed wooden furniture, the photo albums featuring the most beautiful Nova Scotian landscapes… it’s very soothingly chic. We would like to stay there for weeks.

As for the bedroom, it is just as uncluttered, but inviting to relax with this magnificent pier handmade by a local artisan. As an added bonus, when you lie back in bed, it’s a pleasure to watch people strolling along the promenade below.

Finally, adjacent to the main room, the bathroom… a dream! In addition to being useful, with its two sinks, spaciousness and heated floors, the room is bright and elegantly designed.

First, one of the benefits of being a Platinum member at Marriott Bonvoy is that you get free breakfasts.

Then, here at Muir, not only are they available, but they’re served at Drift Restaurant; which has earned a spot on several of Canada’s best restaurant lists this year. The Bonvoy member can choose from a few pre-determined options on the breakfast menu; and it’s delicious.

Also, being the great food lover that I am (and I had reserved in advance!), I spoiled myself by having dinner at the Drift. It was a real seafood delight! A fine and comforting meal.

A stay at the Muir Hotel is unlikely to be complete without Chef Anthony Walsh‘s signature experience.

Reserved for hotel guests and hidden away in the back of the hotel’s central floor, BKS is a speakeasy that allows you to extend the experience by going for a drink in a cozy atmosphere.

Like the hotel, the place is distinguished by its black marble and wood decor, luxurious green banquettes, and it offers the possibility of sipping one of the signature cocktails on the private terrace, overlooking the sea.

Open 24/7, the gym offers 5,000 square feet of padded space with a variety of workout machines. The swimming pool is open from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Note that some hours are reserved for relaxation, and others for free swimming. For the customer who wishes it, a service of massage and various treatments are available on reservation.

Staying at the Muir Hotel? In my Review, you need to make a detour, or spend part of your stay at the pool. The relaxing ambience is perfect: comfortable sofas line the pool, a hammam is accessible, and, what’s more, you can experience the salt stone sauna free of charge.

I hear there are benefits to inhaling this mineralized air… I had a cough, but hey! Try it out.

Definitely, the Muir Hotel, from the Autograph Collection, is the ultimate luxury hotel (affiliated with Marriott Bonvoy) in the East. As you can see, the Muir Hotel is a total experience, as far as I’m concerned.

From the room, to the meal, to the pool, to the speakeasy, I love this kind of hotel that is a real showstopper! I haven’t said much about it above, but the service was impeccable on all levels. Can I speak of good value for money? For the offer and comfort level I got, yes! I have stayed in hotels of equivalent range that offered less.

Finally, the Muir Hotel is the place to be for those who love luxury, fine dining and comfort in the heart of the Maritimes. Finally, if the budget is more limited but the desire to stay there is there, why not take a basic room, or take advantage of Marriott points?