Muir, Autograph Collection opens in Halifax

Muir, Autograph Collection, officially opens its doors on December 10, 2021. Located in the new Queen’s Marque district on the Halifax Waterfront in the absolute centre of downtown, Muir is the first hotel in Nova Scotia to join Autograph Collection Hotels—some of the world’s most distinctive independent hotels, selected for their inherent craft and distinct perspectives on design and hospitality.

“We are delighted to announce our opening on December 10 and are ready to welcome guests to an elevated hospitality experience that is truly ‘Born of this Place’," said Eugénie Jason, General Manager, Muir, Autograph Collection.

Envisioned, developed and operated by The Armour Group Limited, and designed by celebrated Nova Scotian firm MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects, Muir is a shining example of born-of-this-place design—honouring character, materiality and heritage through the art of place-making. Throughout the property, the forms portray a contemporary marine, wharf-like design while materiality makes a connection to place—from local materials, including salt-and-pepper granite and sandstone, to Muntz metal, a copper alloy prominently used in shipbuilding. Together, these elements provide a sense of place, resulting in a design that simply could not exist anywhere else.

Muir’s interiors and furnishings are the work of designer Alessandro Munge of Canada’s Studio Munge. Throughout the hotel, custom furniture and lighting—designed and crafted in Canada—reflect a modern interpretation of East Coast design. Rooms and suites are richly textured with curved white oak walls and plank flooring, a subtle nod to ocean voyages. Gathering spaces are anchored by soft cove lighting and fireplaces. Statement pieces from local artists are displayed throughout the property, including commissioned landscape paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics and tapestries.

Muir’s amenities include the ultra-premium wellness centre, Windward Wellness, where high-performance fitness equipment, vitality spa pool and halotherapy salt room encourage guests to rest and rejuvenate. Little Wing, a 36-foot Morris yacht, and Reach, Muir’s high-speed motorboat, are available for guests to charter and explore the harbour and get a view of the city.

Inspired by this region’s natural bounty, Drift is presented as a culinary love letter to Nova Scotia’s land, people and history. Featuring modern, elevated takes on classic Atlantic Canadian dishes, Drift’s culinary vision is driven by celebrated Canadian chef Anthony Walsh and chef de cuisine Jamie MacAulay.

Drift is designed for entertaining colleagues or quiet work at the spacious bar. The dining room is expansive yet comfortable, with detailed craftsmanship and premium materiality complemented by an outdoor patio with stunning waterfront views. Floor to ceiling marble fluted fireplaces, leather-wrapped walls, bespoke furnishings and soft lighting invite guests to linger and connect.

BKS, Muir’s speakeasy, is an enclave of curved wooden walls, muted marble and luxurious banquettes. Open to hotel guests and for private events, BKS offers a discreet setting for historically-inspired premium cocktails and unique small plates, which are best savoured on the harbourside private terrace with the most desirable views in the city.

Muir offers one-of-kind settings for business events, celebrations and gatherings. In addition to conversation-starting art, the 1,200-square-foot True Colours Art Gallery offers a dramatic harbour-facing backdrop for exclusive gatherings. The Wardroom—complimentary for Muir guests—is a fully-appointed, private executive meeting space that can hold up to six guests. The Watch, embraced by the sea on three sides, is a 2,100-square-foot event space featuring bespoke furniture, an art collection, two private bars and a private tasting room.

Muir is part of the Queen’s Marque district, a cultural and community destination for locals and visitors to Atlantic Canada. The bustling district encompasses vibrant restaurants, shops, nightlife, offices and luxury residences, all set against a striking harbour backdrop.

Autograph Collection Hotels is a member of Marriott Bonvoy, the award-winning travel program from Marriott International. Members enjoy exclusive benefits and a contactless experience with the Marriott Bonvoy Mobile app, achieve elite status recognition, earn points toward free nights, and redeem for hotel stays across Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio of 30 hotel brands.

Key takeaways

• NAME: Muir – meaning ‘the sea’ in Gaelic
• ADDRESS: 1709 Lower Water Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia – part of the new Queen’s Marque district
• ARCHITECTURE: MacKay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects Limited
• INTERIOR DESIGN: Studio Munge
• AFFINITY: An Autograph Collection Hotel – a curated selection of hotels around the world. Muir is a Marriott Bonvoy Member
• SUITES: 109 rooms and suites
• DEVELOPER & PROPERTY OPERATOR: The Armour Group Limited
• DINING: Drift – modern interpretations of iconic Atlantic Canadian dishes | BKS - A ‘sub rosa” speakeasy for guests and members only
• FACILITIES: Winward Wellness – an ultra-premium wellness centre, high-performance equipment, vitality and cold plunge pools, halotherapy salt room, sauna, steam room, yoga and spin rooms, art gallery and executive board room.
• AMENITIES: Complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, bicycles and access to the Muir yacht and motorboat. Car & Driver Service, front desk/concierge, in-room dining services, Aesop premium bath products, ultrahigh-speed internet, a bespoke personal bar stocked with local and international wines and spirits and a Nespresso.

Guest rooms and suites, designed by acclaimed Canadian interior design firm Studio Munge, evoke a contemporary East Coast aesthetic, featuring a collection of bespoke furniture including a walnut floating worktable, custom full-size bar, walnut-framed beds and white oak walls. The warmth of traditional Nova Scotia is reflected in a modern Muir modern tartan blanket and braided rug.

Expansive windows look out to immediate ocean views, flooding rooms with coastal light. In the spa-like bathrooms, rain showers, marble-lined tubs, teak shaving stools, Aesop skincare products and locally made bath salts encourage guests to relax and recharge.

• Standard Rooms:
• King: 379-497 square feet
• Accessible King: 506 square feet
• Double Queen: 465-494 square feet
• Deluxe King: 503-672 square feet
• Suites:
• Junior Suites: 629-652 square feet
• Shannon Suites: 710-804 square feet
• Thrumcap Suites: 1,015 square feet
• The Watch Suite: 2,075 square feet - one of the largest in the country featuring 270-degree water views