Planning a trip to St. John’s soon? Live in Newfoundland and Labrador and heading to the big city? Have an upcoming birthday or anniversary and looking to celebrate with style and class? The Murray Premises Hotel is a remodelled and transformed historic building but the charming and rustic atmosphere from the 1840s remains. The leaflet that describes the history of the hotel claims that visitors will “experience old world charm with new world comfort” and I think that statement sums it up perfectly. From the heavy wooden beams to the exposed brick walls, every corner of this hotel tells a rich and vivid story of days gone by.
The Murray Premises has stood the test of time. As the oldest collection of fishing industry mercantile buildings in NL, it is the site of many trials, tribulations, and disasters– but like Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, the property is strong and resilient, having survived the Great Fires of 1846 and 1892 which devastated most of the city. Although this is a modern and luxurious hotel, I could still feel a strong sense of what may have occurred within the walls before the hotel ever existed– not in a creepy way, but rather in a fascinating and peaceful way. Now there are new buildings popped up all around, such as Jack Astor’s, The Keg, and Mill Street Brewery, as well as the Husky building and a parking garage; but the integrity of the historic property still remains and its proximity to these facilities and others create a convenience for hotel guests.
My stays at the Murray Premises Hotel, just recently and with my family as a kid, have always been fantastic. Lately, the Murray Premises staff welcomed me to collaborate with them on this article. They put me up in a gorgeous Executive Suite with a harbour view. The room was immaculate and included a king-size bed, a jacuzzi soaker tub, a fireplace, and a towel warmer (bless!) plus other standard hotel amenities such as a coffee maker, tv, and mini fridge. What I loved most about the room was its warmth and coziness. You can see from the photos that the rustic vibe doesn’t sacrifice itself for modern luxury. The hotel was designed with a perfect balance between the two. It is aesthetically pleasing and comfortable.
Some of St. John’s’ top restaurants, shops, and nightlife (a.k.a. George Street) are located just seconds from the hotel– I’m not exaggerating. Not to mention Mile One stadium, the Rooms, and our many other historic sites which are minutes away. The Murray Premises Hotel is a great option for travelers who want an authentic experience of downtown St. John’s.
Of course, the first thing I had to do upon check-in was fill up the jacuzzi for a soak. It was bliss. I had a glass of wine, the fireplace was going, and my warm towels were waiting for me. It was the perfect way to chill out before ramping up for a night with friends.
Included in our stay was a buffet-style breakfast. I’d describe it as a continental breakfast kicked up a notch. They swap cheap muffins for decadent croissants and apples and bananas for a large variety of seasonal fruit. The light meal along with a mug of green tea was exactly what I needed to drag me out of the groggy state I was in from the coma-like sleep I had (undoubtedly thanks to the comfortable beds but likely facilitated by the wine). Also take some time to enjoy the lounge off the lobby where you can grab a coffee before check-out or in lieu of breakfast if you’re not a morning eater.
St. John’s has many fabulous hotels but the Murray Premises is unique. It offers a history and rustic vibrance that others don’t. I cannot wait to return to the hotel and try another room as they are all slightly different. Thank you so much to the Murray Premises for having us and for extending the highest standard of hospitality.
Have you stayed at the Murray Premises Hotel? What did you think? Let us know in the comments and follow us on social media for more updates, @twowildtides!
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