Antigonish's Hidden Gem: Micro Boutique Living (NS, Canada)
Antigonish's Hidden Gem: Micro Boutique Living - My Unfiltered Review (and Why You REALLY Need to Book)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea on Micro Boutique Living in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Forget those cookie-cutter hotel reviews – this is going to be real. I'm talking the good, the not-so-good (but mostly good!), and the "OMG I want to go back RIGHT NOW" kind of vibes.
First things first: Finding it and Getting In (and Not Sweating the Small Stuff!)
Accessibility? Yup, got elevators and ramps for my pals in wheelchairs (and anyone who just doesn't fancy stairs, let's be honest!). Free parking is a HUGE win (car park [free of charge] - you can't beat it!). And the check-in? Contactless, baby! They've got this whole modern-day thing nailed. I'm more of a "human interaction is key" kind of person, so I was a little bummed, but hey, safety first, and it was swift and painless. They still have a Front desk [24-hour] so there's always someone there if you need help.
Rooms: Tiny, Mighty, and Filled with Awesome
"Micro" is right. But don't let the name fool you. This is where the "hidden gem" shines. The rooms, although small, are BRILLIANTLY designed. Modern, clean, and seriously stylish. I had one called "Couple's room" and let me tell you, if I was traveling with my partner, that's what I would choose! Air conditioning? Check! Free Wi-Fi in all rooms (and it's actually fast!)? DOUBLE CHECK! I could stream my terrible reality TV shows without a stutter.
Now, confession time: I'm obsessed with good coffee. And they've got a Coffee/tea maker! No more sad, instant coffee, thank the heavens. Also, Free bottled water? Always a winner. They thought of everything. Even had Bathrobes & Slippers, a massive plus! And you KNOW I used them (after a long day of exploring, more on that later)! The Blackout curtains were a lifesaver. I'm terrible at sleeping in hotel rooms usually, but I slept like a baby! And the Extra long bed was so appreciated as well!
**Important note about **Internet, Internet [LAN]: They have both! Wireless *and* wired. How fancy is that?
Cleanliness and Safety: They Actually Give a Damn (And That's Rare These Days)
Here's where Micro Boutique Living REALLY shines. They're taking this whole pandemic thing seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products? Yep. Daily disinfection in common areas? Absolutely. Rooms sanitized between stays? You betcha. Staff trained in safety protocol? You can tell. They're not messing around. They also have Hand sanitizer everywhere, and even Individually-wrapped food options, which is nice, but I did find it a little… wasteful? Still, kudos to the effort. Speaking of effort… the smell of cleanliness was noticeable. Seriously. I'm a germaphobe, so I appreciate that!
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Fueling Your Antigonish Adventures
Okay, so the on-site dining isn't exactly a Michelin-star experience (They have restaurants, a Bar, a Coffee shop, & a Snack bar - but it's not like a massive buffet). It's more focused on convenience. They had a great Poolside bar and I loved that! But the Breakfast [buffet], or Breakfast service was nothing to write home about, but they did have Breakfast in room too! (Score!). They also offer Room service [24-hour] if you're feeling lazy, and frankly, I was. I'd lean towards exploring the local scene which is full of great restaurants.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax (The "Why You Left Your House in the First Place" Part)
Antigonish isn't exactly a bustling metropolis. But that's part of its charm! The best part of staying here is the incredible access to the whole of Nova Scotia. You're a short drive to the coast, to hiking trails, and to all sorts of charming little towns. If there is anything they don't have on-site you can always ask the Concierge! They had information on everything (and even could arrange a Taxi service to take you around).
Okay, so they have this thing called a Spa, too, and the Sauna & Steamroom are pure bliss (also, they have a Foot bath, which I didn't know I needed until I sat in one). They have a Fitness center (I did not use it, but it’s there for those more disciplined than I am!). And the fact that there's a Swimming pool [outdoor] with a Pool with view is pretty amazing, especially on a sunny day. It's all about relaxation. This place is PERFECT for a chill getaway. Relaxing is top, but they also have Audio-visual equipment for special events if you're planning something bigger!
The "Hidden Gem" Factor: My Over-the-Top Moment
Okay, I'm going to get gushy now. Remember I said I loved the Breakfast in room? Well, one particular morning I woke up absolutely starving, the sun streaming in through my window… and I ordered the breakfast. And it was delivered with the most gorgeous presentation. It was like a mini-picnic in my room, and I just sat there thinking: "This is perfect. This is exactly what I needed." It was a simple act of kindness and attention to detail that elevated the whole experience. It made me feel… cared for. And THAT, my friends, is what makes Micro Boutique Living truly special.
The Imperfections (Because, You Know, Life)
- The gym, as I said, I didn't use.
- The lack of a more extensive restaurant menu (but the local options are amazing - I did, despite my complaints, love it!).
The Verdict: Book It, You Fool!
Look, if you're looking for a sterile, generic hotel experience, keep scrolling. But if you're craving a stylish, comfortable, and genuinely welcoming place to crash while you explore the beauty of Antigonish and Nova Scotia, then Micro Boutique Living is the answer. It's clean, safe, and full of thoughtful touches that make a real difference. Book it. Seriously. You won't regret it.
My Unfiltered Offer (Because I Want You to Go!)
Book your stay at Micro Boutique Living in Antigonish NOW and get:
- 10% off your stay using the code "HIDDENGEM" (because I told you about it!)
- A complimentary bottle of local Nova Scotian wine waiting for you in your room upon arrival (because you deserve it!).
- Free late check-out (because you WILL want to sleep in!).
- Bonus: A personalized list of my favorite Antigonish hidden gems - because travel isn't just about the hotel, it's about the whole experience.
- And don't forget to ask for the 'Breakfast-in-Bed' special - I highly recommend it!
Don't miss out on this amazing offer! Click the link below and experience the Micro Boutique Living magic for yourself!
(Insert booking link here)
See ya there (maybe in the sauna!).
Escape to Paradise: Green Tree Inn, Suqian Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a messy, glorious, and probably slightly-too-opinionated journey…to Antigonish, Nova Scotia! Specifically, the Micro Boutique Living. Don't ask me why I picked Antigonish, I think I just needed a good escape…and maybe saw a cute Instagram post about it. Here goes nothing:
My Antigonish Antics: A Stream of Consciousness Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival - Disappointment and Tiny Rooms (in the BEST way)
1:00 PM: Arrive at Micro Boutique Living. Okay, first impressions? Tiny. Like, adorably tiny. My luggage, which I may or may not have overpacked (don't judge, I'm a dramatic traveler), barely fit in the elevator. The lobby is charming, though! Super minimalist, everything's white, and I'm already plotting how to mess it up a little with my chaotic energy.
1:30 PM: Check in. The woman at the front desk was lovely, told me the best places to eat, and gave me my key. The room…yep, still tiny. But surprisingly well-organized. I mean, it's a masterclass in space-saving. They’ve thought of everything, it’s genius and yet… I still have to fight my inner hoarder that is screaming to get out.
- Anecdote: I swear, I spent a solid ten minutes just admiring the cleverness of the built-in storage. My own apartment could learn a thing or two.
2:00 PM: Unpack? Attempt to. Realize I brought way too many shoes. Decide to live in the tiny room's minimalist spirit, and embrace it. Maybe… I need to be a better packer.
- Quirky Observation: I'm pretty sure I could touch both walls of my room simultaneously. This is intimacy with a room, I guess?
3:00 PM: First Meal - The Town. Head out for lunch! Recommended spot, haven't had a decent meal in ages.
- Emotional Reaction: I was HUNGRY. Like, eat-a-whole-pizza-by-myself hungry.
- Messy Detail: Found a place called "The Town." It's cute and the fish and chips were amazing. The servers were lovely, but I was a bit messy at it and that's my fault.
5:00 PM: Stroll Around Town. Explore downtown Antigonish. It's…quaint. Lots of little shops.
- Opinionated Language: Honestly, the main street is pretty but not going to lie, there's not a lot happening. It's the kind of place where everyone actually knows everyone, which is strangely comforting and also slightly terrifying.
7:00 PM: Dinner. Back to the hotel, the restaurants are really not my type. But I was lucky to find out there's a grocery store nearby and I can cook my own meals if I feel like it!
Day 2: Culture Shock and a Really Good Breakfast Sandwich (and a Lot More Food)
9:00 AM: Breakfast! The hotel is making it, it's pretty good so far.
- Strong Emotional Reaction: The breakfast sandwich…holy mother of breakfast sandwiches. Crispy bacon, perfect egg, amazing bread. I might have shed a single, happy tear.
- Doubling Down: I legitimately went back for a second one. And may have considered a third. Don't judge.
11:00 AM: St. Francis Xavier University Campus Visit. It's a gorgeous campus!
- Quirky Observation: There are so many students around. Probably a good thing, considering it's a university town. I felt like I'd stumbled into a college movie.
1:00 PM: Lunch! Time for more food.
- Anecdote: Found a little spot… and ordered a massive salad. Because balance, right? Did not finish it.
- Opinionated Language: I'm starting to think I have a problem. A food problem.
3:00 PM: Visit the Antigonish Heritage Museum. It's actually really interesting! Learned a lot about the local history.
- Emotional Reaction: Unexpectedly moved by some of the stories. History is always interesting.
- Messy Detail: Got lost in the back room, and nearly tripped over a display case. Oops.
6:00 PM: Dinner. Experiment with cooking in the tiny kitchen. It's not as hard as I thought it would be!
- Rambling: Decided to make pasta. I'm not sure what came over me.
Day 3: The Quest for (More) Food and a Last-Minute Panic
9:00 AM: Breakfast AGAIN with that sandwich! It just keeps delivering.
11:00 AM: Drive to a nearby town to find a unique dish. Had an amazing time and did a great job!
- Stronger Emotional Reaction: I felt so happy there and so free.
1:00 PM: Lunch. At a nice cafe. Found more great places and had an amazing meal.
3:00 PM: Panic sets in. I'm leaving tomorrow and I'm scared. I've had such a good time and I don't want it to end.
6:00 PM: Final Dinner. Going to go to the place I enjoyed most to celebrate and enjoy the food one more time.
Day 4: Departure - Reluctant Goodbye
- 9:00 AM: One last sandwich!
- Emotion: I can't believe I'm leaving.
- 10:00 AM: Pack up
- 11:00 AM: Check out.
- 12:00 PM: Drive to the airport.
- Opinionated Language: Antigonish? Turns out, I loved it. A perfect mix of charming and slightly quirky. Yes, the rooms are small, but the heart is enormous.
Micro Boutique Living, Antigonish: The Real Dirt (and Why You Should Still Go)
Okay, Seriously, What *IS* Micro Boutique Living? Sounds...small.
Alright, let's get the obvious out of the way: Yes, the rooms are *micro*. Think stylishly designed, perfectly functional, but definitely cozy. It's like living in a really chic, upscale shoebox. My first thought when I opened the door? "Huh. Okay. Well, this is...tidy." Not exactly breath-taking, but definitely intriguing. It's about maximizing space, which they absolutely nail. They call it "minimalist," and I'm pretty sure my cat, Mittens, would have a field day rearranging things (if cats were allowed, which, tragically, they are not - more on that later). You're not there to hang out in the room all day; you're there to explore Antigonish. Which is a good thing, because you *will* be bumping into stuff in your room. Mostly your bag. Multiple times.
Is it actually *nice* though? The pictures online are always so...perfect.
Look, the photos are good. *Really* good. They've got that Instagram-friendly aesthetic down pat. But in person? Yeah, it's genuinely nice. The design is clever. The finishes are tasteful. The bed? Glorious. I swear, I slept like a log. A very stylish log, snug in its minimalist cocoon. The bathroom is… well, it's a bathroom. Small, but functional. And the water pressure in the shower? Surprisingly, spectacularly powerful. That alone almost made the whole experience worth it. Seriously. After driving for hours, that shower was a godsend. Though, I did manage to get a bit of water on the toilet. Don't judge.
What's the vibe? Is it romantic? Party-central? Family-friendly?
Romantic? Potentially. If your idea of romance involves sharing a very, very small space. My significant other and I went, and let's just say we *really* got to know each other. Which can be a good thing, or a slightly claustrophobic thing. Party-central? Absolutely not. It's more "quiet evening with a good book" kind of vibe. The walls are probably thin, you know? Family-friendly? Uh... debatable. With small kids, you might find yourselves tripping over each other – literally and figuratively. It's best suited for couples or solo travelers who appreciate a stylish, convenient basecamp.
The Location... Is It Good? Antigonish is... well, Antigonish.
Antigonish! Ah, the town. Micro Boutique is *perfectly* located. Smack dab in the middle of things. You can walk everywhere. The best coffee shop (Caffeine Corner, highly recommend the London Fog), the pub (The Townhouse, grab a pint), the little boutiques... they’re all right there. No sprawling parking lots, no long drives. You step out the door and you’re *in* the town. And Antigonish, for all its quiet charm, has a certain something. It’s got that small-town Maritime magic. It took me a bit to get used to the quiet, the lack of big city noise. But by day two, I was loving it. I even started saying "eh" a bit. Don't judge. It's contagious.
What's the Deal with Parking?
Parking is *mostly* fine. Micro Boutique has a handful of spots, but street parking is also readily available. I got lucky and snagged a spot right out front. But it can get a bit competitive, especially on weekends. So, plan for a bit of a walk if you arrive late. It's not the end of the world, though. Antigonish is walkable. You'll be fine. Just don't forget your umbrella. You'll be needing it.
Is there a breakfast situation?
Nope. No breakfast. Not even a complimentary granola bar. I'm not gonna lie, that was a bit of a bummer. Especially after that glorious shower. I had to stumble down the street in my pyjamas, which is never a good look first thing. However, there's a fantastic bakery nearby (The Wheelhouse) with amazing pastries. So, not a deal breaker. But bring snacks. Always bring snacks. Especially if, like me, you get hangry.
Let's Talk About the WiFi. Is it Reliable? Because I Can't Live Without The Internet.
The WiFi was... well, let's just say it was functional. It wasn't blazing fast, and there were a couple of moments of minor frustration—like that time I tried to stream a movie and just got a buffering wheel of doom. But it was generally okay. Good enough to check emails, browse the web, and, you know, *pretend* to be working while actually scrolling through Instagram. Which is what I do. Don't judge. (Again!) Pack a backup plan if you absolutely *need* lightning-fast internet. But honestly? Embrace the digital detox. Antigonish is a pretty nice place to disconnect for a bit. Especially on rainy days.
What Didn’t You Like? (Be Honest!)
Okay, fine. I'll be brutally honest. The no-cat policy (again, Mittens would have loved it)... The lack of breakfast (seriously, a muffin would be lovely!)... Oh, and the walls *are* indeed thin. I could hear the person next door snoring. Loudly. And a faint humming sound, I think it was from the fridge. Also, the elevator's a bit small, and the stairwell doesn't have the best lighting. Not a deal breaker, but important details. Honestly, it's the minor things that start to annoy you after a long day of driving.
Okay, So... Would You Go Back?
Yes. Absolutely. Imperfections and all. Despite the cozy quarters, the occasional snoring, the minor inconveniences, and the lack of a cat (still bitter!), I would 100% go back. It was a unique experience, a stylish base camp in a charming town. It truly grew on me. The location is unbeatable. The design is clever and stylish. The shower was phenomenal. And that's enough for me. Besides, I hear they're looking to expand... maybe, *just maybe*, they'll allow cats in the future. A girlMy Hotel Reviewst
