SAINT ANDREWS, NB, CANADA—Officials with New Castle Hotels and Resorts, Southwest Properties and Marriott International, Inc. have reopened New Brunswick's landmark Algonquin Resort following a major renovation, repositioning it as Canada's first Autograph Collection hotel.
The Southwest/New Castle team purchased the hotel from the provincial government in 2012 to undertake the "rafters to registration" refurbishment.
“To those of us who hail from this part of the country, the Algonquin is more than just a hotel, it is part of our heritage, our history," stated Jim Spatz, chairman/CEO of Southwest Properties. "It's where generations of Canadians have come to make memories with family and friends, and we took that responsibility very seriously as we set out to restore this treasure to its rightful place among our nation's very best. The challenge was to preserve the authenticity of the historic hotel while simultaneously meeting modern building standards, as well as guest expectations for luxurious accommodations. Guests will judge for themselves, but I dare say they'll be impressed."
“We are thrilled to welcome The Algonquin into our exceptional portfolio of independent hotels," stated Manlio Marescotti, VP/Marriott International. "With its remarkable sense of place, this extraordinary hotel represents an ideal opportunity to introduce the Autograph Collection to Canada.”
The 233-room Algonquin Resort overlooks Passamaquoddy Bay from St. Andrews-by-the Sea. Each guestroom and suite was renovated to reflect The Algonquin’s original Victorian style. Modern conveniences and amenities include pillow-top mattresses, bathrobes, MP3 players, 32-in., flat-screen televisions, in-room coffee and complimentary, in-room movies and WiFi. The 17 suites provide a separate, private seating area, and select guestrooms and suites feature a balcony or patio.
The resort features Braxton's Restaurant and Bar and the Clubhouse, as well as in-room and anyplace dining, 19,000 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor meeting space, a lounge with outdoor patio, fire pits with loaner guitars, an indoor pool and waterslide, outdoor pool and hot tub.
The Algonquin's guestrooms and public spaces were completely reimagined by Toronto designer, Robynne Moncur of Moncur Design. The hotel's décor reflects, without recreating, its Victorian origins, with a living room-style lobby with two-sided fireplace. The lounge and Braxton's restaurant open to an outdoor patio. Guest baths now feature radiant-heat flooring and the notel includes a three-story water slide and fitness center. The spa has been expanded to include a salon.
Now in its second century of service, the Algonquin also is home to the award-winning seaside Algonquin Golf Course, opening in April. Ranked among Canada's top 100 courses and adjacent to the Bay of Fundy, the Algonquin Golf Course is home to two of the top ten golf tees in Canada.
"Over the years, we've developed a passion for Canada's most original hotels and the history they represent," stated David Buffam, New Castle's CEO who rescued the shuttered Nova Scotian in 1995 and repositioned it as the country's first Westinfranchise. Shortly thereafter, the Province of Nova Scotia engaged New Castle to operate its three owned historic resorts, the Keltic Lodge, The Pines in Digby and the Liscombe Lodge. "Projects such as these are the pride of a developer's portfolio. Having the opportunity to set the course for the Algonquin's next century of service is truly an extraordinary mission for everyone involved."
“The Algonquin's management team is led by one of the most creative hoteliers I've ever met," said Gerry Chase, president/COO of New Castle. “During the pre-opening phase, Tim Ostrem and his team earned a reputation for putting their distinctive signature on special events and day-to-day operations that guests will appreciate as authentic and truly engaging. They've incorporated the Charlotte Coastal Region into every aspect of this resort, from the food that's served to the activities and programming that are planned. Every detail of a guest's stay has been imagined through a regional lens to create an experience that is as unique as this hotel and the community around it."
“The Algonquin served visitors for more than a century, and with this renovation, its legacy going forward is assured," stated Trevor Holder, New Brunswick’s culture, tourism and healthy living minister. “Our beloved landmark is in excellent hands as it pursues the next chapter in its far-reaching history."
