For 125 years, the Algonquin Resort has presided over St. Andrews by-the-Sea in New Brunswick, Canada, like a venerable grande dame. Enduring through various remodels, additions and even a comprehensive rebuild after a fire in 1914, she has hosted heads of state, movie stars and royalty.
This year, however, the Algonquin splurged on a facelift that cost upwards of 30 million dollars. She still has her castle-like, Tudor-style charm and historic credibility, but guestrooms and suites now have flat-screen televisions, pillow top mattresses, radiant floor heat in the bathrooms and MP3 players. New balconies that overlook the Passamaquoddy Bay have been added to some of the rooms, and the spa has moved up a few notches on the fun scale with the addition of mural-size photos of early 20th century bathing beauties and their beaux.
The 234-room property is proud of its heritage, and among the artifacts that adorn the walls in the lounge are decades-old blueprints for a remodel that were never completed.
But the biggest change is the new bar and restaurant area named after G.F. Braxton, who was a chef at the Algonquin in the late l800s.
The restaurant remodel adds a wow factor to the renovated resort: It’s an eye-popping medley of black and gold grape-themed wallpaper, carpet and upholstery.
Whatever a client’s passions may be — hiking, fine dining, shopping or playing golf on the resort’s historic course – the concierge is well-trained to make all of the arrangements. The resort welcomes families, so it’s not unusual to see intergenerational travelers listening to local performers in the lounge, strolling the manicured grounds, sliding down the three-story waterslide, embarking on a whale watching cruise with a marine biologist or toasting s’mores around a fire pit at night.
Immersed in the beauty of St. Andrews and New Brunswick, the Algonquin is perfect for a destination wedding, or simply an escape from the pressures of work and life. The blend of history and comfort attract visitors year round. In the wintertime, many patron customers come to sit by the fire, crack open a book and just relax.
The Details
Algonquin Resortwww.algonquinresort.com
