The Algonquin Resort in New Brunswick is undergoing major renovations - Date/Photographer unknown - Algonquin Resort.

2 October 2013

Marriott Gives Famous New Brunswick Resort a Facelift

Saint Andrews New Brunswick - Just 60 minutes south of Saint John, New Brunswick, nestled in the quiet ocean side serenity of the town of St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, the Algonquin Resort has been a staple of the community since it opened on this spot in 1889.
 
Now, as the first hotel in Canada to become part of Marriott's boutique Autograph Collection brand, the Algonquin Resort is poised to embark on what could be the finest chapter in its history.
 
Although still under construction, I toured the property extensively on a visit in early September.
 
Top to bottom.
 
Bottom to top.
 
From wing to wing to wing.
 
And at every stage, my jaw was left hanging.
 
Behind the construction tape and the parking lot filled with semi-trailers was a work of art in progress, one that comes with a total price tag in excess of $30 million.
 
The entire property has been stripped to its frame in order to winterize it for year-round operations.
 
Everything here is new, from lighting to heating systems, encompassing every detail, right down to the locally-sourced coffee made just blocks away, and the creative room service decorations made of local driftwood and the resort's former cutlery.
 
What impressed me most, though, is that the Algonquin isn't simply trying to live off their rich past history like many historic hotels do.
 
Instead, they're respecting the past by preserving the resort's original grandeur, but creating new traditions at the same time.
 
Picture enjoying port wine and entertainment at night outdoors by the new fire pits located on the hotel's lawn.
 
Or stepping onto your own private balcony overlooking that same music, balconies that were never there before, and had to be added onto the structure.
 
Also added at great expense was a new indoor pool and fitness area, complete with a water slide, that can be enjoyed year-round.
 
Everything about the new Algonquin Resort is designed to be as warm and welcoming as the town itself.
 
Quite frankly, half the reason to stay at the resort is simply to experience the vibrant artistic community that calls St. Andrews home.
 
I was only there for a day and a half, but it's no stretch to say that I'd be hard-pressed to imagine a friendlier, more picturesque community anywhere in Canada.
 
There are numerous fascinating hotels that will be opening later this year and next year, but I have no qualms about sticking my neck out and saying the Algonquin Resort is the one you want to watch.
 
There's simply nothing else quite like it.
 
Aaron Saunders.

Vancouver Island
British Columbia
Canada