We had the most marvelous time during our getaway to the Algonquin Resort this past weekend.
While I have always adored the Algonquin and the quaint-safe-old money-resort vibe of St. Andrews itself, the spectacular refurbishment of the Algonquin by the Marriott Group will take the town to a whole new level.
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| I loved the original photos that lined the hallways! |
What a difference.
Every hotel room has been refurbished. Every window has been replaced. New patios have been built. The outdoor pool was completely redone. An indoor pool was added.
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| The three story water slide that delivers you back into a tube. How cool is that? |
Katy's Cove waits 5 minutes away for you to take a dip in the ocean
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| see how far the tide goes out? |
(I personally do not recommend doing this till June, but then, I am not hardy!)
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| On arrival, our King Size bed behind us... |
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| A water view out our window. Imagine when the trees are green again! |
The dinner menu has been overhauled and the food is exquisite. We had dinner and breakfast at the hotel and found the prices reasonable.
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| I loved the wallpaper! |
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| Barry's difficult breakfast decision... |
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| Me just finishing multi-grain waffles with lemon curd whipped cream! A little tired after the night before... |
The cocktail bar and dining room are like little chic jewel boxes.
The rest of the hotel awaits its conference and wedding business.
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| The long foyer with plenty of spots to play a game, sit in front of a fire, read a good book or sip some champagne... |
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| Barry staring at the fire, likely thinking of tickling the ivories... |
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| The long inside porch... |
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| rocking chairs waiting... |
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| The Carleton Rotunda and its water views below.. |
The staff are friendly and helpful. When we went to check out on Sunday, we asked if we could see one of the rooms that had a patio and the staff were more than willing to accommodate us.
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| a nice place to spend an afternoon... |
For my American friends, right now the Canadian dollar is worth approximately 10 cents less than your American greenback, so you are getting a 10% discount right from the get-go.
A five minute walk delivers you to the downtown, or to the amazing Kingsbrae Gardens. Apparently, June and July are fully booked, but come in August and September and bring a warm sweater and take a whale-watching tour from the wharf downtown. There are other excellent restaurants on Water Street and little nooks and crannies to explore. When the tide is out (and boy, does it go out in the Bay of Fundy!) you can put on your water shoes and walk out hundreds of feet and explore tidal pools. There is nothing my kids liked better when they were young to put on their crocs or rubber puts, grab a pail and collect starfish and crabs and oysters, dumping them back when they were done.
The resort has been so good as to provide bikes to help you get there:
On the weekends, a farmer's market sets up downtown and there is often live music to be found.
The Algonquin itself had a wonderful young man playing jazz and light rock on the grand piano outside the dining and cocktail bar till around 8:30.
My favourite haunts downtown are The Leather House for purses, shoes and clothing and Crocker Hill Studio, which is run by an amazing artist, Stephen Smith, and his wife. Water street has a small grocery store, the town's original drugstore and a liquor store if you forgot anything at home!
We had the best time and Barry and I have already vowed to go back soon and how would this be as a location for a blogging conference or meeting? We took a few shots as we drove through town on Sunday morning:
Getting out of town for an overnighter was just what the doctor ordered. And I cannot recommend it enough to the rest of you! Tell them Wendy sent you! (And no - the Algonquin has nothing to do with this review, though I wish it did!)
And since this is Wednesday - A picture of me getting set to go to dinner:
And a bar shot taken by my friend Mike:
So congratulations to the Algonquin Resort!
Have a great day and stay safe out there!
xoxo wendy
