The Algonquin Resort
The Algonquin dates from 1889. The original structure was destroyed by fire in 1914, but the surviving annexes were rebuilt in Tudor style; in 1993 an addition was built across the road, linked by a gatehouse-inspired bridge, and in 2012, the whole place got a C$30 million renovation. It's had a number of refreshes since then, and after tens of millions of dollars in renovations, The Algonquin still looks like a castle (some staff still wear kilts!) but the rooms and amenities are now as contemporary as you’ll find anywhere else. Bathrooms feature walk-in glass showers and/or tubs with curved curtain rods; and guestrooms vary in design by type, but all have subtly patterned lamp shades and curtains, high-end pillow top mattresses, comfy wingback armchairs and cushy leather padded headboards. The new décor has brought this exquisite resort into the 21st century (though walls couldn’t be thickened unfortunately, so sometimes you’ll hear your neighbor snoring). Historic photos throughout recall a long history as the retreat and playground of the wealthy. Corner suites with separate bedrooms and living rooms feel like small apartments. The inn is several long blocks, affording panoramic bay views from a second-floor roof garden and many rooms (second floor rooms have spacious balconies). Nearby is an outstanding seaside golf course. On site are tennis courts, a spa, an outdoor pool, and an indoor pool where the kids can careen through a tube slide, although note there is an extra fee for some of these activities. Guests gather in the evening at outdoor firepits on the lawn in front of the resort, or meet in the lobby to take one of the free ghost tours offered every night at 7 and 9pm. It’s said that the hotel is haunted and inspired author/film-maker Stephen King, a Maine resident who once stayed here, to write his horror movie The Shining.
For meals, Braxton’s Restaurant and Bar (off the main lobby) offers elegant dining and outdoor seating with upscale offerings like lobster spring rolls or pan seared halibut with lobster cassoulet. More casual pub grub is available off the all-day menu at the Smokehouse on the resort’s golf course, or within the relaxed setting of the Right Whale Pub.
Warning: The hotel does market itself to group tours, and can feel very crowded at times.
The Algonquin dates from 1889. The original structure was destroyed by fire in 1914, but the surviving annexes were rebuilt in Tudor style; in 1993 an addition was built across the road, linked by a gatehouse-inspired bridge, and in 2012, the whole place got a C$30 million renovation. It's had a number of refreshes since then, and after tens of millions of dollars in renovations, The Algonquin still looks like a castle (some staff still wear kilts!) but the rooms and amenities are now as contemporary as you’ll find anywhere else. Bathrooms feature walk-in glass showers and/or tubs with curved curtain rods; and guestrooms vary in design by type, but all have subtly patterned lamp shades and curtains, high-end pillow top mattresses, comfy wingback armchairs and cushy leather padded headboards. The new décor has brought this exquisite resort into the 21st century (though walls couldn’t be thickened unfortunately, so sometimes you’ll hear your neighbor snoring). Historic photos throughout recall a long history as the retreat and playground of the wealthy. Corner suites with separate bedrooms and living rooms feel like small apartments. The inn is several long blocks, affording panoramic bay views from a second-floor roof garden and many rooms (second floor rooms have spacious balconies). Nearby is an outstanding seaside golf course. On site are tennis courts, a spa, an outdoor pool, and an indoor pool where the kids can careen through a tube slide, although note there is an extra fee for some of these activities. Guests gather in the evening at outdoor firepits on the lawn in front of the resort, or meet in the lobby to take one of the free ghost tours offered every night at 7 and 9pm. It’s said that the hotel is haunted and inspired author/film-maker Stephen King, a Maine resident who once stayed here, to write his horror movie The Shining.
For meals, Braxton’s Restaurant and Bar (off the main lobby) offers elegant dining and outdoor seating with upscale offerings like lobster spring rolls or pan seared halibut with lobster cassoulet. More casual pub grub is available off the all-day menu at the Smokehouse on the resort’s golf course, or within the relaxed setting of the Right Whale Pub.
Warning: The hotel does market itself to group tours, and can feel very crowded at times.
Details
Bookstore
Available as paperback
and as e-book.
