Algonquin Hotel: Exploring New Brunswick's Icon

The Algonquin Resort is located in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada. It is a coastal resort hotel in the Tudor Revival style and is considered an architectural icon of New Brunswick. The hotel is located on 184 Adolphus Street, St. Andrews, overlooking the Passamaquoddy Bay. It is within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and other St. Andrews attractions. The resort offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, making it a popular destination for couples, families, and special events.

The hotel's history

The Algonquin Resort, located in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, is a Canadian coastal resort hotel in the Tudor Revival style. It is considered an architectural icon of New Brunswick and is the most famous symbol of St. Andrews.

The original Algonquin hotel was built in 1889 by the St. Andrews Land Company, established in 1883 by American businessmen. Designed by a Boston architecture firm, it featured 80 guest rooms and opened in June of that year. The hotel capitalised on the summer tourism of the late 19th century, attracting residents of St. Andrews and businessmen from Montreal and New England.

The original building was destroyed by a fire in 1914, except for two wings built in 1908 and 1912. It was replaced on the same footprint by the present four-story Tudor Revival concrete building with a faux half-timbered façade and red slate roof. The hotel was designed by Barott, Blackadder & Webster of Montreal and large additional wings were added in the early 1990s and early 2010s.

One of the original hotel's best-known attractions was its saltwater baths. Saltwater was pumped from the Passamaquoddy Bay and held in water tanks in the hotel attic. Guests could then use bathtubs with four taps, two for fresh water and two for saltwater. The air offered by the Bay of Fundy and the local "Samson Spring" were believed to have healing properties, and advertising proclaiming "No hay fever here" and "A general air of restfulness" attracted many wealthy tourists.

In 1903, the Canadian Pacific Railway Company purchased the hotel and built golf courses. A 1902 promotional brochure described The Algonquin as:

> an incomparable resting-place and retreat from the cares of business and the heat and dust and bustle of the city.

Under the management of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company, the resort operated with numerous guests throughout the 20th century. The CPR also built a large transfer station at the junction between the St. Andrews line and the Saint John-Montreal main line in McAdam, New Brunswick, which included a 30-room hotel.

The hotel has hosted many notable guests, including US presidents Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson, British royals HRH Prince Charles and Diana, Princess of Wales, Canadian Prime Minister John A. Macdonald, and virtually every Canadian Prime Minister since Confederation.

Local attractions

The Algonquin Resort is located in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada. It is within walking distance of restaurants and shops and is close to St. Andrews attractions. The resort is a Canadian coastal hotel in the Tudor Revival style and is considered an architectural icon of New Brunswick. It is one of the most photographed buildings in the province and is the most famous symbol of St. Andrews.

The Algonquin Resort is surrounded by many local attractions. Here are some places to visit during your stay:

• Katy's Cove Beach & Playground: Just 1050 feet from the hotel, Katy's Cove offers a saltwater beach and a playground for guests of all ages to enjoy.
• Kingsbrae Garden: Explore the natural beauty of Kingsbrae Garden, just a short distance from the resort. Immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings and admire the lush greenery.
• Fundy Discovery Aquarium: Delve into the marine world at the Fundy Discovery Aquarium, located 1.9 miles from the resort. Get up close with fascinating aquatic creatures and gain insight into the local marine life.
• Ross Memorial Museum: Situated 800 meters from the resort, the Ross Memorial Museum offers a glimpse into the history and cultural heritage of the area.
• Sunbury Shores Arts & Nature Centre: Located 850 meters from the resort, the Sunbury Shores Arts & Nature Centre showcases the best of local artistic talent and provides a space for creative exploration.
• Charlotte County Archives, Courthouse & Old Gaol: Take a step back in time and visit the Charlotte County Archives, Courthouse & Old Gaol, just 900 meters away. Learn about the area's rich history and explore the fascinating architecture.
• Ganong Chocolate Museum: Indulge your sweet tooth at the Ganong Chocolate Museum, located 32 kilometers away. Discover the history of chocolate-making in the area and treat yourself to some delicious treats.
• St. Andrews Blockhouse National Historic Site: Just a short distance from the resort, the St. Andrews Blockhouse National Historic Site preserves the military history of the region.
• Wild Salmon Nature Centre: Located 7 kilometers away, the Wild Salmon Nature Centre provides an opportunity to learn about the importance of wild salmon in the ecosystem and the cultural significance they hold.

The hotel's golf course

The Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, is a Canadian coastal resort hotel in the Tudor Revival style. It is an architectural icon of New Brunswick and the most famous symbol of St. Andrews. The hotel is located on a hill above the charming town of St. Andrews by-the-Sea, offering incredible views of the ocean and the surrounding area.

The Algonquin's golf course is a highlight of the resort, offering a unique and challenging experience for golfers of all levels. The course has been recently renovated to highlight its incredible location next to Passamaquoddy Bay, providing breathtaking views of the ocean and the bay. The golf course is ranked among the top 100 courses in Canada and offers an unforgettable bayside view on the back nine.

The 18-hole course has been redesigned by award-winning golf architect Rod Whitman, who is known for his brilliant work on many of Canada's top golf course designs. Whitman's redesign included reworking bunkers and connecting key holes to the nearby ocean, resulting in a vibrant and challenging course. The course is playable for everyone, with enough challenges to satisfy more experienced golfers.

The Algonquin Golf Course is a year-round golf resort, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy a round of golf during their stay. The course is known for its stunning visuals and playability, with holes running adjacent to the spectacular Passamaquoddy Bay. The golf course is also within walking distance of restaurants and shops in the town of St. Andrews, making it a convenient and enjoyable experience for guests.

The resort offers a Golf Stay and Play Package, which includes a one-night stay at the hotel, one round of golf for two adults, and a shared power cart. This package is available from April to November and is the perfect opportunity for guests to experience the exceptional seaside golf that the Algonquin has to offer.

The hotel's spa

The Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, is a coastal hotel with a spa offering a range of replenishing treatments. The Spa at the Algonquin provides an enriching escape, promoting the rejuvenating and therapeutic nature of its seaside location. The full-service day spa offers a tranquil haven for guests to relax and unwind, with an emphasis on wellness and balance.

The spa's treatment menu includes hair styling, body and facial treatments, and massages. Guests can also enjoy organic tea and surrender to the expertise of the AVEDA therapists, whose treatments go beyond traditional pampering. The spa uses performance-driven plant-based skin, body, and hair care products, offering a holistic experience with a focus on wellness and balance.

The Spa at the Algonquin provides a world-class experience, healing and restoring the mind, body, and spirit. Guests can indulge in treatments such as the Fusion Stone Aroma Massage or the Lavender Honey Facial. For the ultimate spa experience, guests can add on a mani-pedi or an Aveda Aroma Body Polish.

The spa is open Tuesday to Saturday, with varying hours, and can be contacted by phone or email for bookings and inquiries. The Algonquin Resort also offers a range of other amenities, including a golf course, indoor and outdoor pools, and dining options, making it a perfect holiday retreat for families or couples.

The hotel's restaurants

The Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews, New Brunswick, is known for its incredible dining options. The hotel features several restaurants that offer a variety of culinary experiences to its guests.

Braxton's Restaurant & Bar is the signature restaurant of the Algonquin Resort. It serves fresh New Brunswick seafood, with a menu that changes seasonally to showcase the best local ingredients. The restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is known for its elegant atmosphere and attentive service.

For a more casual dining experience, guests can visit the Smokehouse BBQ & Bar, which is nestled atop the picturesque Algonquin Golf Course. It offers a relaxing atmosphere, stunning views, and a variety of beverages and BBQ options.

The Right Whale Pub, another dining option at the hotel, offers a cosy atmosphere and classic pub fare with a maritime twist. Here, guests can enjoy locally sourced dishes such as fish and chips, burgers, and pies, along with a selection of craft beers and cocktails.

In addition to these dining options, the Algonquin Resort also features the Passamaquoddy Veranda, where guests can enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet while taking in the beautiful surroundings. The hotel also has an Oasis Pool Bar, which offers a blend of luxury and relaxation with stunning views of the outdoor pool.

Whether guests are looking for elegant fine dining, casual meals, or refreshing cocktails, the Algonquin Resort in New Brunswick has a variety of restaurant options to satisfy their culinary desires.

Frequently asked questions