Saltwater and pampering: A stay at the historic Fairmont Algonquin

Arriving at a new hotel is always exciting for travelers. What will it be like? As you drive up the long road in St. Andrews-by-the-Sea, New Brunswick toward the Fairmont Algonquin, there is a sudden feeling of travelling back in time. In fact, there is an immediate impression as if you had actually been placed inside the Movie Dirty Dancing and are pulling into Kellerman’s.

The hotel is in its second century hosting visitors from all over the world, and is surrounded by stunning manicured grounds, a golf course, and sea-side viewing. In summer, an outdoor heated pool provides guests with a unique experience of swimming while watching movies projected on the poolside screen (ironically Dirty Dancing actually happened to be playing during our stay).

The rooms are nicely adorned with modern amenities with a classic style and feel. The stay in a middle level room gave a bit of a tight quarters feel when trying to manoeuvre around the queen size bed and side tables, but the view helped make for the rooms short comings. The en suite bathrooms are also quite small and require some renovations to bring it up to speed with the rest of the hotel.

Staff are extremely friendly and helpful, and during our stay suggested a number of great local attractions, such as:

Food at the Algonquin is nothing less than expected from a sea side resort, and chef Ryan Dunne conjures up mouth watering dishes in all 4 dinning areas. The English pub style decor in the Right Whale Pub, to the book filled Library Lounge allows guests to choose a variety of fare as well as atmosphere. But none quite compare to that of the Passamaquoddy Dining room that features floor to ceiling windows that overlook the gardens and a delicious menu specializing in local seafood dishes.

Dating back to 1889 the area was host to bathers enjoying the therapeutic seawaters for relaxation. In keeping with the hotels history, guests can book a treatment at the spa to make a stay extra special.

Or perhaps a walk through town to the warf may interest guests more. A 7 minute walk from the hotel, you can be immersed in the sites, sounds and tastes from a myriad of stores and restaurants along Water Street.

Overall the hotel shares it’s wonderful charm with each visitor as soon as you arrive and it stays with you long after you leave. Staying at the Fairmont Algonquin is a must for visitors to New Brunswick.

For more information on the Fairmont Algonquin, visit the website at www.fairmont.com/algonquin/. Visit the town’s official website at www.town.standrews.nb.ca.