Saint Andrews, New Brunswick, Canada, 2014-6-23 — /Travel PR News/ — New Brunswick Premier, David Alward joined officials with New Castle Hotels & Resorts, Southwest Properties and Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) to commemorate the grand re-opening of the Algonquin Resort.
Now celebrating its 125th anniversary, the Algonquin first opened in June, 1889 and became the nation’s first Autograph Collection hotel, Marriott International’s exclusive portfolio of independent hotels, when it opened in March following an 18-month “rafters to registration” renovation. Southwest Properties and New Castle team purchased the hotel from the provincial government in 2012 with the intent of restoring the national treasure.
“For more than a century the iconic Algonquin Hotel has anchored New Brunswick’s tourism landscape and brought a very vibrant part of this province’s heritage to life,” said Premier David Alward. “I join with the members of the community and business sector of this region who are so pleased to begin the next chapter of this historic property’s story here in Saint Andrews, where visitors from around the world will continue to enjoy New Brunswick’s attractions and hospitality.”
“Throughout the renovation process, we were very cognizant of the fact that we had been entrusted with a piece of New Brunswick’s history,” said Jim Spatz, chairman and CEO of Southwest Properties. “We set out to preserve the authenticity of this cherished hotel and simultaneously elevate it to meet modern expectations for a luxury resort.”
The Algonquin’s guest rooms and public spaces were completely reimagined by Toronto designer, Robynne Moncur of Moncur Design. The hotel’s décor reflects, its Victorian origins, with a gracious, living room-style lobby that invites lingering around the two-sided fireplace.
Originally developed as a summer resort, The Algonquin now a year-round destination. Guests staying for business or pleasure throughout the year will enjoy radiant heat flooring in the guest rooms and the hotel’s brand new indoor pool including a three-story waterslide and fitness center.
The recently re-opened Spa at the Algonquin, now an Aveda Concept spa, has been expanded to include a salon and offer guests a variety of honey-based treatments harvested from the resort’s own hives.
“When the Algonquin first opened, it catered to visitors who were looking for an escape from their day-to-day lives; a respite from the heat of the city in the clean fresh air of the Canadian Maritimes,” said David Buffam, CEO of New Castle Hotels & Resorts. “Today’s travelers also are looking for more than a place to sleep. They want to experience something different, something they won’t find at home. Every detail of the Algonquin reflects the people and the passions of the Charlotte Coastal Region, giving guests an experience exactly like no other.”
“We are thrilled to officially welcome the Algonquin Resort to Autograph Collection,” said Jim Kaufmann, president of North American Lodging for Marriott International, Inc. “Our exclusive portfolio of independent hotels is recognized around the world for offering travelers extraordinary experiences. This grand hotel is the true embodiment of the independent spirit for which Autograph Collection is known.”
The grand opening festivities were highlighted by a flash mob of local performers and citizens under the artistic direction of Ron Kelly Spurles, artistic producer of New Brunswick’s Festival by the Marsh. The theatric showcase represented more than a century of luxurious vacation experiences highlighting the resort’s 125 years. Jowi Taylor, on Voyager, the guitar designed to symbolize a united Canada, joined the celebration with his Six-String Nation presentation.
“Our opening ceremonies showcase the history of the hotel, but also reflect the deep connection we have to the community of St. Andrews,” added Tim Ostrem, general manager. “Everyone involved in the production is a member of our community, and many volunteered their time and talent to make sure we had a launch that was worthy of this grand dame. It is no exaggeration to say that everyone in this town is, in some way, connected to our hotel and from the outset we have done our utmost to incorporate the area in everything we do.”
The 233-room Algonquin Resort overlooks the picturesque Passamaquoddy Bay from St. Andrews-by-the Sea, New Brunswick, Canada. Each guest room and suite was carefully renovated to reflect The Algonquin’s original Victorian style. Modern conveniences and amenities include luxurious pillow-top mattresses, plush bathrobes, MP3 players, 32-inch flat screen televisions, in-room coffee and complimentary, in-room movies and Wi-Fi. The 17 suites provide a separate, private seating area, and select guestrooms and suites feature a spacious balcony or patio.
The resort features two restaurants, Braxton’s Restaurant and Bar and the Clubhouse, as well as in-room and anyplace dining, 19,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, a lounge with outdoor patio, fire pits with loaner guitars, an indoor pool and waterslide, outdoor pool and hot tub. Now in its second century of service, the Algonquin also is home to the award-winning, seaside Algonquin Golf Course. Ranked among Canada’s top 100 courses and adjacent to the Bay of Fundy, the Algonquin Golf Course is home to two of the top ten golf tees in Canada.
For reservations or additional information, please visit www.algonquinresort.com.
About Southwest Properties
Southwest Properties is one of Atlantic Canada’s leading developers, with more than 1,250 quality apartments and condominiums in Halifax, Nova Scotia and a substantial property portfolio in New Brunswick and Newfoundland. New, mixed-use projects planned for Halifax include: Maple at 1583 Hollis Street, the Cunard Block on the Halifax waterfront and a sustainable community on the 63-acre Motherhouse property. Southwest is the majority shareholder of Premiere Executive Suites, Canada’s largest provider of corporate extended stay accommodations. The company’s portfolio also contains hotel properties in partnership with New Castle Hotels & Resorts and 620 condominium units in Southern Florida, in partnership with Armco Properties. www.souwest.ca
About Autograph Collection
The Autograph Collection is an evolving ensemble of strikingly independent hotels. Exactly like nothing else, each destination has been selected for its quality, bold originality, rich character and uncommon details. From near to far, iconic to historic, the result is an array of properties that is nothing less than unique, nothing short of collectively exceptional. For more information please visit www.autographhotels.com, or explore our social media channels to learn more about championing the independent spirit:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AutographCollection
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Autograph
Tumblr: http://autographcollectionhotels.tumblr.com/
About New Castle Hotels & Resorts
The Algonquin Resort is operated by Shelton Conn. based New Castle Hotels & Resorts, a leading manager, owner and developer with 29 hotels and resorts and nearly 5,000 rooms under contract or in development. New Castle’s growing portfolio of hotels spans the Atlantic seaboard from Newfoundland to Florida including 10 states and three Canadian provinces. The privately-held company was established by CEO, David Buffam in 1980 and consistently ranks among the top hotel management and development companies in North America, serving the United States and Canada. New Castle is a preferred operator for diverse brands within the Marriott, Hilton and Starwood families. For additional information, please go to www.newcastlehotels.com.
Connect with catherine.leitner@marriott.com
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New Brunswick Premier, David Alward with New Castle Hotels & Resorts, Southwest Properties and Marriott International officials
commemorate the grand re-opening of the Algonquin Resort