The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Autograph Collection

The Algonquin is exquisite. I really love this hotel. I was upgraded to a suite in the adjoining building on this occasion. The suite was simply perfect. I also ate at the restaurant the evening I arrived. I highly recommend that experience as well. The server was simply awesome. I decided to participate in the ghost walk tour. The stories of years gone by were spine tingling. They were stories of loss and love and love lost. And then I heard the keys.

What the Algonquin offers is a connection with a past long gone - that nostalgic quaint seaside hideaway from the 1930's. Much of the charm has been preserved on the grounds and the surrounding village of St. Andrews. This makes it less difficult to overlook service and restaurant shortcomings. Full disclosure - my comments are coloured by the fact that I am biased by my last experience at the resort 40 years ago. My impression at check in was that staff were overwhelmed and disorganized - not quiet elegance I recall. Perhaps the most disappointing is the food offered at the resort. It pales in contrast to the elegant setting and menus offered at my last visit. Room had been upgraded (at least ours was) , and was comfortable and well appointed. If the restaurant offerings were overhauled and service shortcomings remedied, the Algonquin experience would be truly memorable. And that's why I give the resort a reluctant 4 star review.

We have been staying at The Algonquin once or twice a year for at least 30 plus years. It has been our “go to” if we just want a relaxing getaway or to celebrate a special occasion. However lately we notice more and more how the rooms are looking dated and tired. The furniture is uncomfortable and old. Lighting is poor especially if you’d like to read in the room. Surprisingly, of all things, there was a new TV in our room however it was so big that it barely fit on the dresser and for some reason there was a lamp sitting on the same dresser that was almost falling off. As well, the lamp really served no purpose. We ended up sitting it in the floor so as to not knock it off. And quite frankly, for the size of the room, the TV is too large. Please provide real glasses and coffee mugs, in the room, rather than paper. And, yes, we could request some but shouldn’t have to. Also, time to do as other hotels and remove the carpeting. Other historic hotels have been able to renovate their rooms without losing any of the charm. We recently stayed at such a hotel in Halifax where they have done just that. The Algonquin is overdue for a refresh!

Really lovely hotel. great rooms and great service. All 3 rooms were very clean with very comfortable king beds. The 1 bedroom,2room suite was wonderful and spacious. One of my favorite places to stay. Highly recommended, never disappointed.

We had the pleasure of staying here for the first time Friday night. We love this hotel. It’s stunning! We loved our room, and the hotel itself. The front desk staff are wonderful, and we had a fantastic meal in their pub. Thank you for the great memories.