The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews By-The-Sea

The pub worked out great for dinner, with live music and an amazing special. We also used the fitness room, pool, and hot tub, which was perfectly hot. We had a fabulous two nights at the historic Algonquin. Check-in was quick and efficient, and our room in the older section was nicely decorated, though a bit smaller than we're used to. The electrical cords were awkwardly placed and should be better hidden for safety. The hotel and grounds were impeccably clean and well lit. It's a short walk or drive to central St Andrews. We didn't eat in the dining room, so can't comment on it. Highly recommend.

The exterior is gorgeous, and the lobby and restaurant are lovely. Service was good and breakfast delicious, but our room was baffling. We're lifetime Platinum with Marriott, yet got a small room despite the hotel not being busy, so we're not sure why we weren't upgraded. Our daughter needed a roll-away bed, which cost $25 and was refunded. It was terribly uncomfortable until a helpful staff member brought three blankets to cushion it, since there were no toppers. Sound insulation was almost comically poor: we could hear people on both sides talking at normal volume. One neighbor even commented on my morning poop. In an Autograph Collection property! We paid a resort fee, but the pool wasn't special, and the kid zone felt a bit creepy, with broken equipment and missing game parts, including an incomplete billiard table. For the price, I wouldn't return or recommend it.

The staff made our stay feel special throughout. Everyone we met, at the desk, in the restaurants, and around the halls, was warm and attentive. I especially enjoyed Braxton’s Restaurant & Bar and the Right Whale Pub. Both had welcoming atmospheres and fresh local ingredients, with food and drinks ranging from casual to more refined. The setting is beautiful, with views across Passamaquoddy Bay and manicured grounds. Downtown St. Andrews is a short walk or shuttle ride away, though there’s plenty to do without leaving the resort. First opened in 1889, the “Castle-by-the-Sea” has been beautifully restored. Its historic character is still there, alongside the comforts and amenities of a luxury resort. The Algonquin is a real New Brunswick gem and made for a memorable visit. A must-visit in St. Andrews.

The grounds were lovely, and the restaurant was very good. There are e-bikes to use and a shuttle into downtown. The resort fee was $25 per day when we visited in early October, so keep that in mind. The place has an old-fashioned feel and has been impeccably maintained, with modern touches alongside the Victorian-era atmosphere.