ST. ANDREWS - The Algonquin Resort, one of New Brunswick's most iconic tourism destinations, is facing an uncertain future.
Tourism Minister Trevor Holder announced Wednesday the 122-year-old hotel and golf course is going on the block after the Fairmont hotel chain announced it won't renew its management contract at the end of the year.
Holder said the hotel needs between $15 million and $20 million in renovations and repairs, money the province can't afford as it battles an $820-million deficit.
He said the government will list the St. Andrews property with a real estate firm that specializes in marketing, selling and leasing resorts such as the Algonquin. It's looking for a private-sector investor.
"The wrecking ball is not an option," Holder said.
The seaside hotel opened in 1889. The province leased the hotel in the early 1970s and bought it in 1984.
choptliva
Feb 24, 11, 6:52 am
Have always meant to go there, but somehow never did.
Any recent stay experience? Sounds like the hotel could use a bit of reno work. I wonder if I should venture a trip out there in the summer before it changes flag.
anti_ice
Feb 24, 11, 9:26 am
Perhaps Fairmont is interested in owning outright at a fire sale price?! :)
quank
Feb 24, 11, 8:27 pm
Had the pleasure staying there in 2003 after getting married. The property was clearly in the 'historic' bucket and we had a satisfactory stay. One of my most memorable meals was at the nearby Rossmount Inn (http://www.rossmountinn.com/).
drwilliams
Feb 25, 11, 6:09 pm
Had the pleasure staying there in 2003 after getting married. The property was clearly in the 'historic' bucket and we had a satisfactory stay. One of my most memorable meals was at the nearby Rossmount Inn (http://www.rossmountinn.com/).
Agreed, if you come to NB, the Rossmount is a must visit. Best restaurant in Atlantic Canada.
quank
Feb 25, 11, 10:09 pm
Agreed, if you come to NB, the Rossmount is a must visit. Best restaurant in Atlantic Canada.
I truly had no idea! I only knew about it as some retired ladies who were working out at the Fairmont starting chatting with my wife and recommended the place. Would love to get back there sometime.
Ancien Maestro
Feb 26, 11, 9:22 am
I noticed another hotel in Eastern Canada dropping off as well. I was looking forward to maybe visiting St. Andrews some day.. Hopefully, they can work something out.
choptliva
Jul 17, 11, 2:29 pm
Just finished my first ever stay at the Algonquin. Loved it! I'm so sorry it'll be leaving Fairmont at the end of the year.
We stayed in the new wing (Prince of Wales, I think), and occupied at Queen Queen Deluxe. Very spacious room, with central air, internet, a fridge, microwave, large bathroom, flat screen TV, and inroom safe. Keurig coffeemaker.
Service level was very good. In the summer they have a lot of summer job people from all over Canada, mostly university students. Great service attitude.
Facilities are fine. Quite a lot to do, and walking around town was neat. Saw the low tide, and drove out to Ministers Island for a tour as well. All very nice. I am really very happy with the visit.
Had dinner twice at the hotel. Very good, especially the chowder special at the Veranda.
Also went to Rossmount Inn for dinner. It was fine, though I was not as impressed as I thought I'd be.
If Fairmont somehow manages to retain the Algonquin, I'll definitely be back over and over again.
Oh, my "platinum amenity" was a laugh -- three cookies. But other than that, it was fine.
sarah-ivy
Jul 21, 11, 6:49 pm
I stayed 5 nights at the Fairmont Algonquin this week. The hotel was wonderful, celebrities strolled the hallways, the food was magnificent, the ocean breeze came flawlessly into the suite. It was my third time in St. Andrews; I really like it.
drwilliams
Dec 1, 11, 3:41 pm
Fairmont Algonquin may be sold.
CBC story here (http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/story/2011/12/01/nb-algonquin-st-andrews-buyer.html)
The provincial government may have found a buyer for the historic Algonquin Hotel and golf resort in St. Andrews, according to the minister of supply and services.
The province is negotiating with a private company, said Claude Williams.
"We've identified some interested buyers, so there were people in and out looking at the facilities," Williams said.
"We've narrowed it down to one that is very interested, if we look at all of the criteria. So at this point in time we're in serious negotiation."
Williams declined to identify the potential buyer until there's an agreement.
The province, which owns the Algonquin, has been looking for a new operator since February, when Fairmont Raffles Hotels International announced it would no longer manage the resort after its contract expires on Dec. 31.
In June, the province hired a professional real estate firm that specializes in marketing, selling and leasing resorts to look at all options for the Algonquin's future.
The hotel needs about $20 million in upgrades.
During the peak season, the Algonquin employs 250 people and generates up to $6 million a year for the local economy.
But in 2009, the hotel and golf course lost a combined total of nearly $2 million.
The province leased the Tudor-style hotel in 1973 and bought it in 1984. It originally opened in 1889.
The Fairmont will continue to manage the resort until a new owner takes over, but the Fairmont label will be removed at the end of the year.
Antonio8069
Dec 1, 11, 6:33 pm
We stayed @ the Algonquin in August, for our 25th anniversary! Our 3rd stay at this historic property, and - evidently - our last!
On arrival, we went for afternoon tea. The staff were incredible!
The jewel of this property are its golf courses - just like its namesake in Scotland!
This was our PLAT qualifying stay, so we were upgraded to a corner suite in the new section (recommended).
After dinner, we gravitated to the outdoor fire pit, where the hotel offered marshmallows to roast. Nice touch!
We spent our first day visiting Campobello Island, and the next day on Minister's Island. Both have interesting histories.
I hope the Algonquin survives, as it is an important anchor in the community. I have no doubt Fairmount's decision to pull out was made because the Government of NB neglected the facility in terms of repairs, upgrades and renovations.
Ancien Maestro
Dec 1, 11, 8:58 pm
What makes Fairmont special, is some of the projects over the years have been restored to its original glory. i.e. Hotel MacDonald, when crumbling, CP restored it.. Banff Springs received an exterior face lift..
Spend a few bucks, and visitors will flock back to this historical hotel imo.. It would be worth the reno.. if the hotel is indeed sold, hopefully the new owners would see the light and somehow keep it a Fairmont..
drwilliams
Dec 2, 11, 6:02 am
The potential that the hotel will be sold, as opposed to just a management contract, could be very good for the property.
Fairmont currently manages and brands the hotel until the end of this year, and the province owns the asset. With a management contract only, I would worry the property would continue to deteriorate.
I would guess the property could only be "sold" with a pile of cash for renos included. The quoted cost for upgrades at $20 million actually seems low to me to get it to minimum Fairmont standards, so I do not see a luxury brand taking ownership.
It is a great old hotel, but I struggle to see how it could make money in a small seasonal market as a luxury hotel.
New Brunswick's historic Algonquin Resort may soon carry the Marriott banner if a deal can be finalized, according to Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams.
The provincial government issued a statement on Wednesday indicating that the provincial government has entered final negotiations with a consortium consisting of New Castle Hotels and Resorts, and Southwest Properties to buy the Crown-owned resort or partner with the province.
It would be licensed under the Marriott name but no other details have been released.
New Brunswick's historic Algonquin Resort may soon carry the Marriott banner if a deal can be finalized, according to Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Claude Williams.
The provincial government issued a statement on Wednesday indicating that the provincial government has entered final negotiations with a consortium consisting of New Castle Hotels and Resorts, and Southwest Properties to buy the Crown-owned resort or partner with the province.
It would be licensed under the Marriott name but no other details have been released.
Seems finalized...."The Algonquin Resort will close in October and will undergo extensive renovations and restorations. Renovations will include a complete upgrade of guest rooms, new windows throughout the Tudor-style resort, revitalized clubhouse, public spaces and a new indoor pool with a three-story slide. It will reopen as the Algonquin Resort under Marriott's Autograph collection in early summer 2013 and will remain open year-round".