Historic Algonquin Resort back in business after renovations

CTV Atlantic: Historic Algonquin Resort back New Brunswick’s historic Algonquin Resort is back in business after nearly two years of renovations.

New Brunswick’s historic Algonquin Resort is back in business after nearly two years of renovations. The iconic resort has been a staple in the tourism industry for nearly 125 years.

The hotel reopened its doors Wednesday and those who got the grand tour say it was well worth the wait.

“I think that once you get inside and take a peak, you’ll agree that it’s been well worth the wait,” says Tim Ostrem, general manager of the Algonquin Resort.

Lila Haughn started working at the resort in 1952 and retired in 1993. The former employee says she saw many changes over her 41 years at the hotel but none as significant as the changes made over the past two years.

“It brings back a lot of memories. I had a tour of it and I couldn’t believe all the renovations and how beautiful the rooms are and everything,” says Haughn.

The hotel dates back to the 1800s. Many changes have been made over the years and Wednesday’s event wasn’t the first reopening for the resort.

“The resort was built in 1889. The painter wing, which is one wing of the hotel, was added in the mid-1900s, then in 1914 the hotel was destroyed by fire, rebuilt in 1915, and what you see now is the new and improved Algonquin,” says sales and marketing director Denise Bradbury.

From the shingles to the beds to the décor, the hotel has been revitalized, but Ostrem says many pieces of history still remain.

“We’ve taken every effort to embed the community into the property and into the experience and we’re thrilled they’re here to celebrate with us today,” says Ostrem.

The resort’s reservation line opened Tuesday evening and staff say they have already had five reservations booked for Wednesday.

With files from CTV Atlantic's Ashley Dunbar