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

I had been wanting to try this hotel for a while. Our experience was not good, we had issues every day of our 4 nights stay, and had a major security concern. Here's our experience, hoping I am not forgetting anything. We were in a 3rd floor king room. Issues with front desk: as I finished checking in, the receptionist told me all about where breakfast was and that it was included. Having my doubts, I asked if it was indeed included. He checked. Then told me, no, its not included for you. You can still go, its just 30$. Sales tactic? We then proceeded to our room, and called reception to request a luggage rack to put our suitcases on in the room. The receptionist said 'Housekeeping is closed, but maybe there is something'. I then had to ask that if 'maybe there was something', could they check and call me back? Then the bell boy arrived with a luggage cart - that he had just seen my hubby bring back downstairs and showed up to our door with a puzzled look. He was able to go back and find us a luggage rack. Throughout the stay, the 3 bell boys that we interacted with were the only good thing about the place. Security Issues: Our our first morning, we went out at about 11 o'clock and came back at 4:30. As we left, the cleaning lady was cleaning the room besides us. When we arrived at 4:30, our door was completely open. No one in sight. No cleaning lady. The room had been done. I went into utter panick mode. What if someone got into my computer? What about my jewelry (I had a lot as we had a wedding during our stay)? What if someone was hidden somewhere to hurt us? I was truly scared and worried. I called reception. Same person as the night before. Who told me that housekeeping was closed. These were things that could happen. To look around if I was missing anything. I said that I wanted to make a complaint. He basically said no one is here. I said I wanted a call-back from housekeeping. He was very dismissive and did not take my worry into account at all. The next day, I went to the front desk and said that I didn't want my room touched at all because of the previous day's occurence. Reiterated my complaint. The person at the desk now went and got a supervisor. Which was not aware of my complaint of the previous day. He did apologize, took notes, and I received a call from housekeeping when I returned to my room. However, this whole incident left me worried for the whole weekend. So if you have computers whose content you'd rather be kept private, or expensive stuff, don't trust this expensive hotel. BTW, we hadn't found the safe on that day, we found it after the incident. Its under the TV, in a drawer looking cabinet. Food at the pool: we showed up at the pool expecting to have lunch there as they had a menu of shareables both on their website and on the window of the pool attendant's booth. No food that day. The attendant said that the staff the previous day forgot to order it. No other options p

I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I’m conflicted writing this review. The grounds and views are undeniably stunning, and this hotel offers what appears to be an ideal holiday destination for families, as well as a peaceful retreat for busy professionals needing rest. But does it truly deliver? Luxury hotels and resorts in the Maritimes are known for their authentic hospitality, reflective of the region’s culture and charm. I sensed some of that here, but much was missing. The experience felt more in line with a three-star hotel operating under the Marriott Autograph Collection brand, and the mismatch was hard to ignore. Let me state that the drinks and food at this property are exceptional. Hard to beat and I'm thankful for this! Here’s what didn’t work: - I found toilet paper under the sheets (yuck) and a long black hair that wasn’t mine (I’m bald). - Service on the beautiful porch was exceptionally poor. One evening, we waited 20 minutes to be served. As I write this on a Saturday morning, I’ve been waiting an hour, only to be told that service doesn’t begin until noon. - I was asked to leave a “reserved” area of the porch where I had briefly sat to send an email. A staff member, mentioning the place was closed for an afternoon event, pointed to the sign and told me, “this is why the sign says reserved.” Patronizing voice aside, other guests took the spot and nothing was said. The were welcome to stay. - The place I moved to had used coffee cups from previous guests not removed for more than an hour. - I requested a late checkout using the Bonvoy app and was asked, “what time would you like to check out?” Experience has taught me to provide a time rather than ask for what’s available, so I requested 1 p.m. The request was declined due to a busy day of check-ins. So why ask? Just say no. When I inquired about Marriott Gold benefits, I was told that late checkouts and complimentary breakfast at resorts are reserved for Platinum members. That’s fine, but it would be helpful to share these details at check-in to avoid confusion and frustration. The issue, I believe, is this: as a Hilton Honors Diamond and Marriott Bonvoy Gold member who spends in excess of $40,000 per year in hotels, I’ve become accustomed to, and truly appreciate from my core, certain perks and gestures that are either absent or difficult to access at the Algonquin. I came to relax and celebrate my wife’s birthday, and I am truly glad we finally visited the beautiful community of Saint Andrews. I’m also glad I experienced the hotel, which I’ve wanted to visit for years. I may return, but with no expectations to unwind or enjoy the usual benefits that come with staying nearly 70 nights a year with Marriott.