A Slice Of Splendid At The Rodd Charlottetown

Downtown Charlottetown is replete with charming red brick buildings that speak to its storied history and chief amongst these is the Rodd Charlottetown, which has been hosting and charming visitors to the city since it first opened its doors in 1931. But there’s more to the Rodd than a pretty facade – from a fascinating history to exceptional hospitality to guest perks that’ll make you swoon. Read on for the inside scoop on Charlottetown’s oldest hotel.

A Family Tradition + Railway Roots
Finding an independently owned and operated hotel brand with is becoming rarer and rarer. Unless, of course, you’re visiting the east coast of Canada, where the Rodd chain of hotels and resorts carries on a family legacy that began over 80 years ago.

The first Rodd property was founded in 1935 by newlyweds, Wally and Sally Rodd, who decided to take advantage of the growing number of visitors arriving on the Island by building cottages on their farm property. They quickly discovered their love for the hospitality industry overshone their love for farming and the rest, as they say, is history, though a few important highlights between then and now deserve notation.

In 1966, the Rodds’ son, David, joined his parents in the family business and the next three decades saw a significant expansion of the Rodds’ properties. One of David’s most treasured acquisitions took place in 1982, when he purchased the historic CN Charlottetown Hotel on Kent Street, which he had dreamed of owning his entire life. The Charlottetown Hotel, as it is was and still is referred to by many, had earned a storied history by the time it was brought into the fold of the Rodd family. First opened in 1931, the CN Charlottetown Hotel was built to service guests travelling via the Canadian National (CN) Railway, though it surely offered hospitality to those travelling by motorcoach or other means of transportation too! Over the decades that followed, the hotel hosted many guests, though the most noteworthy were arguably her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who stayed at the hotel during PEI’s centennial Confederation celebrations in July of 1973.

Today, David’s eldest son, Mark Rodd, carries on the family’s legacy as President and CEO of Rodd Vacations & Resorts, which boasts 7 properties and is one of Atlantic Canada’s largest privately-owned hotel chain. Under its new moniker, the Rodd Charlottetown continues to provide warm hospitality to guests arriving by every mode of transport, though its days as a respite or railway travellers are over – the train stopped operating on PEI in 1989. As you’ll discover upon arrival, the hotel retains much of its historic character both inside and out, with a stunning marble lobby and ornate ballroom with swoon-worthy architectural details.

Feast, Day or Night
Though it often loses the limelight to lunch and dinner, a mouthwatering breakfast can make or break your holiday (slight exaggeration, but not by much). After all, it’s the first encounter you have with the world each day and best source of energy to sustain you throughout the day. Luckily for you, Chambers Restaurant at the Rodd Charlottetown pulls out all the stops to deliver sumptuous breakfast options that’ll fill you up for the adventures that await

Fancy a sleep-in? No worries, with breakfast served until 11am, you can stay cozy under the covers and enjoy breakfast al fresco on Chambers’ peaceful, sun-filled dining patio. And families rejoice – from May 1 to October 31, kids eat free while staying at the hotel! Of course you don’t need to be a hotel guest to enjoy Chambers Restaurant – open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, it’s a great option for both visitors and locals in search of fresh, Island-inspired eats for the whole family.

Across the lobby from Chambers Restaurant in the Provinces Room, things heat up during the summer with the Feast Dinner Theatre serving up scrumptious food, live music and plenty of laughs 5 nights a week. 2018 marks the Feast’s 40th year serving up musical comedies in PEI and they’re not holding anything back with their new production, ‘Up In Smoke’, which plays off the current political climate and Canada’s soon-to-be buzzing marijuana business.

Say “I Do” in Style
Romance goes hand in hand with any visit to Charlottetown, and the Rodd Charlottetown is one of the city’s most popular wedding venues. Its expansive, gorgeous ballroom, rooftop terrace, and proximity to several churches are just a few reasons so many couples have chosen to say ‘I Do’ at the hotel. The staff’s dedication to helping couples bring their dream wedding into reality is the icing on the cake for the many couples that have been married at the Rodd.

The hotel is also a popular choice for many honeymooners visiting Charlottetown. Its historic charm, on-site hot tub and easy walkability to the city’s restaurants, theatres, and waterfront, make it a perfect respite for newlyweds and those celebrating an anniversary.

Travel Often, Get Rewarded!
Need a nudge to book yourself another well-deserved getaway or want to make the most of your upcoming business trips? Rodd Hotels & Resorts boasts an enticing EveryStay Rewards Program that’s free to sign-up for and earns you points for every dollar spent at a Rodd hotel or resort, including accommodations, spa services, and food and beverage. You can redeem your points for free nights, free golf, and gift cards from Rodd’s or one of their partners.

Book your stay at the Rodd Charlottetown here and start planning your Charlottetown getaway!