The Power of Belief

Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites transcends expectations

It may have taken $9.5 million and close to two years of renovation but the vision of creating an historical boutique hotel in downtown Charlottetown is one that never wavered.

It’s a vision shaped by history and experience – one that brings together the past and present to deliver a truly exquisite hotel experience.

An ode to history

The three-storey, brick building was constructed in 1857 as a private educational institution for young girls. A separate Chapel was added in 1911.

The school began as St. Anne’s but became known as the Notre Dame Academy in honour of the Sisters of Notre Dame who oversaw leadership of the facility. It remained operational until 1971 when the provincial school system underwent a complete reform.

The school then became a convent and nursing home for the Sisters themselves. But this, too, came to an end and the convent officially closed its doors in October 2014.

The property remained on the real estate market until 2015 when it was acquired by a group of three private investors. And that’s when the real transformation began.

Re-imagining anew

The investors set out to pay homage to the magnificence of the building and its history, while outfitting it with modern-day finishings and amenities.

“We essentially gutted the place,” says Gordon MacPherson, General Manager, Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites, who adds that the project debris filled 289 40-foot dumpsters.

The old plaster was removed and insulation added. New air-to-air heat pump systems were installed to provide air conditioning. Most of the vinyl windows were removed and replaced with locally made wooden-windows. The entire structure was re-wired, while most of the original woodwork was saved and re-purposed.

“We saved all the old trim and re-used every bit we could,” says MacPherson. “Then we had it replicated for use throughout the rest of the property.”

The project itself was guided by a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency. The goal was to “create a property that reflected an appreciation and respect for our environment”.

The result is a distinctive offering of 18 rooms and 22 long-term apartment suites that feature custom-made furniture, marble bathrooms, custom kitchens, custom drapery, designer fixtures, wool carpets, and other essential details.

“We brought this property forward to the 21st century and yet retained the historical significance of the property,” says MacPherson.

On offer today

Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites officially opened its doors in July 2017.

“Response during our first summer was wonderful,” says MacPherson. “There was a lot of hype and excitement surrounding the property at the time.”

That excitement continued…. until the pandemic hit.

“Covid was a challenge,” admits MacPherson. “It took the icing off the cake.”

Fortunately, however, the mixed offering of hotel and long-term apartments served them well.

“We kept open our apartment suites and shut down everything else,” adds MacPherson.

The distinctive business model has proven beneficial for all concerned. According to MacPherson, the original plan was to re-purpose the approximately 55,000 square feet of building space into 60 to 70 hotel suites. A series of meetings with the city changed the original concept design and resulted in the two different types of accommodation.

“Our long-term guests generally arrive in November or December and stay until the end of March or April,” explains MacPherson. Some 75% of them are repeat visitors.

The long-term apartments are rented out on a daily basis during the busy summer months. Between the apartments and the suites, the property accommodates between 140 and 160 people per day during the peak of summer.

MacPherson adds that the property offers a hot breakfast for its guests but it does not include a dining facility.

“This was a conscious decision on our part to support the local restaurants,” he says.

A bright future

Although the pandemic presented some challenges, the Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites was uniquely positioned to weather the storm. Today, the property is experiencing new heights that surpass 2019 numbers.

“Overall, we’re into year five of operation,” says MacPherson. “It’s very rewarding for me to see that the project is viable and can sustain itself.”

MacPherson also credits the three investors for “knowing how to ride out the roller coaster during a downturn”.

“It’s great when you have that level of support,” he adds.

Of course, having the numbers doesn’t hurt either. During the first year alone, the property performed 40% over projections.

Today, Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites is right at home in the heart of the city’s historic district – and a landmark destination for travellers far and wide. 

- Eastern Hotelier Magazine