PICTON, ON — The Royal Hotel in Picton, ON is once again welcoming guests to Picton, ON in the heart of Prince Edward County.

The historic property, which dates back to 1879, recently announced its soft opening ahead of a grand opening in May 2022.

The hotel is now open, with 28 guest rooms in the main building and five additional rooms in The Royal Annex, a separate building once used as stables for the original hotel.

Several dining spaces, including a stunning hotel bar, will offer capacity for more than 200 guests once provincial COVID restrictions lift. Other onsite amenities include a spa, sauna, gym, bakery, café, retail shop and meeting boardroom.

The grand opening in May 2022 will also mark the debut of a new outdoor pool and garden.

The Royal Hotel is beautiful addition to Prince Edward County’s thriving tourism scene, and a familiar name for many. Starting more than 140 years ago, and for decades afterwards, the hotel was a major draw for visitors to the area. New ownership in 2013 by Greg Sorbara and his family brought the property back to its historic glory with plenty of luxe touches befitting a boutique property.

“My family has been fortunate to be a part of Prince Edward County for many years. We are thrilled to bring back this iconic piece of Prince Edward County’s history. We see it as an important investment in our community and our province,” says Sorbara. “Our community has shared many remarkable stories about personal connections to The Royal. Now we are ready to welcome both new and returning guests for years to come.”

Room rates at The Royal Hotel start at $369 per weeknight during the soft opening period. Each room category is named after an Ontario heritage apple variety – Cortland, Empire, Russet and Royal Gala – in tribute to Prince Edward County’s many historical orchards.

For dining, The Royal Hotel’s Chef Albert Ponzo and his team have adapted their menu to provide in-room and take-out dining options for guests, with the dining spaces set to open as soon as permitted. The Royal’s menu has French and Italian influences, with a focus on using the best seasonal, locally available ingredients.

The Royal Hotel is located at 247 Picton Main St. The hotel’s site is Theroyalhotel.ca.