HOTEL SUMMARY
Where Victorian elegance meets contemporary luxury, The Royal Hotel Picton commands Main Street with 1881 grandeur meticulously restored for today's discerning traveler. This historic landmark transforms Prince Edward County's most storied address into an intimate boutique sanctuary where heritage and hospitality converge.
Originally opened in 1881 by innkeeper Jonathan Mottashed as a grand railway hotel, The Royal served as Picton's social and cultural epicenter for decades, welcoming dignitaries and travelers with white-gloved service and afternoon tea rituals. After years of neglect, former Ontario finance minister Greg Sorbara and his wife Kate acquired this architectural treasure in 2013, commissioning Toronto's acclaimed Giannone Petricone Associates for a meticulous restoration that earned the 2024 IIDA Interior Design Competition award. The three-story brick edifice retains its ornate iron balcony and distinctive octagonal cupola that defines Picton's skyline, while interiors blend preserved Victorian details with refined contemporary design.
The Royal Hotel suites and accommodations honor the property's heritage through period-inspired aesthetics enhanced with modern luxury amenities. Each thoughtfully appointed room reflects the hotel's upscale character, combining historical charm with contemporary comfort. The boutique property's intimate scale ensures personalized service reminiscent of its grand hotel legacy, where attention to detail and guest experience remain paramount. Premium accommodations showcase the successful marriage of 19th-century architecture with 21st-century sophistication.
Dining experiences anchor The Royal's revival as Picton's premier destination, with elevated cuisine and refined bar offerings serving both guests and the local community. The hotel's restaurant philosophy embraces farm-to-table concepts, drawing from the Sorbara family's Edwin County Farms and Prince Edward County's renowned agricultural heritage. Social spaces recreate the hotel's historical role as a gathering place, featuring comfortable lounges and event venues that honor its past as Picton's cultural hub. The emphasis on food and beverage excellence, overseen by general manager Sol Korngold, ensures memorable dining experiences that complement the luxury accommodation.
The Royal Hotel Picton represents more than luxury accommodation—it embodies a community's heritage preserved for future generations. Book during spring through fall to experience Prince Edward County's wine country at its finest, with The Royal serving as your elegant base for exploring local wineries and cultural attractions. This boutique luxury hotel offers an intimate alternative to larger properties, where personalized service and historical significance create an unparalleled Picton experience.