This fourth-generation, family-run hotel opened in 1860 and is the oldest family owned business in all of Canada. Listed as a National Historic Site of Canada, Shaw’s Hotel is located on the north shore of Prince Edward Island.

The Shaw’s like to say that they don’t sell a bed, they sell an experience and that’s apparent at this family resort. Families can enjoy having the comforts of home in the multi-bedroom cottages with kitchens, but also can enjoy the benefits of a full-service hotel like the complimentary hot breakfast, kayaks and easy beach access. The expansive 75-acre property also allows guests privacy and beautiful, nature-filled views without feeling as though you’re in the middle of nowhere.

There are 15 hotel guestrooms in the main building and 25 multi-bedroom cottages that surround the 75-acre property. There is no charge for a crib, and cots are available with an additional person fee.

Hotel Guestrooms
The three guestroom options are standard, deluxe and junior suite. Each guestroom is unique and simple in its décor, and all of the bathrooms feature a bathtub. A mini-fridge is available upon request.

A standard guestroom can feature a double and single bed or two doubles. The deluxe rooms feature a queen bed. The junior suite features a separate living area with a sleeper sofa and two double beds in the bedroom. One two-bedroom suite can also be found in the hotel, which features its own section of the hotel floor. The two separate bedrooms (basically like two separate hotel rooms) each feature two double beds and a third room features a living room area.

Cottages
The cottages, which offer excellent bay views, are available in one through four bedrooms and sleep between two and 10 people. Most have kitchens, but some cottages do not have a kitchen. In those cottages, guests will find a mini-fridge, however. The cottages with kitchens are fully equipped with cookware and glassware, a full refrigerator and a stove and oven.

A sleeper sofa, kitchen table and fireplace can be found in many of the cottage living rooms and the large outside deck features an excellent view of the bay and a grill and deck furniture. Some of the cottages feature air conditioning, but many do not as there is a nice breeze off the nearby water and plenty of large windows.

Beach
Located in Prince Edward Island National Park, Brackley Beach, with its wide and large, white sands and ocean waters, is a short walk through the woods from the hotel. Bring bug spray if you plan to walk the dirt, wooded trail to the beach -- once you arrive at the beach, it's worth the potential bug bites.

There is a small parking lot also by the beach so guests could drive if they'd like, however, it is probably quicker to walk. Lifeguards do supervise parts of Brackley Beach, but are a further distance away from the hotel. Several sand bars can also be found and kids will love the gradual access to the ocean.

Brackley Bay, which is an inlet to the ocean, is situated directly in front of Shaw's Hotel and cottages. Swimming is not recommended in the bay, but kayaking is welcome there. There is no beach at the bay.

Bike Rentals
Bicycles and helmets are available for rent at the large barn for guests to use. Bikes can be rented by the hour, day or week.

Kayaks
Complimentary kayaks and canoes are available for guests and can be launched just off the property in Brackley Bay.

Recreation
Board games and books can be found in the lobby. A large playground area can be found in the grass near the main hotel building, along with a basketball court. In the summer, special children's hayrides, sing-a-longs and scavenger hunts take place at select times, too.

Breakfast
Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast from 8 to 10 a.m. each day. The buffet items include cereal, yogurt, fruit and pastries. Select hot items (which are also complimentary) are available each day, as well, and can be ordered tableside. Those menu items include things like eggs, sausage, waffles and pancakes, and rotating each day.

Dinner
A full-service dinner from Chef Tyler Gallant is available in the restaurant from June through September, with limited service during the shoulder season. Dinner runs from 5:45 to 9 p.m. in July and August and a reservation is recommended.

A children's menu is available at dinner and three nights a week in July and August, the hotel staff will feed and entertain the kids in the dining room from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. so parents can enjoy a meal together.

All About the Extras
Wi-Fi
Complimentary Wi-Fi is available within your guestroom or cottage, but it can be spotty service at times.

Parking
Complimentary parking is available in a small lot for hotel guestrooms and each cottage features its on driveway.

Beach Towels
Complimentary beach towels are available in the laundry building near the barn.

Laundry
Guest laundry is also available in a separate building near the large barn.

Housekeeping
Daily housekeeping is available in the cottages.

The Art of Smart Timing
Shaw's Hotel is open from June through September with July and August being the busiest months.

Getting There
Shaw's Hotel is located on the north shore of Prince Edward Island near the Atlantic Ocean and Brackley Bay and Beach. Shaw's is about 20 minutes to Cavendish, less than 30 minutes to downtown Charlottetown and 15 minutes to Charlottetown Airport.

Getting Around
While on the Shaw's Hotel property, guests can walk or bike to the beach, the main hotel building, where the restaurant is located or nearly anywhere on the property. However, if plan to venture off the property and explore PEI, then a vehicle is needed.

For Mom and Dad
A small bar can be found off the restaurant area in the lobby and red Adirondack chairs sitting on the main hotel building's covered porch offers an excellent place to relax with a cocktail and watch the sunset.