I’ve found a great hotel that isn’t a hotel – well, not technically.
It’s The CAPE in Picton and since mid-August its four suites, previously only offered to those hosting an event in the landmark building, are available as individual room rentals.
Before Covid, the property was a destination for weddings and special gatherings and would regularly host up to 900 guests at a single event – then the pandemic happened and large gatherings became a thing of the past.
The upside for those seeking overnight accommodations in Picton is unprecedented, sort of a la carte, access to suites at The CAPE.
The historic manor is on the town’s so-called mansion row and is set back from the main street. As I made the walk to the front door, I felt like I was on someone’s private lawn and could imagine what it must have felt like to call this place home back in 1863 when it was built.
I reached the Georgian façade’s impressive front doors, rang the bell and soon Karen, the masked CEO of Hospitality, was ushering me in for a tour. A highlight was the Robbie Burns Salon, which had a years-ago electrical fire and has since been preserved in its post-fire state with exposed studs and brick (bridegrooms love it for photo shoots).
There are only four suites and we stayed in the “Elizabeth Taylor” which had possibly the world’s cleanest bathroom and the most beautiful morning view of the lawn and the sun rising. Note: as the mansion’s original master bedroom, The Cary Grant Suite does not have an ensuite; its private washroom is located across the hall.
The Cape isn’t a full-service hotel – there’s no gym, no room service – but there is free parking, continental breakfast and a handy pantry with complimentary coffee, tea and chilled glass bottles of still and sparkling water. Guests also have access to all the salons, the veranda and gardens. It makes for a very comfortable stay for singles, couples or a small bubble of friends and is minutes from all the charming amenities of Picton.
