The Great George Hotel

The story of The Great George begins in 1846, when James H. Down built the original property in Charlottetown. A few years later, merchant Henry Haszard took over, naming it The London House and running a shop selling everything from parasols to tea caddies. In 1857, Haszard transformed it into The Pavilion, a stylish hotel that soon gained prominence by hosting delegates from the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, helping the island earn the title “Birthplace of Confederation.”

Fast forward to 1990, when Mike Cassidy and Kevin Murphy purchased the property, then called The Regent Hotel. They embarked on an ambitious restoration, acquiring neighboring buildings and carefully preserving their historic exteriors while updating interiors for comfort. By 1996, The Inns on Great George opened its doors, offering a unique experience in a restored heritage block. Over the years, Kevin and Kathy Murphy have continued the hotel’s journey, turning it into a celebrated destination that honors Charlottetown’s past and welcomes guests from around the world.

The Great George is not one grand building but a cluster of lovingly restored heritage homes that together form a warm, inviting hotel in Charlottetown’s historic district. Each structure retains its 19th‑century charm while welcoming guests into interiors that feel both timeless and thoughtfully refreshed. Stepping inside, the lobby flows into large lounges that mix rich leathers and classic seating with casual, elegant touches that invite conversation and connection.

From oversized hardwood floors to architectural details that echo the past, the design bridges history and comfort. Many guestrooms feature period elements alongside thoughtful modern touches, such as fireplaces, skylights, balconies, Roman pillars, and spacious layouts that give each suite its own character. The result feels more like a collection of distinct historic homes turned hospitality spaces than a traditional hotel block, making every corner feel personal and immersive.

While The Great George does not have a full onsite restaurant, guests can enjoy a continental breakfast each morning, featuring fresh pastries, fruits, and classic morning staples. For lunch and dinner, the hotel is perfectly located near some of Charlottetown’s most popular eateries.

Gallery Coffee House & Bistro is perfect for a relaxed coffee or a light bite, while The Alley has a cozy, neighborhood feel that’s great for casual meals. For something lively, Olde Dublin Pub serves hearty comfort food in a classic pub setting. Claddagh Oyster House is a must for seafood fans, and John Brown Richmond Street Grille offers gastropub favorites with a friendly, welcoming vibe.

If you’re after a local favorite pub‑style experience with live music and classic comfort food, spots like Olde Dublin Pub have a strong reputation in town too — it’s known as Charlottetown’s original Irish pub and remains a lively choice for food and drinks. With so many options nearby, you’ll never run out of places to enjoy a great meal.

Planning a wedding at The Great George means celebrating in the heart of historic Charlottetown with a setting that’s both romantic and practical. The hotel’s restored heritage buildings, townhouses, and special event spaces provide versatile options for ceremonies, photos, and pre-wedding preparations. Spacious suites and multi-room accommodations make it easy for guests to stay on-site, keeping everyone close and relaxed.

Couples booking ten or more rooms can enjoy thoughtful extras like sparkling wine on arrival, special group rates, and complimentary late check-out, making logistics smooth and stress-free. Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a full weekend wedding, The Great George offers a combination of historic charm, convenient accommodations, and dedicated spaces to make your celebration seamless and memorable.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Located in the heart of downtown historic Charlottetown, The Great George puts you within walking distance of some of the city’s most memorable experiences. The hotel offers packages for local theatre, including Anne & Gilbert: The Musical at the Confederation Centre of the Arts, a beloved summer production that draws audiences from near and far.

History buffs can explore St. Dunstan’s Basilica, an iconic neo-Gothic cathedral in the city, or join guided historical walking tours through Charlottetown’s heritage streets. In winter, the Victorian Christmas Market transforms downtown with festive stalls, live entertainment, horse‑drawn wagon rides, and holiday cheer. Beyond these, you can explore the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market on weekends, where locals sell fresh produce, artisan foods, and handmade crafts, or stroll along Victoria Row, a charming pedestrian street lined with boutiques, patios, and galleries.

For outdoor fun, Victoria Park offers waterfront views, picnic spots, and easy walking paths just minutes from the hotel, perfect for a morning walk or sunset moment by the harbor. These options make it easy to experience the culture, creativity, and community spirit of Charlottetown during your stay.

The Great George isn’t just a beautiful place to stay, it also offers practical spaces for corporate and private events right in downtown Charlottetown. Whether you’re planning a board meeting, strategy session, workshop, or smaller business gathering, there are two dedicated meeting spaces to choose from, including the larger Confederation Boardroom for presentations and group sessions and the quieter Wellington Lobby for intimate discussions. Both come with high-speed internet and AV support to keep things running smoothly.

For more relaxed celebrations or private gatherings like birthdays, anniversaries, or social meet-ups, the hotel’s lobby and flexible heritage suites can be arranged to fit your needs. If you’re planning an event, it’s best to get in touch with their team to explore all the options available and ensure every detail is covered.