There are plenty of reasons to visit Prince Edward County, from its wineries and farm-to-table restaurants to its beaches, galleries and charming small towns. But finding that perfect place to stay can be as important a part of the weekend romp as exploring the region itself. In Picton, the County’s largest and best-known town, the Claramount Club offers a wonderful combination of history, relaxation, good food and contemporary comforts, making it the perfect base for taking in the popular region.
Arriving at the Claramount Club, my first impression was that this IS somewhere a little different. The dramatic yellow historic building immediately catches the eye, standing proudly against the backdrop of Picton Harbour. With its distinctive Georgian architecture, smaller outbuildings and intimate scale, the property has the feel of a boutique country retreat rather than a conventional hotel. But with all the amenities of something much larger.
There’s an interesting story behind the building, too. Originally constructed in 1906 by a prominent person in the local canning industry for his daughter, the grand Georgian estate has been carefully restored and reimagined. The history is very much part of its appeal, but this isn’t a property stuck in the past. It is very much a melding the historic character and architectural details with modern accommodations, and amenities with a strong focus on hospitality.
That hospitality yin and yang is evident throughout the property. We loved the artwork displayed throughout the building, which adds personality and gives the interiors a curated, lived-in feel. There’s a sense of history here, but also something fresh and modern. Perhaps most importantly, everything feels comfortable and easy, from the welcoming atmosphere to the attentive service.
The main hotel building is really the hub of activity. In addition to its guest accommodations, it houses two restaurants, a small takeout café, a generously sized fitness centre and an indoor swimming pool. It’s a solid collection of amenities for a property that still manages to stay intimate.
One of the nicest features is how much of the experience extends outdoors. There are patios throughout the property, offering plenty of options for relaxing with a drink, enjoying a meal or simply taking in the waterfront scenery. All face the water, making the most of the setting, and are furnished with comfortable, stylish seating that encourages guests to linger. Whether you’re settling in for lunch or looking for a quiet spot to unwind in the afternoon, there’s no shortage of inviting places.
The property is relatively compact, which we appreciated, and has some environmentally friendly features. Unlike sprawling resorts where getting from one amenity to another can become an expedition, everything here is close. There are, however, a number of stairs around the property, something worth knowing for anyone with mobility considerations.
One of the interesting things about the Claramount Club is the variety of accommodation options. Guests can choose from Heritage Suites in the original building, the Harbour Front Rooms closer to the water where we stayed, or several other options, including the Carriage House suites and Taylor House, a private four-bedroom historic home that sleeps up to 10. There’s also a two-bedroom Grand Heritage Suite for families or couples travelling together.
Our room was in one of the separate buildings between the main hotel and the waterfront. Like the other Harbour Front rooms, it featured a private balcony overlooking Picton Harbour, along with additional outdoor seating areas around the building furnished with Muskoka chairs. It was a nice touch, giving guests their own little space to enjoy the water and spend some time outdoors.
Inside, the room had an interesting personality, with a somewhat regal, old-school aesthetic. Think hunter-green wallpaper decorated with birds and trees, giving the space a traditional feel that seemed appropriate for a property with so much history. It wasn’t extravagant, but it was thoughtfully put together, stylish and comfortable. The king-sized bed was particularly inviting, while the modern, well-lit bathroom provided a nice contemporary contrast to the more classical decor.
Across the board, guests can expect comforts such as plush king-sized Endy beds, Canadian-made bath products, complimentary drinks and Nespresso coffee machines with PLUCK teas.
Throughout my stay, service was another positive. Whether dealing with the front desk, restaurant staff or other members of the team, we found everyone attentive, professional and welcoming, without being overly formal. It was a relaxed approach to hospitality that suited the atmosphere of the property.
There are plenty of ways to stay active at the Claramount Club, too. The fitness centre is well-appointed, with enough equipment and space for a proper workout, while an outdoor tennis court provides another option for guests looking to get some exercise.
The indoor pool is also useful, particularly during the cooler months. It’s more geared towards swimming laps and fitness than lounging around poolside, so those looking for a spa-style experience might find themselves wishing for a sauna or hot tub. Adding either in the future would be a nice addition.
One of the best features is the waterfront trail that takes guests along the harbour and into downtown Picton. It’s a beautiful, scenic walk and a lovely alternative to driving into town. Having that connection to Picton right outside the property adds another dimension to the stay.
The dining experience was another highlight. We had dinner at Delphine, one of the property’s two restaurants, and it was a particularly enjoyable.
The restaurant is a nice space, with stylish decor, thoughtful lighting and an upscale but not stuffy atmosphere that feels polished. The menu has a nice focus on local ingredients and flavours, while the wine list is particularly well considered, with some excellent selections available by the glass.
Dinner was delicious. Both the steak and chicken were prepared beautifully, with thoughtful seasoning and little touches that took the dishes beyond the ordinary. I particularly enjoyed the red curry sauce accompanying the steak, an unexpected addition that worked remarkably well and brought another layer of flavour to the dish. The wine selections were impressive, and it was easy to find something interesting to complement dinner without committing to a full bottle.
When we found out the chef is Justin Daniel Tse, who also oversaw the restaurant at Wander the Resort, we were not surprised. We loved the food at Wander, and love what he is doing at Delphine.
Just as importantly, the service was absolutely perfect. Attentive, knowledgeable and well-paced, the staff struck exactly the right balance between making guests feel looked after and allowing them to enjoy their evening.
Breakfast is served at the second restaurant, Foundry, which offers a more casual setting. We enjoyed starting the day here, where the space is bright and open, with plenty of windows overlooking Picton Harbour. It’s a suitable spot to ease into the morning, particularly with all that natural light and scenic views. There’s also plenty of patio space for al fresco dining when the weather cooperates.
Of course, one of the biggest advantages of staying at the Claramount Club is having Picton right on your doorstep. Prince Edward County has long been known for its wineries, and wine tasting remains a major draw, but there’s considerably more to discover here than vineyards and tasting rooms.
Picton itself is a lovely small town, with a thriving arts scene, independent shops, galleries and an increasingly interesting culinary offering. It’s well worth taking some time to wander the streets, browse the shops and discover some of the local businesses. We particularly enjoyed Bantam, a restaurant in Picton with a strong focus on local ingredients and a wonderful approach to showcasing the region’s food.
I’d also recommend making time for Wellington, another of the County’s appealing little gems. It has a distinctly cool character, with cute shops, galleries and a relaxed village atmosphere. Bloomfield is worth exploring as well. Taken together, Picton, Wellington and Bloomfield make for a lovely small-town tour, each offering a slightly different perspective on the County.
And then, of course, there are the wineries. While there are plenty to choose from, two that particularly stood out for us were The Grange of Prince Edward and Broken Stone Winery. Both are worth adding to an itinerary for anyone interested in exploring the region’s wine scene.
What makes the Claramount Club interesting is the way it brings together several elements of a getaway in one property. There’s the historic character of the original estate, the waterfront setting, comfortable accommodations, recreational facilities and dining that is worth enjoying in its own right. And with downtown Picton within easy walking distance along the waterfront trail, guests can enjoy the best of both worlds: a peaceful waterfront retreat and convenient access to the community.
Sometimes the best escapes are the ones where you don’t feel the need to go very far once you get there. The Claramount Club makes a pretty good case for staying put and enjoying the experience.