Wait! Before You Book Dalvay by the Sea, Read This Review

When planning my Anne of Green Gables-themed vacation to Prince Edward Island, the first thing I did was book my stay at Dalvay by the Sea. This iconic spot has been on my bucket list for years, especially as it played a role as the White Sands hotel in the 1980s Sullivan Productions of Anne of Avonlea.

And let me tell you, Dalvay by the Sea exceeded every expectation! From the charming, historic building to the exceptional food and service, I truly felt like Edwardian royalty spending a summer at a lakeside mansion.

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Location & Setting

Dalvay by the Sea was the vacation home of wealthy Scottish-American businessman Alexander MacDonald and was built in 1895.

It’s nestled within Prince Edward Island National Park, located on the northern end of the island, directly across from Dalvay Beach. 

⚠️ Keep in mind, you will need to pay national park admission fees to access the hotel.

Though not directly on the beach, the hotel is situated beside the tranquil Dalvay Lake. While there are a few other houses around the lake, they do not detract from the stunning natural scenery.

Extensive lawns surround the house, and while it’s a beautiful touch of greenery, the Canadian geese hang out here, so be sure to wear shoes while walking on the grass💩.

The interior of Dalvay by the Sea exudes the charm and warmth of a grand historic mansion. Upon entry, you’re greeted by a large, sweeping wooden staircase that sets the tone for the space.

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The floors are made of rich wood, and the walls are accented with what might be mahogany, adding a timeless elegance to the atmosphere.

The lobby has an inviting seating area, where plush couches and classic wingback chairs are arranged around a welcoming fireplace, creating a perfect spot to relax and unwind. It’s homey and comfortable, with an inviting vibe that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile.

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Classical music plays in the background, adding to the peaceful ambiance. But don’t be surprised if you hear a touch of soft jazz or a modern song reimagined with a classical twist, blending the old and new that mirrors the atmosphere of the hotel itself.

The check-in counter is to the left, with a few shelves featuring souvenirs and essentials you might have forgotten to pack. 

Once you’ve checked in, the receptionist will give you a brief tour of the house, sharing its history and helping you get familiar with the space so you can fully appreciate your stay.

They offer to hold your bags at the front desk while you’re escorted upstairs to your room, delivering them shortly afterward so you don’t have to carry them yourself.

Accommodations

It’s important to keep in mind that Dalvay by the Sea is a historic building, so certain amenities may not be as modern as you might expect. However, this only adds to the charm and authenticity of the stay.

Hotel Room

The rooms are located on the second and third floors, and there are no elevators, so be prepared to climb some stairs.

Instead of an electronic key card, you’ll be given a traditional brass room key, which I actually preferred. The property is so quiet and I felt very safe,  so much so that I left my room unlocked while spending time in the library or dining room downstairs.

My friend and I stayed in a King Bed with a Water View on the third floor. The view had a lovely mix of both the lake and a sliver of the ocean beyond the dunes. 

I was excited about the small window seat, which would have been a nice spot to relax, but the view was somewhat blocked by cobweb-covered screens. Still, the window seat added a cozy touch to the room.

The room was clean and spacious, with plush, floral carpeting that added warmth to the space. The furniture was charmingly eclectic, with each piece looking like it came from a different antique store. 

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I appreciated that there was no TV in the room, as it helped preserve the historic feel. Since I wasn’t there to watch television, it wasn’t an issue for me.

The bathroom had a classic black-and-white hexagon-tiled floor and a pedestal sink. The lack of counter space for toiletries was my biggest qualm, but I made do by using the dresser top.

My room also did not have a closet or anywhere to hang clothes and store luggage so the room ended up being a bit unorganized, though I guess I could have used the dresser lol!

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The king bed was large and comfortable. My friend and I shared it and we hardly even noticed there was another person in the bed.

Although the room had a noisy air conditioning unit on the floor with a hose attached to the window, it did a good job of keeping the room cool during the summer heat. My friend liked the “white noise,” but we did turn it off and open the window instead for a few nights.

As expected with a historic building, the room had creaky floors and some dips, but that just added to the character of the house making it feel more lived in.

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One night, we had a small windstorm, and I enjoyed listening to the house creak and moan with the gusts, just like something you read in the books.  

I think the kind of clientele who stay here are, for the most part, respectful to others as I never heard loud hallway noises of people talking or walking by, though I may have just been lucky.

Each room has its own unique layout, so storage options and room configurations may vary.

Cottages

The property also offers eight 3-bedroom cottages, perfect for families of up to six people. These cottages feature a pine interior with a propane fireplace, continuing the warmth and ambiance of the main house.

The layout includes a Queen bedroom and a two twin bedroom on the main floor, a King bed in the upstairs loft, and a “living room” area. The cottages also come with a small fridge, microwave, coffee maker, and tea kettle, along with the necessary supplies for your drinks.

For entertainment, there’s satellite television and games table, and the cottages are pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the stay.

Amenities

I didn’t take advantage of all the amenities offered on the property. 

• Daily Room Service – A rarity these days.
• Kayaks and Paddleboats – Complimentary for guests to use on the lake.
• Beach Chairs – Available upon request; handy since the beach is directly across the street.
• Croquet – Two sets available on the lawn, with an old patch of boxed trenches to catch the croquet balls (no longer flush with the ground).
• Playground – Features swings, seesaws, and bean bag toss boards.
• Tennis and Pickleball Courts – Gear available for use.
• Shoe Shining – Free overnight shoe shining service on site.
• On-Site Spa – Get pampered with a mani-pedi, facial, or massage
• Morning Drip Coffee – Complimentary, specially roasted for the hotel; while drinkable, it’s not the best cup, but hey! It’s free!

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The Library

The library gets its own section because it was my favorite room in the house.

This large room was incredibly cozy, with plenty of chairs and couches arranged in different groupings, allowing various groups of people to enjoy some privacy without feeling involved in other conversations. 

The library shelves are lined with books you can peruse, although the selection feels more like a “Free Little Library” offering—mostly old-fashioned Reader’s Digest collections and books you may have never heard of.

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I did manage to find some Dennis the Menace comic books to flip through; some light, easy reading lol!

They also have a decent collection of board games in the cabinet below the shelves. We ended up playing Scrabble every night.

And the fireplace! I can’t say enough about the large fireplace that they keep lit all day and night, no matter the temperature. They light it first thing in the morning and keep it going until the house goes to sleep. It really set the mood for relaxing in the library, whether while sipping my morning coffee or enjoying an evening cocktail.

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There’s also a piano in the room, and while playing it was allowed, they ask guests to respect certain hours and not play during those times. 

What I loved most was that, although the library wasn’t an official dining area, the staff would still bring you a cocktail or even allow appetizers if you wanted. I’m not sure if they would serve a full meal in there, though.

Again, this was my favorite room to relax in and where it truly made me feel transported to a different, historic time.

Food & Dining Experience

What I loved about dining here was the option to enjoy meals in either the large circular dining room (a modern extension to the historic building), a smaller drawing room with a fireplace, or outside on the wrap-around deck, which overlooks the lake.

When it comes to hotel food, I’ve been jaded enough to not expect much. So I was genuinely surprised by the quality of food here. 

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Chef Jamie Power incorporates PEI’s seasonal ingredients into each dish, and it shows.

I appreciate that the menu isn’t overwhelming with choices. This allows the kitchen to put more attention into perfecting each dish rather than churning out a wide variety of options; quality over quantity.

I had breakfast twice during my stay. The eggs benedict were delicious—perfectly runny eggs, a rich hollandaise sauce, and served on a wheat English muffin. I had it with bacon, though I wish I had tried it with the Larkins sausage, which is locally made and was fantastic when I sampled it at the Charlottetown Farmers Market. 

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The plate also came with PEI potatoes and a side of housemade ketchup. Let me tell you, that ketchup was incredible! It didn’t taste processed like store-bought brands but rather bright and fresh.

For my second breakfast, I ordered a bowl of steel-cut oats, which was huge and large enough to share. It was generously topped with fresh berries, candied nuts, a blueberry compote, and pickled grapes (what?!). I had never tried steel-cut oats before, but this was exactly how I imagined the perfect bowl of oatmeal to taste. So creamy!

For lunch, I opted for the grilled cheese, which came with a blend of cheeses and did not disappoint. The bread was toasted to perfection, and the combination of brie, cheddar, and prosciutto was ooey-gooey goodness.

One evening, my friend ordered a mocha crème brûlée, which tasted like a mocha mousse. It came with a side of churros. But unfortunately, they were not crispy but more on the stale, pliable side and inedible. 

When the waiter noticed she hadn’t finished the churros, he asked if there was something wrong with them. She didn’t mention the issue since she had just wanted the crème brûlée anyways. I have a feeling they would have addressed it if she had said something.

I only had breakfast and lunch here, but I can only imagine how delicious dinner must be.

Even if you’re not a guest at the hotel, the restaurant is open to the public. Dinner reservations are recommended (especially for nights when there’s live music), though you should have no trouble walking in for lunch.

Who Should Stay at Dalvay by the Sea?

Of course, if you’re visiting PEI for an Anne of Green Gables DIY tour, staying at Dalvay by the Sea is a no-brainer. I mean, you get to sleep at an iconic film location. How cool is that?!

Even if you’ve never seen the movies, Dalvay by the Sea is still an excellent choice for a romantic getaway. It’s quiet and serene, with a touch of luxury. It was even named #1 of Canada’s top romantic spots, so it’s not just my opinion 😉.

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While families are totally welcome, please remember to keep your children respectful. One of my quiet evenings in the library was interrupted by kids playing boardgames loudly. Treat the hotel as you would a public library by keeping the noise level down and being respectful of others around.

As noted before, all the rooms are up stairs with no elevator access, so this is not a hotel for those who are in wheelchairs or with mobility issues.

Pricing & Booking Tips

Dalvay by the Sea tends to sell out quickly, so it’s best to book as far in advance as possible to secure the room type you want.

I was pleasantly surprised by the price point for staying here. While it’s not the cheapest option, considering the value, I believe the price is fair. This place offers a boutique experience at its finest.

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Like most hotels, pricing fluctuates day to day throughout the season, so keep an eye on rates when booking.

And, much like the old tradition of wealthy families closing up their summer estates for the winter, Dalvay by the Sea also shuts its doors during the colder months. Be sure to plan accordingly.

Pros & Cons

Let me recap the pros and cons of staying at Dalvay by the Sea:

✅ Pros:

• Historic venue, also featured as a film location in Anne of Avonlea
• Beautiful building and property, offering both privacy and comfort
• The food is exceptional
• The staff is warm, welcoming, and eager to assist with anything you may need
• Complimentary amenities, including watercraft for the lake and beach accessories
  

❌ Cons:

• National park admission fees are required to access the hotel
• The building, though historic, has some makeshift fixes, like an AC unit attached to the window
• The exterior shows some wear and isn’t as meticulously maintained as other hotel properties (e.g., lots of cobwebs around windows and eaves)
• No elevator to access rooms
• Coffee could be improved

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Final Verdict: Is Dalvay by the Sea Worth It?

I was honestly so sad when it came time to check out. Dalvay by the Sea was one of the most comfortable stays I’ve ever stayed at and I would stay again in a heartbeat.

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