Our Conversation with Mark Rodd, President of Rodd Hotels & Resorts, takes us from the early days of the iconic Maritime brand, when there were just three cottages beside the family home in Prince Edward Island, to 90 years later, with a good mix of instinct, discipline, and not losing sight of why they started the business in the first place, growing the brand to seven properties, with over 700 rooms across the three Maritime provinces and setting their sites for further growth and they head towards the century milestone.
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I believe in full disclosure. My first memories of traveling with my parents involve staying at the Rodd Hotels & Resorts, whether it was a business trip to Yarmouth, Moncton, or Miramichi that we (my mother, sister, and I) tagged along with dad, or the Rodd Royalty Inn on a family trip to Prince Edward Island.
So, when I had the chance to sit down and chat with Mark Rodd, President of Rodd Hotels & Resorts, I jumped at it. During my conversation with Mark, many of these family memories came back to mind and got me in the feels, as I have experienced Rodd’s Family legacy firsthand.
Spotlight on Business: Before we start talking about the Rodd Hotels & Resorts brand, can you tell a little about yourself and what you like to do in your free time?
Mark Rodd: I spend a lot of time in the boardroom, but when I’m off the clock, I’m usually on the North Shore, walking on the beach or out on the water. That’s where I reset and think clearly.
I stay involved in the communities we serve because it matters. I’m on the advisory board of the Mi’kmaq-owned Matnaggewinu Development Corporation (MDC). They’re doing important work in Indigenous tourism and hospitality, and I’m proud to support that.
To me, leadership means more than growth. It’s about using your seat at the table to open doors, drive progress and move the industry forward.
Spotlight on Business: What roles have you had in the business throughout your professional career? How have these helped develop you for your current role as President and CEO?
Mark Rodd: I was raised in the middle of it. Hospitality wasn’t just a business; it was our family’s way of life. From a young age, I was involved wherever I was needed; dishwashing, cleaning rooms, and helping out on the property. That experience was foundational and hands-on. It taught me the importance of every role in this industry and has shaped how I lead today.
When I officially stepped into a leadership role in 2009, I knew the business from the inside out. But leading it requires a different mindset, one that balances tradition with transformation. My role now is to honour the legacy while building something that’s built to last for the next generation. That means evolving how we work, how we serve, and how we grow, without losing what made us trusted in the first place.
Spotlight on Business: Wallace and Sally Rodd could not have imagined that the cottages they built next to their family home would be the start of the Rodd Family Legacy. Can you take us through the early years?
Mark Rodd: It started with a need. In 1935, tourism on Prince Edward Island was growing, but there weren’t many options for travellers looking for a comfortable place to stay near the water. My grandparents were visionaries. Wally and Sally saw an opportunity through instinct, hard work, and hospitality in its purest form.
They built a few cottages next to their family home, thinking it might help support the household. But words spread quickly. People came back. Then they brought their friends. That’s how it began—not with scale in mind, but with people. They officially opened their doors that year, and what they built was more than lodging. It had a reputation for warmth, consistency, and for doing things right. That DNA still runs through the company today.
Spotlight on Business: In the 50’s, after two decades in the hospitality industry, Wallace and Sally decided to expand. Tell us about that expansion and the family’s entrepreneurial journey through the generations.
Mark Rodd: The 1950s marked the beginning of our first major expansion. What started as a seasonal cottage business run by my grandparents, Wallace and Sally Rodd, began evolving into a year-round operation. They built three cottages next to their farmhouse in 1935, never imagining it would one day grow into one of Atlantic Canada’s most recognized hospitality brands.
Even in those early years, my family understood the importance of reinvesting back into the business. After the war, we leaned into new opportunities, like the growing hunting tourism market, which sparked expansion. In 1954, we built our first 16-unit motel, and by 1960, we had the first true motel in the region.
My father, David Rodd, returned from school and took over in 1966, pushing the business into its next phase. He acquired the Confederation Inn, opened the Parkview Motel in Moncton in 1972, and doubled its size just two years later, which is now the Rodd Moncton. Following a fire in 1976, he led the development of a new hotel in Charlottetown. In 1981, we expanded Rodd Royalty with 40 more rooms, and in 1982, we acquired the Yarmouth Grand—the largest property in our portfolio at that time. The next few years were pivotal. Brudenell opened in 1983, Mill River followed in 1984, and in 1985, we had our biggest year, purchasing both the Charlottetown Hotel and the Colony Inn.
Over time, we’ve grown thoughtfully and with purpose, along with our share of highs and lows. Today, we run seven properties and over 700 rooms across three provinces. That mindset—build it right, grow when it makes sense, grow where we can deliver value, stay true to who we are, and create spaces that reflect the local character. From a few cottages in PEI to properties across the Maritimes, it’s always been a mix of instinct, discipline, and not losing sight of why we started. Every property reflects that, grounded in strong teams and deep local roots.
Spotlight on Business: All the Rodd Hotels & Resorts properties share the same brand philosophy but are all unique in their own way. Can you tell us about each of the properties and what guest can expect during their stay?
Mark Rodd: Each of our properties is designed to reflect the character of the community it’s in, but the standard of service, quality, and hospitality remains consistent across the board. That’s the Rodd experience.
We’re proud to be Atlantic Canada’s longest-running privately-owned hotel group, and part of that staying power comes from understanding that one size doesn’t fit all—not for locations, not for guests.
Rodd Crowbush is our flagship. Set on PEI’s North Shore, it’s home to The Links at Crowbush Cove, one of the top-ranked golf courses in the country. But it’s more than just golf. Guests come for the full resort experience: beachfront access, spa, indoor pool, e-bikes, tennis and pickleball, and standout dining at David’s and The Crow’s Nest. It’s a place where downtime and activity live side by side.
Rodd Brudenell River Resort is a strong all-rounder: two championship golf courses, cottages, a marina, horseback riding, and multiple dining spots. It’s a favourite for families, golf groups, and anyone who wants space to unwind without losing access to great food and outdoor experiences.
Rodd Charlottetown is where we showcase heritage. It’s a historic property with character—rooftop patio, vintage-style suite floor, and one of the best brunch spots in the city at Chambers. Right downtown, it serves both leisure and business travelers and has become a go-to for weddings and local events.
Rodd Royalty is built for convenience and comfort. Located just outside Charlottetown’s core, it’s ideal for families—big suites, an indoor pool with a 105-foot waterslide, and Wally’s Restaurant to keep things easy. The proximity to shopping and the airport makes it a smart option for many types of travelers.
Rodd Miramichi offers something more relaxed—riverfront, walkable, and a quiet place to recharge. Business travelers appreciate the ease; leisure guests love the calm. The on-site restaurant, 1809, is well-loved in the community.
Rodd Moncton delivers location. Right by the tidal bore and Riverfront Park, it’s our most walkable property—easy access to trails, shops, and downtown. The mix of standard rooms and drive-ups offers flexibility for guests who want quick in-and-out convenience.
Rodd Grand Yarmouth in Nova Scotia is our largest—132 rooms, major meeting space, full fitness centre, and two restaurants. It’s a hub for both conferences and leisure travel, right in the centre of town.
Every Rodd property is pet-friendly, offers express check-in, and provides EV charging. We’re in the business of creating seven distinct experiences, grounded in the same values and held to the same standard. That’s what makes us an all-season destination—and more importantly, a trusted one.
Spotlight on Business: How does The Rodd Hotels & Resorts differentiate itself from others in the industry?
Mark Rodd: Legacy matters in this business, and we’ve spent nearly nine decades building one. Rodd Hotels & Resorts has always been more than just a collection of properties. It’s a family-owned brand that’s stayed rooted in Atlantic Canada since day one, and that sense of place is part of everything we do.
What sets us apart is that every Rodd property reflects its local surroundings—the people, the landscape, the pace. Guests stay with us because they want something authentic. Our guests are evolving year after year, and they want something that feels grounded and real. That’s what we deliver.
The fact that we’re still privately owned means we make decisions with long-term value in mind, not quarterly targets. We invest in our people, we stay connected to our communities, and we never lose sight of the responsibility that comes with being a legacy brand. It’s about maintaining the trust we’ve earned while evolving to meet what’s next.
That’s the difference. We’re not chasing trends. We’re building something that lasts.
Spotlight on Business: You have been at the wheel of the business for 15 years. What challenges have you faced along the way? What was your biggest surprise (positive or negative)?
Mark Rodd: The one constant has been change. Whether it’s market shifts, labour challenges, or navigating a global pandemic that hit our industry hard, hospitality demands agility. You’re managing real estate, people, guest expectations, and external forces all at once—and often with tight margins. The biggest challenge has always been balancing consistency with evolution. How do you grow without losing what made you trusted in the first place?
One surprise, in a good way, has been just how loyal our team and guests have remained. During tough stretches, like the pandemic, the amount of support we saw was humbling. It reminded me that this business runs on people, not transactions. That’s been a huge motivator.
Spotlight on Business: What advice would you give someone looking to start a business in the PEI hospitality industry?
Mark Rodd: For anyone starting in hospitality on PEI, along with building for tourists, build for the community. This island is built on relationships. If you focus on quality, stay consistent, and respect the place you’re in, word of mouth will do more for you than any ad spend ever could. Word of mouth has been the very base of our legacy. And be ready to wear multiple hats.
Spotlight on Business: Can you tell us why the role of community and local partnerships play such an important part in The Rodd Hotels & Resorts brand?
Mark Rodd: We’ve grown up alongside the towns and cities we operate in. These aren’t just markets to us. They’re home.
Take Rodd Charlottetown, we’re supporting the Island Tides Festival, The Charlottetown Festival, The PEI Symphony, PEI Music Festival, and more. We put these events front and centre for our guests because that’s what makes the destination real. We do this across every property—whether it’s working with local artists, featuring island-made products, or building partnerships with suppliers who’ve been around longer than we have.
It’s how we’ve always done business, investing in the place we’re in. And frankly, our guests notice. They don’t want a generic hotel experience. They want to feel where they are. That’s what we give them.
Spotlight on Business: The Rodd family has continuously evolved the brand for 90 years now, without giving away any secrets, what is upcoming for the rest of 2025 and beyond as you head toward the century mark?
Mark Rodd: Ninety years in, and we’re just getting started. The goal is to take what’s worked and build it in smarter, sharper ways. 2025 and beyond is about raising the bar across the board, from guest experience to infrastructure to how we show up digitally.
You’ll see continued investment in our core properties, upgrades where they matter, tech where it enhances the stay, and design choices that reflect where the brand is going. We’re also looking at how we grow, not only in volume, but in value. Strategic partnerships, possible expansion, and a tighter focus on what today’s traveller actually wants.
We’re heading toward our 100-year mark with purpose. The next chapter will feel different, because it should. But it’ll still be Rodd at its core, authentic, Atlantic Canadian, and built to last.
Spotlight on Business: In closing, are there any items that we might have missed that you would like for us to share with our readers about yourself or The Rodd Hotels & Resorts brand?
Mark Rodd: We’ve talked legacy, we’ve talked growth, but at the end of the day, what matters most is the experience we deliver every single day at every single property. That’s what defines us.
Rodd Hotels & Resorts is a living legacy, built on family, shaped by community, and carried forward by purpose. It’s guests who return year after year because they feel connected, not just checked in.
If there’s one thing I’d leave readers with, it’s this. We’re not trying to be the biggest. We’re focused on being the most trusted, and that’s a title you earn one stay at a time.
by Ryan Myson