The Rodd family hospitality business has been there for tourists for eighty-eight years and counting. Starting from a small group of cottages to a large hotel family-owned chain with third-generation company leadership. Guests who stay at a Rodd Hotels & Resorts property can count on exceptional service as if they are part of the family too. With an insider look at the Rodd Grand Yarmouth Hotel, we dive further into the Maritime hospitality in the coastal town of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and what the Rodd Grand Hotel has to offer those coming to this seaside town for business or pleasure.
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In 1935, Wally and Sally Rodd noticed an increase in cars with unfamiliar license plates passing by their family farm in Winsloe, Prince Edward Island. There was an influx of tourists from other Canadian provinces travelling around the small island. Wally Rodd decided to take this opportunity to build cottages on their property in hopes of creating a hospitality business from the uptake of tourists. The cottages were a huge success, so much so that guests started returning year after year and the farm took a backseat. Their hospitality business grew tremendously. The Rodd family expanded their business from the cottages to building and purchasing Motels and Inns. Over the years, with the direction of Wally and Sally’s son, David, the company continued to grow, adding properties in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. While David was Executive Vice-President, the company was rebranded to Rodd Hotels & Resorts. In 1982, one of the hotels added to the company was the Rodd Grand Yarmouth.
Present-day General Manager, Leigh Forrest, gives an insight on Rodd Grand Yarmouth and what it has to offer. Forrest describes the hotel as being located near the Yarmouth Harbour with 132 rooms. It provides wheelchair accessibility throughout the hotel, including a room that is designed with necessities lowered for easy access. Rodd Grand Yarmouth features an in-house restaurant called Gale’s Eatery. Gale’s Eatery has breakfast, lunch, and dinner options but is coastal cuisine-based with delicious fresh, local seafood. The hotel also has attractive amenities such as an indoor pool, a gym, and meeting facilities that can accommodate up to 700 people. “It’s one of the few places in Yarmouth right now that has a convention space,” Forrest says. “It’s a good spot.”
The Rodd Grand Yarmouth is an excellent place to host weddings, trade shows, and conventions with its largest room holding up to 500 people at a time. It also has a smaller room across the hall for extra space or smaller crowds. Annual events that the hotel always prepares for include Christmas festivals, hockey tournaments, and fishery expos. A large New Years Eve party kicks off the start of every year, and partygoers typically prefer to stay at the hotel afterward. The Rodd Grand is also an ideal option for those who take part in the Yarmouth Seafest Festival. Every July since 1979, people come together to celebrate the culture and life of the coastal community. The festivities take place for over a week, leaving many people to choose Rodd Grand Yarmouth as their go-to accommodation close to the waterfront. The hotel rooms include various styles for guests staying for any event. There are Queen, King, and Doubles rooms as well as suites that include a living area great for families.
Families who choose to stay at Rodd Grand Yarmouth have Frost Park right at their fingertips. Just across the street, Frost Park is a beloved place to explore and make memories. The park was originally an early settlement cemetery. In 1887, the gravesite was transformed into a park. It contains a 150-year-old three-tiered fountain and a compass-rose that overlooks the Yarmouth Harbour. Frost Park not only contains historical monuments, but also lots of greenery and a place for community gatherings. The town decorates the trees with lights during the winter holidays, which is a beautiful sight to see from the hotel. The Seafest Festival uses the park for a scavenger hunt for the children. “We try to use it as much as possible,” Forrest said. “It’s absolutely gorgeous there.” Having Frost Park across the street is very convenient for tourists whether they are staying for long periods of time, or quickly passing through.
Many tourists aboard the CAT Ferry choose to stay at the hotel during their travels. Forrest explains that the ferry runs back and forth from Bar Harbor, Maine, and Yarmouth. While the ferry ride itself is only 3.5 hours long, Forrest says the timing of departures and arrivals can leave tourists wanting a place to stay in Yarmouth. “The ferry arrives at 8 o’clock at night so tourists typically stay the night and then they’re travelling off to other destinations in the morning,” she explained. “And then we see an influx of people coming back to stay with us before they get on the early morning boat back to Maine.” Even though the Rodd Grand Yarmouth is already a suitable accommodation due to being extremely close to the ferry terminal, but the hotel also offers a bed and breakfast package and a discount to tourists travelling on the CAT Ferry.
When guests arrive at the Rodd Grand Yarmouth, Forrest says, “Tourists are going to experience true Maritime hospitality at its finest.” The guests can expect clean rooms, friendly staff, and great food. “Our staff are the backbone of the business, and they’re always going above and beyond for our guests,” she continues. With 24-hour front desk and check-in service, easy access to free Wi-Fi, and free guest parking, Forrest encourages new guests to stay and experience service as if they are part of the family. The staff goes out of their way to deliver a welcoming experience to everyone, including the family dog.
Coming up in the near future, Forrest is excited to announce that the beloved Haley’s Lounge will be opened again at Rodd Grand Yarmouth after a long period of closure. “It’s been shut down since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” she says. “But it’s going to be reopening this year, and we are very excited about that.” Forrest is hoping to be fully reopened by the end of October, giving guests an added amenity to enjoy at the hotel.
Guests who frequent the Rodd Grand Yarmouth and all other Rodd Hotels & Resorts properties are eligible to participate in the EveryStay Rewards program. Marketing Supervisor, Janalea Rogerson, outlines the basis of the program by saying, “It’s free to sign up. Guests can sign up online, during the reservation process, or at check-in. EveryStay Rewards members earn points for every dollar spent at any of our properties.” Points can be collected on purchases of accommodation, spa services, and food and beverages. She goes on to say that points can be used for free nights, free golf, or gift cards from several partners the guests can choose from. EveryStay Rewards is a way to give back to guests, with discounts and rewards points.
The Rodd family still runs the operation with David Rodd’s eldest son, Mark Rodd, taking on the role as President & CEO of the company in 2010. The Rodd Hotels & Resorts is one of Atlantic Canada’s largest privately owned hotel chains. Mark Rodd carries the same entrepreneurial traits as his father and grandfather as he continues the family business with 7 properties throughout Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.
So, if you find yourself exploring the beautiful coastal town of Yarmouth, or cruising through the Maritimes, remember to check in at a Rodd Hotel or Resort. A family-owned company, that treats its guests like family.
by Gabrielle Gamblin