Rodd History -- The Tradition Lives On

Rodd Hotels & Resorts was founded by two newlyweds, Wally & Sally Rodd in 1935 when Wally Rodd began noticing the increasing number of out-of province license plates passing by their family farm on Prince Edward Island. In true entrepreneur style, he built several cottages next to their home in hopes of attracting some of those "tourists" to stay with the Rodd Family.

As it turns out the hospitality industry became the Rodd Family's first love and the family farm was cast aside with the success of the cottages and increasing number of guests returning each year. In 1954, Wally and Sally expanded their business and built The Motel Charlottetown in West Royalty PEI. Their son, David, joined them in 1966 as Executive Vice-President of Motel Charlottetown Inc. David began the expansion by purchasing a property of his own, The Queen City Motel (Rodd Confederation Inn & Suites). In 1972, he and a partner purchased the Parkview Motel in Moncton New Brunswick (Rodd Park House Inn). In 1975, a disastrous fire led to the extensive renovations and expansion of The Motel Charlottetown which was then renamed The Rodd Motor Inn. Rodd Inns was born.

In 1982, "this little chain went to market" David expanded the Company by purchasing two properties in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, (The Rodd Grand Hotel & Rodd Colony Harbour Inn). He also purchased the historic Charlottetown Hotel. It was at this time, the resort side of the business evolved with the development of Rodd Brudenell Resort and Rodd Mill River Resort, PEI. David renamed the expanding chain Rodd Hotels & Resorts.

In the 1990's, Rodd Hotels & Resorts continued in its expansion mode. In 1992, the company built a 4-star deluxe 50 room hotel including conference facilities, restaurant, lounge, and indoor pool at Rodd Brudenell River Resort. They welcomed two affiliates the Loyalist Country Inn (1990) and Future Inns (1996). Rodd Miramichi River Lodge was added in 1997 and Rodd Marina Inn & Suites in 1999. In 1999, in wake of the explosion of the golf market, Rodd Brudenell River once again underwent a major expansion of 32 new deluxe cottage units.

The year 2000 also brought new development to Rodd Brudenell River as another 48 guestrooms and a state of the art Golf & Conference Centre were added to the property making it the only resort of its kind east of Quebec. Rodd Crowbush Golf & Beach Resort -- A Rodd Signature Resort opened in June 2001 and is located on-site at the famous Links at Crowbush Cove Golf Course. It consists of 32 deluxe 1 & 2-bedroom cottages and 49 deluxe hotel guestrooms & suites. Rodd Crowbush is Atlantic Canada's only 5 star resort.

Today, Rodd Hotels & Resorts is Atlantic Canada's largest privately-owned hotel chain with 10 properties throughout the Maritimes.

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