We enjoyed two nights at the Queen and Albert during a recent visit to Stratford. The town is full of places to stay, from motels to hotels and many B and B's. Others we met at breakfast had been coming for years and one person even indicated that he booked his trip around Queen and Albert vacancies he loved it so much.
The setting is unique. It's an old butcher shop from the early 1900's. The entry area (and breakfast room) retains the large glass windows and high ceilings. One room opens up into this area on the first floor. Two have Juliette balconies opening to it on the second and the fourth room is on the second floor in the rear.
Sometimes we feel that the words should be flipped around- Breakfast and Bed. Not to argue with the timing, but to put the proper importance onto the meal. Here it did not disappoint, though neither did it amaze. Quite good, but not quite memorable. One day the frittata reminded Vickie that we should make these at home, though nothing about it indicated that it might be a challenge to do it well. The next morning the meatless Eggs Benedict was equally enjoyable, though the absence of meat without having another signature flavor added emphasized the flatness of the flavor- with a tasty but not complicated Holandais.
The rooms were comfortable and modern. While ours was called the San Francisco room the decor reflected the owners travel in southern Asia. The square tile floors seemed more reminiscent of the locations original purpose in retail than what one would normally find in a B and B.
The owner was elusive when we asked for recommendations for restaurants and activities- differing to the tourist bureau, and not mentioning the menus and guidebooks in his lobby. Later he warmed up and shared but we felt originally put off by the lack of engagement.
A small parking lot offers one tight space per room. The locations is very convenient to the main festival theater, a bit less so to the town and other theaters. All would normally be in walking distance but with my wife's sore ankles we were happy to drive.
Would we go back? Sure, but probably not. Not because anything was lacking, but because there are so many other beds to explore in the city. Would we recommend it to friends or family? Sure. read more
