Offering a unique luxury hotel experience on Prince Edward Island, The Great George is a mix of historic properties dating back nearly two centuries. The property that started it all was converted from a store to a hotel in the mid-19th century and has had many names throughout various eras of ownership. Now owned by Murphy Hospitality Group, The Great George’s long history helps it stand out from the rest.

From structure to stay

The first building that became part of The Great George was constructed in 1845 by James H. Down in Charlottetown, P.E.I. It was built as a store with an attached home. Shortly after, it was purchased by local entrepreneur Henry Haszard to operate the London House, a large general store that sold hardware supplies, clothing and accessories, housewares and groceries.

After moving the London House to Queen Street, Haszard began renovating his building on Great George Street into a hotel. In 1857, it opened as the Pavilion. Quickly making a name for itself, the Pavilion became a popular place to stay on the island. Most notably, it hosted delegates of the Charlottetown Conference in 1864, which led to the formation of Canada.

Financial troubles forced Haszard to sell the Pavilion to George and Daniel Davies in 1869, who renamed it the City Hotel. Throughout different generations of ownership, the property became the Davies Hotel in 1910 and the Regent Hotel in 1930. In 1990, Mike Cassidy and Kevin Murphy purchased the building, which was their first step in forming The Great George.

Growing Greatness

Aiming to create the most unique hotel on the island, Cassidy and Murphy began renovating the property to reclaim its roots and purchased four other notable nearby buildings. Modern amenities were added to each building, while still maintaining their character-defining heritage. In 1996, work was complete, and The Great George was unveiled. The original building serves as the hotel’s main lobby, which is called the Pavilion, as a nod to its history.

While other owners joined the team in the ‘90s, in 2009, all shares were acquired by Kevin Murphy and his wife, Kathy. The Great George is part of their hospitality-focused business, Murphy Hospitality Group, which includes restaurants, hotels, a brewery and an entertainment company within Atlantic Canada. Ben Murphy, their son and current CEO, calls The Great George the “crown jewel” of their hotels.

Over time, additional property was purchased to expand The Great George, which is now made up of 17 buildings in downtown Charlottetown. Every building and room is unique. Murphy says guests return year after year from all around the world to stay at The Great George, and many locals stay there to celebrate special occasions. He commented, “We’re Charlottetown’s only five-star hotel and our boutique-style and historical roots make us unlike anything else in the world.”

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