The waitress at the Main Street brewpub near a boutique hotel in Picton lingered, chatting with two lunch tables. The owners named the pub 555 Brewery after the infamous Lazier murder case of 1883. Inside, the industrial aesthetic is softened by macramé planters suspended from the ceiling, while its expansive patio provides a front-row seat to the lively atmosphere of Main Street during the fairer months. Though rent is high in the County, our waitress has no plans to return to her native East Coast. She’s one of a growing number of “city people,” as locals call them, who have decided to make the County home.
Picton, Ontario, a three-hour drive from Ottawa, offers an inviting escape into the heart of Prince Edward County (PEC). Known for its stunning landscapes, laid-back atmosphere, and vibrant cultural life, the County draws visitors looking to unwind and recharge. Rolling vineyards stretch across the countryside, sandy beaches hug the shores of Lake Ontario, and farmland steeps in history and charm. The Town of Picton is a seamless blend of small-town hospitality and creative energy—a hub for artists, food lovers, and wine enthusiasts alike. Whether exploring history, sipping PEC wines, or enjoying Sandbanks and boutique hotels, Picton offers its own unique charm.
ABOVE: Heritage authorities designated the top two floors of the façade as heritage property.
Setting the Royal scene
Just a short walk down Main Street is Picton’s boutique getaway; The Royal Hotel. General Manager Sol Korngold is one of those professionals who left the big city behind, reinventing himself while helping to revitalize the local economy.
Sol didn’t begin his career as a hotelier. In fact, his background in banking and Bay Street tech start-ups is far from the hospitality industry. But when Zita Cobb—former head of JDS Fitel—gave a talk on the Fogo Island Inn at the Design Exchange (ironically located on Bay Street), Sol attended on behalf of his father-in-law, Greg Sorbara. Sorbara had purchased the derelict Picton hotel and was working with architects Giannone Petricone Associates to bring it back to life.
During Cobb’s presentation, Sol recalls, “The ideas in my head were going like popcorn—it was just so exciting.” He was hooked. That day in 2016 began Sol’s five-and-a-half-year journey transforming the hotel. His taste is exquisite, and each detail is carefully considered and flawless.
ABOVE: Marble accents are integrated throughout the hotel, appearing as occasional tables in each of the 28 guest rooms (there are an additional five rooms in the Annexe). An open tub and a coffee maker invite guests to embrace the County’s slower pace of life.
Inside This Boutique Picton Hotel: Charm, Craft, and Character
The boutique hotel in Picton’s branding features a needlepoint crown, a nod to its 150-year-old history. A young John A. Macdonald—famously fond of a drink—likely visited the hotel parlour when he was a young lawyer practising in Picton, when it was still called Hallowell. Today, the warm, inviting space welcomes locals and visitors settling in with laptops or grabbing coffee or lunch.
While the rooms boast beautiful design, ultra-comfy beds, and luxurious linens, Sol believes it’s the staff who truly make The Royal special. He’s proud of the team—hardworking individuals who not only enjoy their jobs but also act as passionate ambassadors for Prince Edward County.
An impressive yet relaxed atmosphere welcomes guests, including a harmony of textures and finishes—alongside an incredible, lingering scent. At first, Sol credits the bakery (the boutique hotel in Picton employs its own in-house pastry chef), but then remembers, “Oh, it’s from the Telford.”
ABOVE: The reception area of this boutique Picton hotel also serves as a boutique, featuring locally sourced products. RIGHT: The lobby bathroom is complete with whimsical mirrors and Telford products.
Scents to Impress at Picton’s finest boutique hotel
Sol’s sister-in-law, Claire Telford, designs an exclusive line of body care products. The Ontario-made products feature notes of cedarwood, eucalyptus, bergamot, lavender, rosemary, and patchouli. They’re not pumped through vents; instead, they gently linger on everyone who uses them. If the fragrance came in a spray bottle, I’d mist it everywhere.
The Telford line is evidence of the Royal’s intention to elevate local artisans. The lobby is filled with premium seasonal merchandise—handmade hats, quilts, scarves, pottery, candles (some custom-ordered by the hotel), as well as branded apparel and Telford products, all available for purchase.
ABOVE: The sleek counter bar bathed in light from the street-front windows.
The coffee bar sells local preserves and daily baked goods like pistachio crema-filled bomboloni, a favourite of lawyer Marie Henein. In a Watershed Magazine interview, she remarked that, unlike weekenders in Muskoka who pack everything with them, in the County, “I bring nothing here… and bring so much back to Toronto, rather than the other way around.”
This embrace of the County’s bounty is another key to The Royal’s success. Critics named the hotel restaurant one of Canada’s best, benefiting from a Sorbara family farm just 15 minutes away. The farm supplies the boutique hotel in Picton with organic beef, pork, and seasonal vegetables.
ABOVE: The hotel restaurant with its theatre-like kitchen and refined yet understated decor.
A Taste of The County at The Royal
The dinner special the night I visited was braised short ribs—tender and delicious. My partner opted for a simple yet perfectly prepared steak. Chef Albert Ponzo’s restaurant balances refined elegance with casual comfort, like the hotel itself. An open kitchen adds an engaging visual touch without disturbing the serene ambiance.
The service was attentive but never overbearing, and Chef Ponzo made the rounds, personally extending birthday wishes to a nearby table. The biggest surprise was the prices—exceptionally reasonable for the quality offered, and on par with other local dining spots.
ABOVE: The ceiling medallions echo water ripples—a subtle nod to years of damage that once seeped through the abandoned hotel. RIGHT: The jewel-toned bench also serves as a stylish waiting area and selfie spot, thoughtfully curated by the team.
Amenities and more
In the warmer months, an expansive, well-designed back patio more than doubles the dining space. A louvered roof offers shelter from surprise showers, and the courtyard also houses a fun, refurbished camper that serves as a bar. A chic pool area with oversized cushioned loungers also beckons.
The amenities boast a spa, gym, and sauna tucked into the basement. Everything at The Royal feels thoughtfully curated, like it was designed for a family—which, in a way, it was. But more than that, the boutique hotel in Picton feels like a generous gift from one family to the County. If buildings could talk, The Royal would surely thank the Sorbara family for saving it from ruin.
ABOVE: The Royal Hotel’s branding as it appears on the street-front signage. RIGHT: Red stickers on the front window subtly announce the hotel’s well-earned acclaim.
Staff at the hotel are preparing for their busiest season yet with summer just around the corner. Whether returning guests or newcomers drawn by recent accolades, Sol says bookings are up nearly 30 percent.
Whether for rest, food, or curiosity, a stay at The Royal Hotel leaves you with more than memories. With its rich history, thoughtful design, and deep roots in the community, The Royal is more than a hotel. It’s a beacon of what’s possible when vision meets heart. And like so many who’ve fallen in love with the County, you will find yourself planning your return.
Follow The Royal Hotel on Instagram @theroyalhotelpicton, and explore more at www.theroyalhotel.ca.
Header image: The Royal Hotel’s General Manager, Sol Korngold, proudly displays the hotel’s recently awarded Michelin Key plaque.
