I would recommend going here if you really want to get away from it all for a while. It is so peaceful and relaxing. It was fabulous to get away from the noisy city-life in NH. Even our dog loved it and is having trouble re-adjusting to living in the city. I usually have trouble sleeping in "strange" beds, but not here! Everything was fantastic! I am hoping to go back again next year...and the year after...and the year after...you get the point. We LOVED it!

My family reserved an entire cottage, 1 bedoom in upstairs unit, and 2 bedrooms in downstairs unit. We were there from July 30th to August 2nd. The cottages are among the best we have ever stayed in. High quality workmanship is seen throughout, inside and out. Keltic Quay is in Whycocomagh, only feet away from the shores of the Bras d'Or lakes, and what a spectacular view! You can watch the gulls, the eagles and the terns swoop down to catch the abundant fish in the lake. The sunrises are magestic and calming to observe.

The cottages are completely furnished with all you would need for a much longer stay. The 2 bedroom even had a washer/dryer and dishwasher as well as a gas fireplace. On the deck was a high-end BBQ, and Adarondack chairs. The beds were to die for, we had to ask what type of mattresses they used. The units were clean, clean, clean!

Renee, the innkeeper, was such a lovely person, and sincerely cared about making sure you were happy and well taken care of.

I would highly recommend The Keltic Quay to anyone!

The location is beautiful. The suites are upscale, spot clean and very functional. Apparently a popular spot for family reunions. Renie the host is speical...you couldn't ask for a more warm, friendly and helpful person. I didn't realize until we got there that there was a dock, kayaks, canoes and a paddle boat available for guests at no additional charge. What a nice surprise. The lake is pretty, and very relaxing. The kids enjoyed the kayak as well as the nightly marsh mellow roasting in front of the fire pit. (Just bring lots of heavy duty mosquito spray for that!)

We stayed in a 1-bedroom suite. The only reason I didn't give it a 5-star is the noise insulation isn't very good. The 1-bedrooms are on 2nd floor and the 2-bedroom units are on the 1st floor. On our last day there, people moved in the downstairs unit and we could hear them cook, talk, laugh and play cards well past mid-night, then again cook, talk, laugh very early the next morning! Still, it's rare to find an upscale lodge on/near the Cabot Trail. The few other upscale choices will cost you an arm and a leg more. Another small inconvience is that the 1-bedroom unit doesn't have a dish washer. I think that is available in the 2-bedroom units. May have made a difference in my decision to book a 2-bedroom unit had I known that. So we ended up eating out most of the time. Problem is there isn't any good place to eat nearby, except the diner across the main street. I forget its name but it is very good and you can ask Renie if you need to eat there.

As far as the location, it's a good stopping point centrally at the intersection of the Cabot trail, the Bras d'Or trail, and the Ceilidh trail. But in order to enjoy the Cabot trail at a leisurely pace, allowing time for hikes and off trail spots, you need another 1-2 nights somewhere on the west side of the Cabot trail in addition to this place.

I cannot say enough about how wonderful this place is - from the accommodations - to the service - to the location - to the value - it has it all!! My fiance and I stayed here in August on the recommendation of my parents (who are regular patrons). These chalets are by far and away the most impressive I have ever stayed in - spotless, extremely well appointed and decorated, and displaying excellent workmanship in their design as well. The innkeeper, Renie, was accommodating, friendly, and attentive to any possible concern or need. She creates an atmosphere of totally encompassing hospitality - for which Cape Breton is famous. On an additional note: my parents stayed here again on August 13, 14 & 15 - a birthday present from their family, and Renie assisted with the surprise on their behalf. We are very much looking forward to our next stay in November. :0))