February 2010 Archives

We were grateful to this kind-hearted bed and breakfast couple for sharing with us one of their coping skills for living with Mom, daughter and grandkids. (We only have 3 generations in my house.) The couple below wrote this after their stay at Queen Victoria in Cape May, N.J.

"Amazing!  We live in a home with 95-year old mom; daughter and son-in-law;a seventeen and thirteen year old grand-daughter. Oh, how we needed to get away!

Our lovely room had a love seat and gas fired log. We installed ourselves on the loveseat and relaxed. Normally shy, we enjoyed the friendly hosts, guests and the delicious food.

We wandered through three of the Victorian homes and admired the fresh flowers and beautiful decor.

I would like to send everyone I love to the Queen Victoria."  Nicole C.

She keeps falling in love with her husband again and again. Here's an easy tip to keep the love alive in your relationship, even when we are all working so hard, hearing so much bad news and struggling with the economy.

"The Cloran Mansion is the most romantic getaway you can find. It has a very intimate setting with owners who have great hospitality!  We have been to the mansion 5 times and were married there in 2007. I fall in love with my husband all over again each time we are there."

OK, I've read this comment about so many of our bed and breakfasts on www.iloveinns.com  in different words sometimes. Most say, "This is what is really important, our relationship. We have to keep tending to it, no matter what."  Or, "Life was really getting to us, then we came to this inn and came alive again!" 

I was struck by a recent review that came into iLoveInns.com yesterday about Great Oak Manor, Chestertown, Md., one of our favorite inns and a former Top Ten Romantic Inn. Here's an excerpt of that comment and it reveals the essence of  what inspires the passion behind travel to bed and breakfast inns. 

"Great Oak Manor Inn was one of the most romantic, most beautiful and inviting inn ever. The host, John & Cassandra were very warm. Riding up to the grand manor and walking in the front door makes one gasp at its beauty. The food was absolutely delicious - the Valentines Dinner was wonderful, the desserts to die for. Breakfast was amazing, there was so much food!  Snacks, fruit, sherry, gourmet cheese & crackers were offered everyday as well as cookies and sodas. John & Cassandra know how to make this one of the best couple of days of your life." Susan N.

We loved this review that came in this week from a husband who planned an anniversary at a Bed and breakfast in Savannah.  He just left things to the innkeeper and now she is still tellling all her friends and family about their fabulous anniversary.

"I surprised my wife for her birthday with a special get-out-of-town trip to Savannah. This was our first trip to Savannah, and because of the beauty of the city I did not want to stay at a typical hotel. When I saw pictures of The Marshall House online, I knew she would love this place! And I was right. I treated her to a beautiful suite that looked over the indoor courtyard. It was very spacious for just the two of us. Since this was for her birthday, I called the hotel before to set-up dinner reservations for us. I did not know much about the area, so I just let the concierge decide where to send us. The staff called the restaurant and set-up everything! When we checked in they had an itinerary for us to remind us about the location of the restaurant and what time we needed to be there. To me that was amazing service, and we just checked in! The staff was great with information about the places to visit, and things to do. This place is great, and it just fits into what Savannah is all about. My wife is still talking to her our friends and family about her special birthday weekend at The Marshall House. Robert S.

What exactly is the magic that compells travelers to return again and again to Bed & Breakfasts or a country inn? We've gathered some poignant insights that reveal what inspires so much passion in guests about their favorite inns. Take the Queen Victoria in Cape May, New Jersey, for instance. 
 
It was recently chosen as one of American Historic Inns 2010 Top Ten Romantic Inns. B&B guests have expressed many of the compelling reasons and revealed some of the magic in a Bed and Breakfast stay in their reviews and comments made about the inn in the review section of the inn's listing on www.iLoveInns.com. 

 
We Are Always More in Love When We Return From the Queen Victoria
Diane F from Annandale, NJ wrote: We have so many romantic memories from our "royal retreats" at the Queen Victoria, especially in the winter season! From the scrumptious breakfasts to the regal yet oh so comfy decor, we felt like we were on our own private romantic getaway. Who needs the Bahamas? We always return to our home, family and jobs more relaxed and more in love than when we arrived. 
 
It's Over the Top
The "Queen" is over the top when it comes to B&B's. The reason is the Innkeepers, Anna Marie and Doug ... will not settle for second best. From the morning coffee to the candy left by the maid in the evening everything must be done to their standards. If you want to impress someone or just treat yourself to the "Best" try the Queen you will not be sorry. - Doug and Barb P.

First Class
As someone who has stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel and experienced first-class service, I can honestly say that the Queen Victoria paralleled that experience. The warmth and attention with which you are treated and the excellence of everything from the food to the accommodations, is just that high-caliber! I chose the Queen Victoria for our first visit to Cape May, because of their generous breakfast menu, its location near the ocean and the wealth of information and photographs on their website.   Vivian B from Franklin Township, NJ

They Think of Everything For You
Frank T from Belleville, NJ wrote: Since Doug and Anna Marie think of everything, just go, relax, and enjoy. Our stay at the Queen Victoria was the most relaxing weekend we have ever experienced.
 
Attention to Detail
Joe & Nancy S from Springfield, PA wrote: What a wonderful romantic celebration for our 40th wedding anniversary. The attention to detail about everything they do is superb. And not enough can be said about the fabulous breakfasts. We have met so many wonderful people who keep this inn running, it truly deserves to be 5-star rated in our books
 
Experience is So Good We Start Planning to Come Back Before We Even Leave
Karen W from Rockaway, NJ wrote: My husband and I started going to the Queen Victoria 5 years ago for our wedding anniversary and have been there every year since. Whether it be Christmas decor or Tulips and daffodils there is a feast for the the eyes! The rooms are elegant and comfortable with modern amenities. Tea time and breakfast are filled with generous servings of sweets, savories, and your choice of teas or coffee. Doug and Anna Marie offer great dinner recommendations and only recommend those places that they have tried and approve of. :) This is a place that you will be planning your next trip back before you even leave.
 
Innkeepers Give Us the Royal Treatment
We stayed at the Queen Victoria this past October. It rated a "standing ovation" from my husband and me. It was first class all the way from the generous amenities, the food, the cleanliness, the ambiance, (loved those afternoon teas on the porch) and especially the gracious "royal treatment" you receive from the hosts. Want to score points with your beloved?  Take her/him to the Queen Victoria in Cape May for that romantic weekend, or mid-week get away. Patricia S.

If you have a favorite inn be sure to write a comment on them on the www.iloveinns.com website. Your perspective may just be what brings them into our next Top Ten selection.

Cabin Fever?? Many Bed and Breakfasts on the www.iloveinns.com website are offering specials to those of you who have been braving the elements, keeping the pipes warm, the sidewalks and driveways clear. Why not take a break and let someone take care of you!

Innkeepers are waiting to welcome, warm and pamper you. Go to the Specials tab on our site and look under Winter Specials to find a great deal that will comfort you even more. Chances are there is an inn fairly close to you, where you can make this winter even more memorable than it's been. I've chosen a few of my favorites from Ohio and Indiana to Vermont and North Carolina to entice you. But really all you have to do is pick up your iPhone and press Call on our InnTouch application, talk to an innkeeper and find a fabulous winter getaway. Or browse the www.iloveinns.com web site.

1. Cabin Fever Magic!  Arbor Hill Inn - La Porte, IN
Break out of the winter doldrums and snuggle up in a luxury whirlpool/fireplace suite with our Cabin Fever Magic special package. This can make you love winter. It's magic! $99  Available any time during the remainder of the month of February. Valid from 02/15/2010 through 02/28/2010.

Winter Blahs 30% Off Special    Meadows Inn B&B - New Bern, NC   Help us Celebrate 30 years - take 30% off  Help us Celebrate 30 Years in 2010.  Plan a getaway to NEW BERN for two or more nights at MEADOWS INN and reduce your room rate by $37.00/Night. You will need a minimum of two nights to truly enjoy all that New Bern has to offer. Reservations required and room choice subject to availability. You must mention this discount when making your reservation. No other discounts apply. Applicable February 2010 02/28/2010.

Winter Getaways!  A Williamsburg White House - Williamsburg, VA
Getaway and enjoy Williamsburg without the crowds!  Enjoy two nights in the room of your choice.  Awaken to a delicious breakfast in the Reagan Dining room or JFK Library.  Sit in front of a roaring fire every afternoon and enjoy a glass of wine with afternoon treats.  Tour Colonial Williamsburg with a 2 day pass for each of you.  Total cost based on 2 persons per room.  Queen Room-$315.  Queen Suite-$355  King Bed Chambers $375  Valid until 2/28/10. Cannot be combined with other offers

Weekend Ski & Stay Three Bears at The Fountain - Stowe, VT
Save 10% on weekend lodging and receive a Stowe Points Card for purchasing of discounted lift tickets plus dollar-for-dollar points on all your Stowe Mountain purchases. Accumulate 450 points and a free lift ticket is yours. Stowe Points Card valid everyday except Saturday.   Stowe Points do not expire and carry over year to year.  * Weekend Lodging rates, for two, start at $140 per day based on two-night minimum. Offer good Fridays and Saturdays;  Valid from 01/07/2010 through 04/03/2010.

Stuck In Ohio Winter Weekend Getaway  HideAway Country Inn - Bucyrus, OH
Package includes two nights in any of our Luxury Loft Suites and one dinner for two in HideAway's own restaurant. Check in Friday evening and after enjoying your dinner, retire to your suite to enjoy your fireplace and in-room Jacuzzi. Saturday, shake off cabin fever on the slopes at nearby Snow Trails. In the evening, take in a show at the Mansfield Playhouse or Renaissance Theater. Sunday morning, wake up to breakfast delivered hot to your room. Relax - checkout isn't until 1:00PM.  $430  Valid through 03/31/2010.

Winter Escape Rates  Bent Creek Lodge - Asheville, NC
Head to Asheville for a winter get away and save 10 to 15% off our full rates. There is still plenty to see and do around Asheville then escape to the coziness of our great room fireplace, silky warm sheets and gourmet breakfasts. Ask for our "Winter Escape Rate" when making your reservations and receive 10% off a two night weekend stay or 15% off any stay Sunday-Thursday till March 31st.

Here are 7 of our award-winning bed and breakfasts with truly superior romantic qualities that you can enjoy at half the price of other guests!

To save $150 - $450 a night you need to be able to travel during the B&B's slower times. (Each bed and breakfast defines this individually but Winter, Midweek, Spring, Late Fall are common.) Many simply say, "Anytime, based on availability".

The extremely romantic bed and breakfasts below all accept the Buy-One-Night-Get-the- Second-Night-Free certificates offered in our book, Bed & Breakfast and Country Inns.
 
Great Oak Manor - Chestertown, Md.

 
Fairview Inn - Jackson, Miss. 

 
Whitestone Country Inn - Kingston, Tenn.

 
Orchard Hill Country Inn - Julian, Calif.

 
Geneva on the Lake - Geneva, N.Y. 

 
Green Gables - Pacific Grove, Calif.

 
Beaufort Inn - Beaufort, S.C.

Hartstone Inn--Camden, Maine

The Queen Victoria--Cape May, New Jersey

Clarendon Square Inn--Boston, Massachusetts

L'Auberge Provencale--White Post, Virginia

Christopher Place - An Intimate Resort--Newport, Tennessee

Honeybee Inn Bed & Breakfast--Horicon, Wisconsin

Whispering Pines Bed and Breakfast--Dellroy, Ohio

Colettes Bed & Breakfast--Port Angeles, Washington

Tyee Lodge Oceanfront B&B--Newport, Oregon

Chateau Coralini Retreat & Spa--Monterey Peninsula, California

Bed and Breakfasts create an especially rewarding location for holding weddings. We believe the bride below wrote beautifully about her experience and how she was able to be present to the most joyful moments in her wedding because of the setting at Christopher Place in the Smoky Mountains.

Lindsey D from Bowling Green, KY wrote: