Heroic B&B Friendliness: 2002
Bed and breakfast hosts and hostesses are notorious for confounding travelers with inexplicable friendliness. Share tales of B&B hosts who went above and beyond the call of touristic duty to give you a great trip. Here's what you thought in 2002.
Emlagh Lodge, Dingle
You will not go wrong by staying at Maggie's place, Emlagh Lodge (not to
be confused with Emlagh House — but they are near one another). The breakfast
was out of this world, the room had the most spectacular view of the harbor
(you're right on the water to begin with — 5 min. walk to town), our children
felt very welcome, and loved the cows, dog and water view...and... when
my daughter said
she was had been cold that first night (leaving out the important detail that
she had kicked her covers off), Maggie slipped into our room while we were
sightseeing, and added a wonderful wool blanket on top of her bed! The
room was huge, the bathroom as well, everything felt new and fresh. :) We
would stay nowhere else, but Emlagh Lodge in the future. Maggie was a wonderful,
attentive hostess.
Kim Petersen <email>
USA/Bavaria, Germany, MT USA 12/18/02
Florence Hotel
I arrived in Florence, exhausted and burdened with 3 bags, a laptop and
a disgruntled cat (preparing for a long stay as an art student). The owners,
Carmel (originally from Boston) and Pino (her Italian husband), took me
under their wings and tucked me into a quiet, cozy room for the next 10
days. I can't recommend this hotel more highly. My immaculate single room
(w/o bath) was 41 euro/night. The shower was around the corner and always
clean. Rooms and common areas are furnished with antiques. The outside terrace
was a prime meeting spot for the guests and the hosts, where we shared more
than a few glasses of vino and grappa (and many funny stories). It's about
a 10 minute walk to the Duomo and a 5 minute walk from the train station.
Website: www.ilbargellino.com.
Kim Henson <email>
Carlsbad, CA USA 12/12/02
Villa Paola near Rome
My husband & I just returned from a 9 day stay in Rome, Italy (with a 3
day side trip to Venice by Eurostar. We had a marvelous time at the Villa
Paola, a very reasonable pensione just outside Rome at Grotta Rossa. Fabiana
was a very kind and gracious hostess, continuously seeing to our well-being.
She even went so far as to round up clothing for my husband when his luggage
was 3 days late in arriving (not an easy feat since he is not exactly an
average size). The villa was lovely and very clean — full of friendly faces.
We both feel that returning to a quiet green retreat such as Villa Paola
after a hectic day of sightseeng was truly instrumental in keeping our sanity.
Even the (very short) Metro trip to return each evening was fun because
we got to see real ordinary Roman citizens. Irma was a treasure beyond price,
and helped me improve my very limited Italian along with making sure we
had all we needed for breakfast . We were picked up and chauffered around
like royalty and just made to feel right at home. We both intend to return
to Rome and to the Villa Paola. Our hearts are still there.
Suzanne <email>
Seattle, WA USA 12/02/02
Off season Provence: great B & B
An experience in a B & B 3 km north of St. Remy -de-Provence was much
enhanced by the friendliness of the owner, Marie-Odile de Dieuleveult at
Le Mas de Manon, tel. 0432600986 or 0609449222. She and her husband Claude
are Parisians who bought this country house 3 years ago and remodeled it
to offer 5 B & B rooms plus a sitting room and summer kitchen for guests
for 58 euros per night. Ask for the south facing room with graceful netting
over the bed. Marie not only speaks English but her warm and fetching personality
was instrumental in our decision to extend our stay by two extra nights.
So far, the clientel here has been mostly European but Marie is genuinely
interested in Americans and would like to welcome more. She also enjoys
being a part-time journalist and one night she tipped us off to a lovely
free choral concert in the local church where the two best choral groups
in France were holding their final competion. Everyone in the audience was
given a ballot with which to vote. During the concert we looked up and there
was Marie high above the audience in the pulpit with her camera, covering
the event for a regional newspaper.
Kay Parker <email>
Seattle, WA USA 11/06/02
B&B in Keswick, The Lake District, England
Pat and Pete at Dunsford Guest House will welcome you warmly, provide a
beautifully clean and comfortable room; wonderful breakfast and great tips
on walking and hiking on the fells. I had some special dietary needs and
they provided beautifully for them with no fuss. Dunsford is in a very convenient
location just minutes from the town center yet very quiet near the end of
a cul de sac. Parking off street in the back. Pat and Pete are FELL RUNNERS
so they know the entire lake district very well. This is a fabulous place
for those who want to be active during the day and get ideas and tips for
any type of weather. A special "bonus" is Pete's witty humour which is served
up liberally with breakfast. I stayed 3 nights and would definitely return.
Patti <email>
Seattle, WA USA 11/05/02
Frances' Lodge, Siena, Italy
On our recent trip to Italy we stayed 3 nights in Siena at Frances' Lodge
and had a wonderful time. Franco and Frances operate the Lodge, located
just SW of Siena, looking at the city over a beautiful valley. They
were friendly, gracious, and very helpful, with recommendations about places
to visit in the area, places to eat, and loads of local history. Ask Franco
about his Contrada (district) and the Palia in Siena. The bonus was a terrific
swimming pool with a view. We highly recommend the accomodations, and they
are handy to bus transportation into Siena which is closed to normal automobile
traffic.
Richard L. Olson <email>
Portland, OR USA 10/19/02
Above and Beyond near Carcassonne (France)
We stayed two nights at a B&B that we highly recommend near Carcassonne,
France. The place was charming; the food, wine, and conversation were plentiful;
and the hosts were great. Two things in particular about our hosts warrant
the “above and beyond” award. First, they invited us to join
them for an abbey concert and dinner. Since they were already planning on
going, they invited us to come along. I think that some hosts prefer to
keep their evenings to themselves, but Chris and Diana seem to love people
and made us feel like old friends. The concert and dinner was one of the
best parts of our trip. Second, they offered to call ahead to our hotel
and B&B in Provence when they learned of some serious flooding in that region.
They offered to call because they were concerned both about our safety and
about whether we would actually be able to get to our destinations. Although
I speak some French, it was such a relief to have a more experienced French
speaker to do the talking. Check out their very informative website at “lasauzette.com”.
Veronica <email>
Seattle, WA USA 10/11/02
Broadway, England (Cotswolds)
Windrush House B&B is a delightfully charming Bed and
Breakfast within an easy walk of downtown Broadway. Susan and Richard Pinder
have thought of everything to make your stay beyond just comfortable. Their
rooms are tastefully decorated with antique furniture and lovely touches
throughout. Fresh fragrant flowers waft both in the house and invite you
to visit their large flower garden. An excellent English breakfast is served
each morning with their specially made sausages along with other delicious
choices. We found that the friendly, warm and cozy atmosphere keeps guests
coming back for repeat visits. This is truly more than simply a place to
stay. It has our highest recommendation.
David and Roselyn
Malakoff, , TX USA 10/08/02
Bayeaux, France
As a history buff I got more than I bargained for thanks to Col. & Mrs.
Chilcott and their fine Manor Au Pont Rouge B&B in Bayeaux. I enjoyed the
warm hospitality of this 300 year old farm house just after New Years 2001.
The evening, prior to taking in the Chilcott's private vehicle tour, the colonel showed me taped BBC documentaries of the D-Day invasion. Included was a particularly interesting docudrama about a French resistance spy, a famed cyclist, who sketched German gun emplacement maps as he rode his bicycle throughout the Bayeaux area. One scene was filmed with the Manor Au Pont Rouge as a backdrop.
The B&B is about a 20 minute walk to town. This includes a spooky walk on a dark lane past a churchyard that any Hollywood horror film director would die for. With my trusty flashlight (don't leave home without one) I trudged bravely forward whilst whistling a happy tune.
I enjoyed a fun game of cards with the Chilcott's grandkids who were
visiting on holiday. A great place to stay with a real country feel to
it. the D-Day landing beaches tour included the American, British, and
German cemeteries. I highly recommend this place for wonderful hospitality,
accomodations, and a British historian's perspective on D-Day. St. Loup
Hors. 33-231-22-39-09.
Paul Baker <email>
Seattle, WA USA 09/24/02
England
Our stay at the Robin Hood Hotel in Blackpool was
unforgettable. Kathy and Paul treated us like family, providing us with
great accommodations (including hommade cookies in our room), conversation,
food, directions, and suggestions. Kathy even offered to drop off and
pick up our laundry to save us time; they prepared an early breakfast
for us the morning we left; and Paul drove us to the train station. Fantastic!
Wouldn't stay anywhere else.
In Bath, our accomdations at Brock House were wonderful... a large room
on the top floor that was comfortable well beyond our expectations. And
the guys at local pub The Bell let us play cricket with them. Also, Airden
House in York was also very comfortable and convenient.
Bryan McLawhorn <email>
Tallahassee, FL USA 09/18/02
Normandy, France
W stayed at La Caillerie B&B
in Normandy, close to the D-day beaches, Mont St Michel, Bayeux, Honfleur
and Caen. We stayed 4 nights and enjoyed the marvelous home of Norma, Samantha
and French Leeonel. What we didn't expect was the warm hospitality. The
first night we arrived, we were told that they were hosting a BBQ the following
night and would we like to join them? We went out early the following day
and came back in time to enjoy a superb evening with other guests and friends
of our hosts. The BBQ was excellent, we sampled local homemade cider and
Calvados (wow! what a bite that's got — to be taken in small amounts!) We
met some lovely local French people and enjoyed an evening of good food,
good company and a superb location! We have to say that never have we been
invited to a BBQ hosted by a B&B where we have stayed before. We may just
return at the same time next year as it's an occasion not to be missed with
some truly delightful people.
Letitia Monks <email>
LA, CA USA 09/12/02
Marieke B&B, Bruges, Belgium
Stay with Willi and Trees Ghys at the B&B Marieke in Bruges! Their two room
B&B is right on a canal in the old cloth district of Bruges, close to the
edge of the old city in what used to be the lockmaster's house. It's cozy
and clean and quiet but that's not what's special. It's the hosts who travel
themselves and have a good understanding that each guest is an individual
with unique needs. They pick up on your interests almost immediately and
will set you right on track before you even know what hit you. After a day
of dodging tourists, bicycles and cars we commented that Bruges sure was
busy (expected because it's the cultural capitol of Europe this year). They
zoned right in on that and sent us out to the neighborhood restaurants and
sights that were just as interesting as those in town but without the tourists!
We met so many nice people and had a fantastic time exploring the streets learning about the different neighborhoods and houses that most likely went unnoticed by so many. Most of the time we were in Bruges we felt like we were in a quaint, beautiful old town instead of a city the whole of Europe was focused on.
Just before our trip, my grandfather began telling us about his D-Day experience. We decided that being so close, we needed to head for Normandy. We planned to leave our belongings at the Marieke and pay for the day we were gone, but Trees wouldn't hear of it. Not only did they store our luggage, they called the TI and and sublet our room. On our last day there was a train accident and Willi called the station for an update and advice for our travel that day. Because of their advice and savvy, we were prepared for any delays.
But most of all, on more than one occasion, they sat down with us and
visited — for hours. We not only learned about those special places, but
we learned more about the city and country and about this very special
couple. And here's a secret: Trees has this magical little bookcase that
has the answers to all life's questions. I don't know how she does it,
but I swear that little bookcase has more information in it that a major
library!
Dawn & Randy
Cottage Grove, MN USA 09/03/02
Alderley House, Cotswolds
My sister and I stayed at Alderley House in Bourton-on-the-Water for 5 days,
hosted by Steve and Margaret. They were exceptionally helpful and friendly,
(as they already had been in our internet conversations during planning).
These hard working people know all the good places to go by foot or car
in the the Cotswolds. And Margaret's suggestions such as going to the park
and ride outside of Bath and taking the bus into town saved us a great deal
of time and frustration. They are as friendly to families as they are to
adults. Their place is lovely and comfortable and conveniently located.
Kathy Lillie <email>
Seattle, WA USA 09/02/02
Brugges accomodation
Brugge, Belgium. Stay at Paul and Roos Gheeraert-Vandevelde's gorgeous home!
Not only absolutely beautiful but Paul and Roos are so incredibly kind that
they let us stay a second night after I told them that my debit card didn't
work in their town (the only time this happened). They even fixed us a bag
of croissants and breads to take with us on the road because they knew I
had a cash problem. They also wouldn't let me give them my last 50 euros
for the same reason and trusted me to send them cash from Amsterdam on the
following Monday (which of course I did).
Christine Zahner <email>
Encinitas, ca USA 07/30/02
Laundry Help!
In June my wife and I spent a couple of weeks in the UK. We travel very
light, and that requires us to do laundry once a week. We spent two nights
in Oban, Scotland where we learned the only self-serve laundry had recently
shut down. No problem, our wonderful hosts at the Heatherfield House B&B
(Rosie and John Coleman) offer to do our laundry for us at no additional
charge. We have made several trips to the UK and this was by far the best
B&B we stayed in! Superior breakfast, clean/first class accommodations,
and personable hosts. Oban, and the Heatherfield House is a "must" if you
travel to the west coast of Scotland!!
Kelly and Lauren McDougall <email>
Albuquerque, NM USA 07/29/02
Old Mill House in Dingle
Veronica and Tom Houlihan-O'Neill took such good care of my daughter and
me at the Old Mill House in Dingle (Ireland) that instead of staying three
nights, we stayed ten! They gave us tips on good walks and bicycle rides,
and when I fell briefly ill, Veronica, a nurse, put me right again in a
flash. They're located on Avondale, a quiet street in the heart of Dingle
Town. You can reach them at verhoul@iol.ie. Carol
Carol Polsgrove <email>
Bloomington, IN USA 07/28/02
Two Great British B&Bs There were two B&B's that graced my trip June 4-20 in 2002 with incredible kindness and extra- ordinary thoughtfulness. First, Lucy@the-old-farm.co.uk in the western section of the Cotswolds near the Forest of Dean and worth every mile of it to visit the whole Cotswold area. Unknown to me prior to leaving the states, Lucy, is a pilot like myself who gave me fabulous directions over the internet, and no wonder with her expertise in the air. If you wish, you can meet two of the most charming Golden Retrievers and cats but they aren't allowed in the guest rooms. First only quiet, extremely gracious people need apply! Children of any age would destroy the peace and serenity of the two B&B's that I'm to mention.
Upon my arrival miserable from jet-lag, tea and a homemade cake greeted me. My beautiful room, ensuite and double bed and comforter were of the highest quality. And most important there was comforting radiator heat this cold and rainy June. Each evening I received a homemade loaf or cake slice and my tea tray things and towels were immaculate daily. Breakfasts were full of variety, plus homemade jams and French press coffee, her own chickens' eggs and excellent country bacon all organic, plus. Lucy's spirit and good cheer, and help in all matters and graciousness eased my first 3 nights. Ordinance maps of all areas were loaned and we'd planned a local flight but the weather didn't allow it. Tel#01452-830252 in Longhope, Gloucester. Regular English clients said she's the best from all their wanderings, I'll 2nd that.
Another wonderful B&B in Cornwall: Blackadon Farm 3 miles east of Liskeard
near Plymouth. Contact Nancy and
Roger Gillbard at Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 3PY. Tel# 01503, 240207. Again,
a beautifully decorated ensuite room with the highest quality bed and
bathroom (both had showers, no tubs) and the countryside views from both
were exceptional, picure postcard or better. As it was still cold in June,
heat was generously given. I mention "heat" as so many many B&B's stubbornly
deprive guests of heat because it is supposed to be "summer"! The Gillbard's
have a working 250 acre farm.
07/15/02
Wales B&B
We found exceptionally helpful and friendly hosts in Betws y Coed, Wales,
at Bryn Bella B&B. We wanted to explore some historical sites and e-mailed
numerous places hoping for direction. David Pender of Bryn Bella was the
only one who assisted us and our stay with him and his wife, Jean, was filled
with wonderful food, advice and hospitality! brynbella@clara.net
Karen Lugo <email>
Orange, CA USA 06/04/02
trust
two years ago, i was in the middle of the north yorkshire moors and things
were closing down quickly... finally found a place in ripon; the b&b wasn't
officially open for the season yet, but my host was very happy and cordial,
seemed to know i needed a bit of luck that night... his place was marvelous,
comfortable, and seemed quite happy... the next morning, i'm eating breakfast,
and my host comes up to me, apologizing profusely... says he has an emergency;
would i mind accepting his keys to the house, and locking up for him when
i leave? no hurry, please finish your breakfast... drop the keys *here*,
please... and thank you for staying with us... he didn't know me from eve,
and yet he amazed me with his trust, courtesy, and kindness... in a few
days, i'll be escorting my parental units in that area of the UK again,
and i'm going to call ahead this time to see if he's got a spare room...
caren <email>
st leonards-on-sea, uk 04/24/02
Le Mas de Carassins in Provence
We just returned from 12 days driving thru the beautiful Provencial countryside.
Our car developed serious engine problems in St. Remy, but we were saved
a lot of frustration by Pierre and Michel, the owners of the Le Mas des
Carassins. Michel took over the process of contacting Eurocar and was appropriately
assertive to ensure that they got someone out as soon as possible to diagnose
the car. The car had to be towed away, so Michel spent his next morning
driving us to Avignon, and waiting with us at the rental agency until the
car was replaced. Le Mas de Carrassins is a 14 room hotel bursting with
Povencial country charm. It is a beatifully restored 19th century country
house with delightful private gardens, yet within walking distance of the
St. Remy restaurants. I couldn't recommend it more highly.
<email>
Stillwater, MN USA 03/28/02
Going the extra mile on the Emerald Isle
Five friends and I visited Dingle, Ireland last August (2001). While in
Dingle I had a piece of luggage stolen (my own fault). The bag included
the film with all the pictures I had taken during my first 8 days in Ireland.
I was distraught. We had been staying at a B&B called Pax House. The B&B's
proprieter, Joan Brosnan-Wright went to incredible lengths to try to retrieve
my film. She posted signs around town, ran a notice in the newspaper and
even put messages on the all Gaelic radio station. She even made up a story
about how I was visiting Ireland with my elderly (dying) grandmother and
the film included the only photos I had of her on her lifelong dream trip
to the Emerald Isle. Lo and behold, a month after it was stolen, the 14
rolls of film were returned to Pax House. Joan mailed them to me back in
the States and refused any kind of reward. I'll be forever thankful for
her efforts. Plus, Pax House was clean, comfortable, with a lively decor
and has the most spectacular view of any place I've ever stayed. All at
a very reasonable price.
Rick <email>
Appleton, WI USA 03/26/02
Maridon Guest House
Thank goodness someone else has discovered the lovely Maridon House in Oban!
Kevin and Fiona are wonderful hosts with a great sense of humor and genuinely
care about their guests. I stayed there on my second visit to Scotland,
and liked the quiet street, the fact that it is 2 minutes walking to the
ferry, and the police station is just down the hill. When I asked Fiona
where a laundrette in Oban could be found, she simply took my clothes, washed,
dried, and folded them at no charge! She also let us use her kitchen, and
offered recommendations for pubs and places to visit. It is cheap, comfortable,
and fun!
Robin <email>
Dalton, OH USA 03/07/02
neat place in Amboise
I had an excellent stay under trying circumstances in Amboise last summer.
Our chambre d'hôte hosts, Joseph and Babeth Girault, made all the difference.
We arrived in Amboise on a weekday in July. We had not called ahead because
I needed to see a doctor in Chartres, and wasn't sure that we would be able
to go to Amboise that day. Amboise was packed. I got the list of chambres
d'hôte at the TI. However, they marked almost all of them off as being full.
So I asked them to make a booking for me. The place they found was:
Joseph et Babeth Girault
6, Clos de la Gabillière
37400 Amboise
phone 02 47 57 45 70
Jo-giro@wanadoo.fr
The next day it was apparent that the medication I received in Chartres
wasn't working, my pink-eye was getting worse. Joseph drove us to the
hospital emergency room, checked us in properly and told us to phone when
done. His help and his concern made an unpleasant time much more bearable.
The Girault's place is almost out of town on the road (Ave Bretonneau on Rick's map) toward Pagode de Chanteloup and Chenonceau. A sign "Chambres d'Hôte" marks the turn to the right. Houses are along the right and a vineyard on the left. Their place is about the fifth house. Park in the rear.
Joseph and Babeth don't speak English, but are very eager and capable
of getting information across. I expect that they would easily handle
a well laid-out English email, perhaps modeled on Rick's One Page FAX
form. Other people staying were from Italy, Belgium and France. You have
to have a car to stay there. It's no problem driving into town for dinner
each night, and there is abundant free parking in municipal lots (unique
in all of Europe?, not on Rick's map) by the stream near Le Clos Lucé.
One unit has a kitchenette. The bread arrives by bicycle at about 6:30
or 7 each morning. Breakfast is in a delightful room, or on the terrace
overlooking the vineyards. It is very peaceful and quiet. We had booked
the room for two nights on arrival, but extended to three nights. I highly
recommend the Girault's place. If you stay there, tell them that you heard
about it from "l'archéologue Amercain avec l'oeil rouge."
Phil Williams <email>
Colorado Springs, CO USA 02/03/02
Hotel Atlanta in Berlin
We stayed at the Hotel Atlanta in Berlin for 3 nights between Christmas
and New Years. We have three children and sometimes have trouble finding
rooms that can accommodate all of us. The room we had there was HUGE, and
the location was fantastic. Anyway, why this hotel gets high points from
me is... on the first night there we went for a walk along the Ku'damn and
my 5 year old fell and landed in a pile of dog poop! She was screaming and
it was all over her winter coat, dress & tights. When we got back to the
hotel the lady working there washed everything for us in their machines
and it was all clean and waiting for us when we got up the next day. I will
forever be thankful to them for that!
D. Blevins <email>
Hilversum, NL 01/14/02