Tips from the Trenches

September 17, 2006

I recently planned a weekend getaway in Rockport, MA, and in doing so, encountered the best and worst of how bed and breakfasts can be run. Based on an Internet search, I came up with a handful of inns that interested me, so I started by contacting the one that looked the best. The rooms were beautiful, the inn was a nice size, and they offered an off-season discount that appealed to me. However, when I called them approximately a month before the trip, the innkeeper informed me that the B&B was, in fact, closed for vacation. I asked him if they would be open by the time of my trip. He said he didn't know yet. I asked if I might leave him my number so that he could call me when he knew. He responded by telling me that I should call back in a couple of weeks, and ended the conversation. Needless to say, I did not call him back. Instead, I moved down my list and left a message with another inn. This innkeeper called me back within a few hours and spoke as though he'd be thrilled to have me for a guest. I chose this bed and breakfast, the Tuck Inn.

My experience at the Tuck Inn was great for many reasons. Not only were the innkeepers friendly, but they managed a perfect balance between chatty interest in myself and my husband, and also the ability to give us space and not make us feel like we were under surveillance. At breakfast, they would greet us, inquire as to our previous evening, chat for a while, and then return to the kitchen, or move on to another guest.

I was also very impressed with the breakfast. Due to certain regulations, the inn was not able to serve a full hot breakfast, but they managed to take continental breakfast to a gourmet level. Their website bragged that the innkeepers wake up at four every morning to start cooking, and they did not exaggerate. They provided homemade granola, applesauce, and a dizzying array of scones and breads. What made it even better was that they provided all their recipes online. I've tried out several of them, and it's allowed me to enjoy my B&B experience long after my weekend trip.

Additionally, the Tuck Inn had an incredibly detailed guide to the area, with information on and directions to countless area activities, restaurants, and events. This they made available both online and in the form of a binder at the Inn. I cannot stress enough how helpful it is to have a well-researched list such as this, with personal comments and recommendations.

Submitted by Laura from Framingham, MA.