The Inn at Ormsby Hill

The Inn at Ormsby Hill is the only place to stay in Vermont. The innkeepers, Ted and Chris will make your visit an exceptional one. The breakfast is like no breakfast you have ever had before. Where else do you get desert for breakfast. This was my husband and my fourth trip. Our second year we made the mistake of staying at another B&B, and we will not do that again. All of the rooms are exceptionally decorated and cozy. Attention has been paid to every detail. If you stay here, you are guaranteed a wonderful trip.

We had a wonderful two night stay at the Inn at Ormsby Hill at the end of September. The Inn's decor and our room, the Lincoln bedroom, were beautiful with antique furnishings throughout.Breakfasts were sumptuous,with Chris outdoing herself each day. We met delightful people during our stay and enjoyed the hospitality of the innkeepers-Ted and Chris Sprauge. We will definitely be back. We have stayed at several top B&B's around the country and would put the Inn right at the top. Ed and Linda Smith

Ted and Chris are delightful innkeepers! The breakfasts prepared by Chris were delicious! The inn itself is so beautiful and meticulous. Our room was lovely, and the bathroom was glorious! We really relaxed in the jacuzzi tub with a bottle of champagne. We can't wait to return!!!

My husband and I have made many trips to Manchester over the years. The Inn at Ormsby Hill is a true gem in a neighborhood chock full of inns. The common areas, gardens and rooms are inviting and impeccably maintained. The breakfasts rival meals I've had in the finest hotels in the world. A truly pleasant stay.

I just returned from the perfect weekend in Manchester, Vermont, made so by our host inkeepers Chris & Ted Sprague. The Inn at Ormsby Hill is right out of a Currier & Ives photo with fireplaces in all rooms, jacuzzis, canopy beds, beautiful furnishings throughout, and great views. What made our stay so special was that our hosts made us feel like family staying at their home, and not guests. Chris is a wonderful chef and the many course breakfasts could not be beat. We even had a breakfast dessert! Do yourself a favor and visit the Inn at Ormsby Hill soon. You will not be disappointed.

We have been coming to the inn for about 10 yrs, back before there were flat screen tv's in every room. We have been in alot of the rooms over the years. Our favorite is the Taft. It is truly a home away from home. The room is spacious, warm and inviting. There is also a small reading room, which is very comfy, great place to have a glass of wine and catch up on some reading. It also has a fridge to keep your snacks in, if you don't have any, there is some you can enjoy,including wine and cheese, and just add to your bill at end. You also get homemade cookies in your room upon arrival from Chris who is the innkeeper along with her husband Ted. He is the one who keeps the inn in great shape and serves you breakfast. Lets talk about breakfast for a moment. First, let me tell you a little about Chris which we learned from Ted. She is greek and that means if you don't finish breakfast she thinks you didn't like it, and if you do finish breakfast, she thinks she didn't give you enough. Well needless to say, I dare the biggest eater to say he isn't stuffed after one of Chris's breakfast. For starters, you always get cake, followed by ice cream , yes I said ice cream, and a hot fruit dish, followed by some delicious meal which you will never cook at home. There is never any eggs over light or pancakes, as she figures you eat that at home. We have coffee and yogurt. It is so nice to have such a scrumptous breakfast on vaca. Most of us always eat lunch, but not many of us get to enjoy the most important meal of the day.They have plenty of dinner suggestions if you ask, and they are always on the mark. We are not skiers, but come here for some R & R, good food, a cozy stay and of course, some shopping. Marissa and Steve

The Inn was the perfect escape for a 3-day weekend with my girl. Ted & Chris were extremely friendly and accommodating. Our room (Ethan Allen) was cozy, clean and met all of our expectations. Every detail, down to the breakfasts, wine and dinner recommendations were on-point. It was a great experience and we'll definitely be back. Highly recommended.

We stayed for several nights in October and had a wonderful experience. The Inn is very clean, cozy, and comfortable. We enjoyed Chris and Ted - they are real Vermonters. We met some other nice people who were staying there. All in all a great experience. Only (very small) issue was that the breakfast menu is a little on the heavy side with sauces & cheese, etc. Maybe a lite offering for those who are watching their diets would be a nice touch. Definitely will go back.

My wife and I had one day to get away so we decided to spend it in Manchester VT. We chose the Inn at Ormsby Hill because it looked inviting. We had not read any previous reviews. BIG MISTAKE. When we arrived we were greeted by Martha, a staff member who was cordial and showed us a variety of rooms. We chose a room with both a fireplace and Jacuzzi, which she instructed us how to use properly. We were never told of any time restrictions regarding the use of the Jacuzzi. That evening we decided to use the tub. For the first time in months my wife and I were alone, enjoying an uninterrupted, intimate conversation in a warm, candlelit Jacuzzi, perfectly relaxed. The moment was shattered by someone violently pounding on our bedroom door while trying to unlock it. My wife was terrified. Frantic, I rushed to the door and opened it with nothing more than a towel wrapped around me. Glaring at me was an angry, gray bearded man who began berating me for using the Jacuzzi and demanded that I turn it off immediately. I had no idea if this man was another guest, the innkeeper or a lunatic as he barked his order at me and stormed off down the hall. I was shocked and dumbfounded; as I stood there wondering what had just happened. It was only 10:20 in the evening and my wife and I had been using the Jacuzzi for less than 1 hour! Trying to figure out who it was that just ruined our evening I went online and googled Ormsby Hill, Vt and found my answer: Ted Sprague, the innkeeper. My wife and I were so upset that we did not sleep and decided to leave first thing in the morning.To add insult to injury the next morning as I went to turn in my keys I overheard Ted boasting to the wait staff in the kitchen about the incident the night before. I could not believe what I was hearing and I was once again deeply offended by this man. I say with complete conviction that these innkeepers should find a new vocation because this is clearly not the one for them. They know nothing of hospitality.

[Resource Id: innkeeperresponse, Set: reviews]
The facts in this situation are very different than the guest review. When other guests complained about noise from a whirlpool that had been in use for an hour late at night, I told them I would speak with the other party involved. I knocked on their door and said “Hi, this is Ted.” No answer. I knocked loudly a second time and said who I was – again no answer. The third time I knocked very loudly – still no answer. I tried to unlock the door (room set-up would not interfere with their privacy) to speak thru the door being ajar – not successful as they had the second dead-bolt locked. Finally, in desperation, I banged on the door a fourth time – no answer. I decided to go to the electric panel and shut off the power when he whipped open the door like he expected a confrontation. I was momentarily startled. I then told him about the complaint. He was incensed that I wanted him to shut off the motor, but I refused to get into an argument. Please note that he heard the key in the door! Obviously I was being ignored. We reconstructed the event and clearly they heard me, mostly likely the very first time. His wife “terrified”? Then why didn’t he speak with me through the door and not open it? When he came into the kitchen (looking for a confrontation), which is private and is stated on the door, I was explaining to Martha (our assistant) what had occurred because she was to do check outs as I was leaving to meet Chris for a vacation in Maine. I did not want Martha to be caught off guard at check out. It does not make sense that he thinks I was “boasting” to the wait staff. In fact, only Martha and I were in the kitchen getting ready for breakfast. When he ever said he was an “innkeeper” I asked him what he does when a guest complains about noise from another room. His response - “We shouldn’t have Jacuzzis.” He, if anyone, should have a better feel of proper etiquette. Size limitation does not allow us to elaborate further.

- Ted Sprague (innkeeper)

Writing belated review now - my husband and I stayed at Ormsby Hill in May 2008 and liked it so much that we are heading back this weekend for an autumn visit. Very comfortable and welcoming, both homey and luxurious. Chris was a lovely host - provided chilled champagne or evening glass of wine on request, fab breakfasts, and information on history of the house and surroundings. I also spent a number of hours working comfortably at the dining room table via free high-speed internet; not every B&B offers that convenience. We can't wait to go back.

We recently stayed at The Inn at Ormsby. The Inn/facilities were as described and expected. Just not sure the innkeepers have their priorities in order and are focused on their guests. Our breakfast, (French Toast w/citrus sauce), while visually appealing, was inedible due to being underdone. We saw a at least 4-5 other guests eat less than half their portions. Strangely, there was no inquiry from Ted or Chris on why so many guests were not actually eating their breakfasts.The next day we only ate from the continental breakfast, which was quite good. Speaking with another couple from Phoenix, who were having their third breakfast, also noted that breakfasts from the two prior days were mostly inedible, and said they also observed many portions from other guests being cleared away uneaten. I understand that Chris Sprague enjoys the reputation of being a chef, but she is cooking not to suit her tastes, but the tastes of her guests. We also noted that Ted Sprague seemed overly concerned with the maintenance and upkeep of the facility and furniture, to the apparent disregard of the welfare of the guests. In some regards, it was a little bit like staying and eating in a museum, where you really couldn't relax and feel like you could make yourself at home, out of concern for moving something out of place or leaving a water spot on the dining room tables. We heard stories from other guests, which are hearsay and as they were not experienced firsthand, won’t be shared, but suggested a pattern noticed by others. The innkeeping business must be difficult, but to be successful, I assume that you must let go of the fact that strangers are staying in your "home", and treat them like friends and family, and simply accept that let people act as they like while staying with you - and just accept the "use" that shows on the facility as a cost of doing business. The other two B&B’s we stayed at before and after seemed to understand how to convey that welcoming atmosphere.

The Inn at Ormsby Hill is perfection. The mansion has been beautifully restored with antiques and luxurious fabrics. Ted and Chris have created a very special experience for their guests. Breakfast here will be remembered long after you've returned home. Chris's creations are unique and delicious. This is a total luxury experience

My husband and I stayed at the Ormsby earlier this Summer and had a fantastic time. We've stayed at 3 other inns around the Manchester area, this one is by far the nicest.

We stayed at the Inn at Ormsby Hill for 4 nights on our recent trip to Manchester. This was a return trip to the inn for us and our second stay was just as wonderful as the first. The inn is beautifully maintained, the rooms are wonderfully decorated, and the beds are so comfortable you will not want to get up in the morning (but you manage to do so because breakfast here is a real treat, which even includes dessert!!). The innkeepers and staff are very gracious and helpful. This is THE place to stay in Manchester - perfect for a week of rest and relaxation or a romantic weekend. This is also a perfect place to stay if you are attending the Orvis Fly Fishing School. We feel very much at home here and we are already looking forward to our next stay!

The Inn was clean. I am very picky in that regard, and by my standards it was clean, but not immaculate. I liked the fact that they left the doors open to the rooms that were not rented out, so you could look in and see them. Most of the rooms are decent in size, but not all. Unfortunately we were in the smallest room. It had a king size bed, while some of the larger rooms had queen beds. That kind of threw me off, because I assumed that the large rooms would have the larger beds, and so forth. Our room did have A/C, but unfortunately we could not control it ourselves. They would turn it up/down if you asked, but that is a little inconvenient at 3 am when you are shivering. They do also provide a community refrigerator, which was a nice touch that I had not seen at other Inns. They also provide teas and soda all day. The tea water was kept in a carafe, and was cold by the evening. Their website and literature rave about their "breakfast dessert". We stayed 2 nights and never saw it. Both breakfast were an egg dish, a frittata and a quiche. The were both good, but average at best. I guess I was also looking for more of a variety between days. The place is nice, but overall, not wonderful, and certainly not worth the price they charge.

Went there for their annual "mud month" specials and we enjoyed our time spent there very much. The rooms are beautiful, breakfast is a feast unto itself and overall we had a wonderful time in a beautiful area of Vermont.