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Inn of the Turquoise Bear B&B
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The imposing structure, ancient rock walls and natural landscaping invite guests to enter and relax.
The imposing and unusual 5-sided portal that marks the entrance to the main Salon.
The living room of the house is open to all guests for reading and relaxing by the fire. Complimentary wine and cheese is served nightly.
The fireplace in the Shaman guest room provides an intimate and romantic setting.
Santa Fe in winter provides a less crowded atmosphere in which to enjoy the regional traditions of the holidays, including the glowing paper lamps, or "farolitos," that line the rooftops of most buildings.
The D.H. Lawrence guest room, located on the second floor of the house, features a queen-sized bed, private sitting area, woodburning fireplace, and private bath with tub and shower.
The Bynner guest room features a king-sized bed, woodburning fireplace, two large sitting areas, and a private balcony overlooking the gardens.
The Shaman guest room features a king-sized bed, two sitting areas, woodburning fireplace, and private bath with shower.
The Georgia O'Keeffe guest room features a king-sized bed, private sitting area, woodburning fireplace, and private bath with tub and shower.
The Edna St. Vincent Millay room is a bright, cheery room with views of the gardens and the mountains, a queen bed and small sofa. A semi-private bath with shower is shared with the Willa Cather room across a common entryway.
The Spud Johnson guest room, our fully ADA-Compliant room, is located in the old carriage house and features a queen-sized bed, wood-burning fireplace, and private bath with a large tiled shower. Adjacent to the parking area.
The Igor Stravinsky room, named for the famed composer who was a house guest here, is true Santa Fe charm and character. Bright and sunny, there are mountain views. The queen bed is in a beamed alcove and the bath has the old claw-foot tub and shower combination.
The Willa Cather room has a queen sized bed, large chair and a wood-burning fireplace. The bath is semi-private and is shared with the Millay room across the hallway.
The sun begins it ascent over the Sangre de Cristo mountains.
The Ansel Adams room is a small, but comfortable room, with a queen bed, private bath with claw-foot tub and shower combination. There is a small courtyard right out the door.
An arch of fragrant French lilacs and the sound of flowing water greet you as you enter the garden from the parking area. These steps are original to the house, circa 1920.
The O. Henry room has a queen bed, fireplace, small sofa and a private bath with a very large Talavera-tiled shower.
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Nightly Rate
$135 - $265
, - Reviews 44
- Rooms 10
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Accepts Gift Cards
Inn's website-
Address
342 E. Buena Vista Street
Santa Fe, NM 87505
USA - Phone+1-505-983-0798
- Fax+1-505-988-4225
- Toll free+1-800-396-4104
- EmailContact Innkeeper
Located close to the Plaza in downtown Santa Fe, the Inn of the Turquoise Bear occupies the home of Witter Bynner, who for decades was a prominent citizen of New Mexico. Noted as a poet, playwright and essayist, Bynner was a staunch advocate of human rights, including the rights of women, Native Americans and other ethnic minorities. Bynner's rambling adobe villa, constructed in Spanish-Pueblo Revival Style, is on the National Register of Historic Places and is consider one of Santa Fe's most significant structures. Bynner and Robert Hunt, his companion of more than 30 years, were famous for the parties they hosted in this house. Their celebrity guest list included D. H. Lawrence, Ansel Adams, Igor Stravinsky, Martha Graham, Willa Cather, Edna St. Vincent Millay, Stephen Spender, Christopher Isherwood, Georgia O'Keeffe, Mary Austin, Thornton Wilder, Robert Oppenheimer, Robert Frost, W. H. Auden, Lynn Riggs, Rita Hayworth, Errol Flynn and countless others. Bynner's home, in its magnificent garden setting, was the center of intellectual and creative activity in Santa Fe. Robert Frost and Ralph Bolton, the owners and innkeepers, have faithfully restored the property. Their goals - as innkeepers and as custodians of the home and land that Bynner loved - are to rekindle the spirit of excitement, hospitality and creativity for which this home was renowned in the past, to protect and extend the legacy of its famous creator, and to provide their guests with the experience of a unique setting that captures the essence of traditional Santa Fe. They are painstakingly restoring the adobe villa and the gardens to their former glory. They look forward to the privilege of serving as your hosts during your visit to Northern New Mexico.
Reviews
Score Breakdown based on 44 Reviews
4.6 out of 5- Guest room 4
- Services 5
- Value 5
- Cleanliness 5
- Dining 5
4.8 out of 5Best thoughts about our stay at the Inn of the Turquoise Bear
May 04, 2012
Beautiful, old, adobe buildings allowing you to be immersed in the histroy of Santa Fe. The Inn keeper was friendly and helpful, and could fix a breakfast that made you anxious to wake up in the mornings. John, who works at the Inn, has a relaxed comfortable personality, and is just fun to talk to. The wine hour makes you feel at home. It was a wonderful experience. Also the Inn is an ideal distance from Old Santa Fe. Ron and Marg Price, Manheim, Pa
5 out of 5A fantastic and centrally located Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe
March 06, 2012
The Turquoise Bear Inn is Robert's and Ralph's labor of love, and it showed in all aspects of our stay. They are some of the most generous and hospitable people I have met in a very long time. The room was clean and comfortable. The sumptuous food was some of the best I’ve encountered in any hotel or B&B. The entire staff was friendly and polite. My husband and I are sure return and we confidently recommend this B&B to everyone. It's so convenient, authentic, comfortable, cozy, welcoming and delicious, I can't wait to go back. Mina Kinsey
5 out of 5Great stay, great doggies, and good breakfast too!
September 29, 2011
Another great stay in Santa Fe. I almost always stay here when visiting Santa Fe, and it is always wonderful. The doggies are so much fun, Colt & Cody, helps me keep the girlfriend from getting a dog of her own. The breakfast is great . . . the times we've actually woken up early enough to get it (and they do keep it going for a while, I think until 9 or 9:30), but we sometimes don't make it out of the room until after 10:00. Mostly because the rooms are quite and comfortable. This place is walking distance to downtown Santa Fe, which is awesome since we like trying out different restaurants downtown. And one of the best restaurants is one of the closest ones, near the capitol building. Every room is different, so your experience might vary as you stay in different rooms. But I've stayed in at least 4 different rooms, and they are all great. The place has free WI-FI, which is transmitted from the main living room/dining room/office, so if your room is close, you'll get great signal. If your room is farther away, you might get a weaker signal. But you can bring your laptop into the living room and lounge using the internet there. It is very comfortable. If you are visiting on business, or need internet, something to keep in mind and ask the reservation person when you call; for one of the rooms that gets stronger wi-fi signal.
5 out of 5Best B&B stay ever!
November 14, 2010
Stayed for Veterans day. Owner gave free stay to veterans. The man is the most generous and hospitable person I have met in a very long time. The room was clean and comfortable. The food was some of the best found in any 5 star hotel or B&B we have ever had. The entire staff was friendly and polite. I will return and recommend this B&B to everyone I know.
Location
Innkeeper Information
Innkeeper(s)
Ralph Bolton & Robert Frost
Innkeepers Description:
Robert: hotel management specialist, navy veteran; Ralph: anthropologist, author, lecturer. Our interests: current affairs, history, reading, and travel.
The innkeepers speak:
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Norwegian
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English
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French
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German
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Spanish
Resident Pets
2 Cats , 2 Dogs
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Nightly Rate
$135 - $265
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Rooms & Rates
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Nightly Rate
$135 - $265
Bynner-Hunt Suite
The Witter Bynner ($235-$255)is a spacious, second-floor room which may be rented alone or, in combination with the Robert Hunt Room, as a two-room suite ($350 - $370). Since access to the Hunt Room is through the bathroom used by guests in the Witter Bynner Room, the Hunt Room is never sold separately. The Witter Bynner Room has a large fireplace, a king size bed, viga beams,a sitting area with a large sofa facing the fireplace. Attached to this room is a balcony with gorgeous views of the gardens, Santa Fe, and the Sangre de Cristo's.
- Maximum Capacity: 4
- Bathroom Private Bath
- Beds 1 King , 2 Twin
Contact for Availability ContactD. H. Lawrence
The D. H. Lawrence Room (on the second floor) is a junior suite named for Bynner's friend and traveling companion. Bynner and the Lawrences traveled together on an extended trip to Mexico, about which they each wrote a book. D. H. and Frieda Lawrence spent their first night in an American home in this house and were frequent guests here. The bedroom is separate from a sitting area and has a queen-sized bed, kiva fireplace and wide plank floors. The sitting area has a twin-size sofa-bed, bookcases and two chairs. The balcony overlooks an interior courtyard with a rustic staircase leading to the courtyard
- Maximum Capacity: 3
- Bathroom Private Bath
- Beds 1 Queen , 1 Twin
Contact for Availability ContactShaman
The Shaman Room is a very large room with a king-size bed, a polished brick floor, viga beams, bookcases, and a grand fireplace. There are two sitting areas, one with a twin sofa-bed and the other has two large chairs. There is a long built-in bench beneath an expansive picture window that looks out into the lush grounds. The private bath has a Mexican tile shower. The room also has a small refrigerator and Native American decor. Originally Bynner's study, this room was built for solitude, writing, and contemplation.
- Maximum Capacity: 3
- Bathroom Private Bath
- Beds 1 King , 1 Twin
Contact for Availability ContactGeorgia O'Keeffe
The Georgia O’Keeffe Room is named in honor of one of New Mexico’s most illustrious painters with whom he shared an interest in Chinese art and culture. Bynner and Georgia O'Keeffe were longtime friends. This is a very large rectangular room with a king-size bed, kiva fireplace, sitting area, viga beams, bookcases, and a pine wood floor. The sofa is a twin sofa-bed, and there is small refrigerator. The bath is private with tub and shower.
- Maximum Capacity: 3
- Bathroom Private Bath
- Beds 1 King , 1 Twin
Contact for Availability ContactO. Henry
The O. Henry Room is a standard-sized room with a queen bed, a kiva fireplace, viga beams, and a wood floor with area rugs. The bath is private with a large talavera-tiled shower. This room is named for the famed short-story writer whose work was edited by Bynner when they lived in New York. The sale by Bynner of three short stories by O. Henry paid for the construction of several rooms in the house.
- Maximum Capacity: 2
- Bathroom Private Bath
- Beds 1 Queen
Contact for Availability ContactAnsel Adams
Ansel Adams, the famous photographer, was a close friend of Bynner. A frequent guest in this house, along with his wife, Virginia, Ansel Adams took photos of Bynner and his rambling adobe home. The Ansel Adams Room has a queen-size bed, a saltillo tile floor, and a large private bath with claw-foot tub-and-shower combination. The Eden Tree Courtyard is just outside the door.
- Maximum Capacity: 2
- Bathroom Private Bath
- Beds 1 Queen
Contact for Availability ContactWilla Cather
Willa Cather was a friend of Bynner and a visitor to his home. The Willa Cather Room is named for the author of the most famous novel about Santa Fe, New Mexico, Death Comes for the Archbishop. This is a standard-size room with a queen bed, kiva fireplace, large chair and a saltillo tile floor. The bath, accessed from a common foyer, is shared with the Millay Room
- Maximum Capacity: 2
- Beds 1 Queen
Contact for Availability ContactEdna Millay
The distinguished poet, Edna St. Vincent Millay, was once engaged to Bynner. The room named for her is a pleasant room with a view across the grounds toward the Old Santa Fe Trail and the Sangre de Cristo mountains. The bed is queen-sized and there is a small sofa, kiva fireplace, viga ceilings, and a saltillo tile floor. The bath, accessed from a common foyer, is shared with the Willa Cather Room. This room also opens onto the small Eden Tree Courtyard.
- Maximum Capacity: 2
- Beds 1 Queen
Contact for Availability ContactIgor Stravinsky
The Igor Stravinsky Room is named for the composer who made the Santa Fe Opera famous, and who was a house guest of Bynner for the opening season of the opera. It was originally built as lodging for Rita, Bynner's housekeeper. There is a queen bed, two overstuffed chairs, kiva fireplace and windows looking out onto tree-shaded patios. The bath is private with claw-foot tub-and-shower combination.
- Maximum Capacity: 2
- Bathroom Private Bath
- Beds 1 Queen
Contact for Availability ContactSpud Johnson
Separate from the main building, the Spud Johnson Room was once the carriage house and is decorated in a Western cowboy motif. There is a queen bed, two large comfortable chairs, kiva fireplace, a saltillo tile floor and a private bath with a large, tiled shower. ADA compliant, it is adjacent to the parking area. Features include a portal with a brick floor and a red willow bench for enjoying the gardens and a fountain. Willard “Spud” Johnson was the writer and editor of The Laughing Horse, and was Bynner's secretary/companion before he was lured to Taos by Mabel Dodge Lujan.
- Maximum Capacity: 2
- Bathroom Private Bath
- Beds 1 Queen
Contact for Availability ContactPolicy
Reservation Policy
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Check In: 3 PM Check Out: Noon
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Minimum Stay: Two or three day minimum stay required during some holidays
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Deposit Amount Required: A deposit of one night's room rate and taxes is required to confirm a reservation.
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Cancellations: Reservations canceled more than 14 days prior to scheduled arrival will have deposit minus $20 fee refunded. Within the 14 days, the guest is responsible for the entire amount of the reservation. Holidays, special events, July and August require a 30 day advance notice to cancel.
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Open All Year Round: Yes
General Policies
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Smoking Allowed: Limited
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Guest Pets Allowed: Yes
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Drinking Allowed: Yes
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Drinks Available: No
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Children Allowed: Inquire about policy.
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Suitable For Children: Yes
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Childcare Provided: No
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Nightly Rate
$135 - $265
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Reviews
Score Breakdown based on 44 Reviews
4.6 out of 5- Guest room 4
- Services 4
- Value 4
- Cleanliness 4
- Dining 4
4.8 out of 5Best thoughts about our stay at the Inn of the Turquoise Bear
May 04, 2012
Beautiful, old, adobe buildings allowing you to be immersed in the histroy of Santa Fe. The Inn keeper was friendly and helpful, and could fix a breakfast that made you anxious to wake up in the mornings. John, who works at the Inn, has a relaxed comfortable personality, and is just fun to talk to. The wine hour makes you feel at home. It was a wonderful experience. Also the Inn is an ideal distance from Old Santa Fe. Ron and Marg Price, Manheim, Pa
5 out of 5A fantastic and centrally located Bed and Breakfast in Santa Fe
March 06, 2012
The Turquoise Bear Inn is Robert's and Ralph's labor of love, and it showed in all aspects of our stay. They are some of the most generous and hospitable people I have met in a very long time. The room was clean and comfortable. The sumptuous food was some of the best I’ve encountered in any hotel or B&B. The entire staff was friendly and polite. My husband and I are sure return and we confidently recommend this B&B to everyone. It's so convenient, authentic, comfortable, cozy, welcoming and delicious, I can't wait to go back. Mina Kinsey
5 out of 5Great stay, great doggies, and good breakfast too!
September 29, 2011
Another great stay in Santa Fe. I almost always stay here when visiting Santa Fe, and it is always wonderful. The doggies are so much fun, Colt & Cody, helps me keep the girlfriend from getting a dog of her own. The breakfast is great . . . the times we've actually woken up early enough to get it (and they do keep it going for a while, I think until 9 or 9:30), but we sometimes don't make it out of the room until after 10:00. Mostly because the rooms are quite and comfortable. This place is walking distance to downtown Santa Fe, which is awesome since we like trying out different restaurants downtown. And one of the best restaurants is one of the closest ones, near the capitol building. Every room is different, so your experience might vary as you stay in different rooms. But I've stayed in at least 4 different rooms, and they are all great. The place has free WI-FI, which is transmitted from the main living room/dining room/office, so if your room is close, you'll get great signal. If your room is farther away, you might get a weaker signal. But you can bring your laptop into the living room and lounge using the internet there. It is very comfortable. If you are visiting on business, or need internet, something to keep in mind and ask the reservation person when you call; for one of the rooms that gets stronger wi-fi signal.
5 out of 5Best B&B stay ever!
November 14, 2010
Stayed for Veterans day. Owner gave free stay to veterans. The man is the most generous and hospitable person I have met in a very long time. The room was clean and comfortable. The food was some of the best found in any 5 star hotel or B&B we have ever had. The entire staff was friendly and polite. I will return and recommend this B&B to everyone I know.
4.8 out of 5Thelma and Lousie's stay in Santa Fe
August 25, 2010
My sister and I had a delightful experience at your lovely inn. From the time we were checked in by Michael who gave us a little history of the historic inn to next, meeting other charming guests and our host Ralph (Robert had to go out of town) to a entertaining wine and cheese social, and finally the huge breakfast of our choice the following morning. Everything was marvelous. The landscapers even helped us with our luggage to our car!!! We will be back and tell our friends in Colorado and New Jersey!!!!
5 out of 5Southern hospitality in Santa Fe...
August 07, 2010
should not really be a surprise since innkeeper Robert is from Alabama; the blue bear, from my room, common room, breakfast (incredible), wine and cheese, all of the other inn and guest "keepers", the critters, and the gardens are all there waiting to be thoroghly enjoyed. This place and the people can keep me any time! s, atlanta
4.6 out of 5Hated to leave!
July 20, 2010
My friend and I absolutely ADORED The Inn of the Turquoise Bear...I'd never stayed in a bed and breakfast before and it was just wonderful. I loved the people there, so helpful and personable, the food was stupendous and the Wind and Cheese Social hour was SO FUN! Such an eclectic group of people that fast became friends. I cannot wait to go back...
5 out of 5Outstanding in Every Way
July 08, 2010
Forget those overpriced five-star hotels off the Plaza. Been there, done that. From now on this, Robert's and Ralph's labor of love, will be my go-to home away from home in Santa Fe. It's so convenient, authentic, comfortable, cozy, welcoming and delicious, I can't wait to go back. In April, I read by "my" fireplace every evening and drifted off to sleep in the comfort of a great bed. As others have mentioned, the afternoon wine and cheese hour's a blast; lots of laughter and trading of travel stories -- and opinions. Don't miss it or the Inn of the Turquiose Bear.
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Location
Location Type
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Downtown
City - Albuquerque
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Distance to city: 55 miles
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Directions to property:
From I-25, take exit 284, go North approx 1.3 miles, bear right to continue on Old Pecos Trail; Go about 1.3 miles more, turn left onto E. Buena Vista St, and Left into the first driveway.
Airport
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Albuquerque, NM (ABQ) 55 miles
Area Attractions
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Antique Shopping
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Art Galleries
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Casino
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Concert venue
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Gourmet/Fine Dining
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Historical interests
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Live Music
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Movie Theater
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Museum
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National/State parks
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Nature area
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Outlet Stores
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Performing Theater
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Picnic area
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Religious Services
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River
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Rodeo
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Ruins
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Ski area
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Winery
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Bicycle rental
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Bicycle riding trails
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Bicycles
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Billiards
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Bird watching
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Boating
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Canoeing
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Cross-country ski trails
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Downhill Skiing
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Fishing
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Golfing
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Hiking trails
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Horseback riding
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Horseshoes
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Kayaking
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Mountain Bike trails
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Sunbathing
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Hot tubbing
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Massage and spa treatments
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Shopping
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Sight-seeing
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Ski rentals
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Snow shoe rental
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Snow shoe trails
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Swimming
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Swimming pool
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Tennis courts
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Tennis racket rental
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Video Arcade
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Whitewater Rafting
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Amenities
Type:
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Bed and Breakfast
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Historic Inn
Property highlights
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Celebrity guests
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Friendliness of staff
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Heritage Preservation Awards
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History
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Popular evening social hour
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Spacious gardens
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Antiques/decor
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Business travel
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Excellent views
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Gay / Lesbian Travel
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Group events
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Honeymoons
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Peaceful getaway
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Romantic escape
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Weddings
On-site
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Board games
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Computer
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Conference Rooms
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Copier
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Fax Machine
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Library
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Videos
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Wedding Facilities
Guest room(s)
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Air conditioning
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Alarm clock
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Bath robes
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Coffee/Tea facilities
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DVD Player
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In-room internet
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Desk
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Fireplace
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Fridge
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Hairdryer
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Internet Service
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Ironing Board
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Private entrance
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Satellite/Cable TV
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TV
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Telephone
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VCR
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Wi-Fi
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Breakfast
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Type: Continental Plus
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Time Served: 7:30to 9:30
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Serving Location: In room if requested,Breakfast/dining area
Complimentary Perks
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Non-alcoholic Beverages
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Wine/Cheese Plate
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Contact The Innkeeper
Best Price Guarantee
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Best Price Guarantee Terms and Conditions
The BedandBreakfast.com Best Price Guarantee ensures that when you book and pay for your reservation online through the BedandBreafkast.com website, you are booking your room at the lowest available price. If you find a lower price for the same room on the same dates at the same B&B, and contact us within 24 hour of making your booking, we will refund the difference in price to you. This guarantee does not apply to bookings made over holidays and/or for special events. All requests are subject to verification by BedandBreakfast.com. BedandBreafkast.com will not accept screenshots or other purported evidence of a lower price that cannot be independently confirmed by BedandBreakfast.com personnel. Nor will BedandBreakfast.com verify any requests that it believes, in its sole discretion, is the result of a printing or other error or is made fraudulently or in bad faith.