The Columbian Bed & Breakfast

The location and space of the rooms at the Columbian was wonderful. The linens, bed, TV were all excellent. I certainly plan to stay here when I return next to this area of Pennsylvania. Thank you so much for your friendliness!! Jane

The Columbian Inn and Retreat is an excellent choice for a stay in or near Columbia. It is conveniently located off Route 30 and close to many of Lancaster County’s attractions. But that is not why I stay. I stay because of the gorgeous entrance, the comfortable and quiet rooms and the excellent breakfasts provided by the innkeeper. Karen, the innkeeper is also a massage therapist and has recently teamed up with a yoga instructor who offers 2 yoga classes a week. These added perks make any stay at the Inn one to relish. I would recommend this Inn for a longer stay while touring Lancaster County, a weekend retreat, or an overnight when driving through this area on Route 30.

Wonderful place with service that ensures you an enjoyable stay.

Private, personalized service, especially breakfast. Economical, yet cozy!

This was our second time staying at the Columbian Inn and once again we had a great time. Karen is a great B&B hostess and makes marvelous breakfasts. We are both vegetarians and that did not hinder her creativity. We plan to stay at the Inn again when we visit family in the area. Joan and Laird Lorenz

To celebrate my mother's 70th birthday, we recently held a special dinner at the Columbian Bed & Breakfast in Lancaster County, PA. Innkeeper Karen Umlauf did a wonderful job for us! She thought of everything - the varied menu, the fancy cake, the flower centerpieces and more. My family loved the intimate setting, the personal service and the delicious food. Family members also spent the night at Karen's B&B and raved about the beautiful rooms and apple pancakes Karen made for them the next morning. Karen helped us create a fantastic event that everyone - especially my mom - will long remember. I would highly recommend The Columbian Bed & Breakfast in Lancaster, PA for a special event or a weekend getaway.

Everything about our 2 night stay was exceptional. Beautiful older home and room, lovely and serene garden area, great location, and the best part was the amazing breakfast each day. This was our first B+B stay in the U.S. and it set a standard that will be hard to match. Vicki & Dan New Jersey

The Inn feels like home away from home with many additional comforts and elegance. This was our 5th stay at the Inn and each time there are additional nicities. The rooms are so beautifully appointed, the breakfasts are delicious, etc. But, most of all the innkeeper Karen makes you feel so welcome and at ease.

We recently had the pleasure staying at the Columbian Inn. It was perfect. Karen was extremely nice and the breakfast was superb (especially the fresh baked bread). Our room was perfect from the linens to stove which warmed it on a cold night. The value can't be beat and there are a plethora of things to do in the area. Definitely head up to Chickie's Rock for an amazing view.

This was a very lovely place to stay and we will be back again. This was our third visit. A very fine breakfast and Karen is a great hostess.

The Columbian Bed & Breakfast was like stepping back into another era. We liked the decor. The location was close to many unique shops. Our hostess was very interested in maling our stay pleasant.

The accomodations were beautiful, and the attention to detail really shows. The food was wonderful. I love the innkeeper!

What every bed and breakfast and Innkeeper should be! Gorgeous home and services at an extremely reasonable price!

This was my first trip back to this B&B after more than a decade, and I was pleasantly surprised. The present owner / Innkeeper Karen has done a superb upgrade throughout. During my October 2010 3-night visit with two others in my group, we found the guest rooms, parlor and dining room exceedingly well-appointed and very comfortable. Once inside the 1898 structure, the Inn now exudes an elegant and quiet ambiance, in contrast to the busy and somewhat noisy city environment outside (if you are a very light sleeper, then consider some packing some earlplugs). Well-thought out and appreciated amenities include the complimentary wine and the wireless capability. The breakfasts were savory and ample, and Karen graciously honored our request for an earlier breakfast time so we could make our event commitments. She also suggested several restaurants in the area, and the two we sampled (Bullys and John Wright) were very enjoyable with well-prepared food. As the weather was rainy and/or cool during our stay, we did not take advantage of the the garden patio tables, or rockers on the porch - though inviting! Having experienced dozens of B&Bs over the years, the Columbian certainly rates among the nicer ones and I look forward to returning!

This 1898 home is charming and quiet. Decorated with a tasteful blend of antiques and some modern pieces. Food was wonderful!

Lovely B&B in western Lancaster county. Great location (2 blocks away) from the Watch and Clock Museum, antique shops and touring the rivertowns of Lancaster county.

Lovely atmosphere, very accommodating, warm, welcoming, and comfortable!

My wife and I only spent one night at the Columbian B & B but we enjoyed our stay and wish we could have stayed longer. Our room was beautifully decorated and the bed was very comfortable. Karen provided us a wonderful breakfast that included a large omlet, fresh fruit with granola and yogurt plus juice, coffee and array of tea choices. The town of Columbia is filled with many historical buildings and homes that are beautifully restored and well preserved. it is a very nice area and I would recommend visiting both the Columbian B & B and the town of Columbia. They are both charming.

I recently took a one week workshop and needed a hotel near the facility. This inn, along with the exceptional rates and exceptional lady (Karen) who is the proprietor, made the entire stay a great pleasure. I would recommend this inn most highly, and would stay there again in a heartbeat! Bill Lockyer

When a recent family event was scheduled for the weekend of May 22, 2010 in Columbia, PA, there was no question as to where my husband and I would stay. We had stayed at the Columbian Bed and Breakfast two years ago when we attended a family reunion event then. Since so many relatives from out of town were in Columbia for the event, staying with family was not an option. However, the hospitality of the innkeeper, Karen Umlauf, and the Victorian ambiance of the Columbian B&B made us feel right at home. Karen was so accommodating to our arrival and departure times, leaving us a key to let ourselves in when we arrived. We were on quite a schedule, so she served us the complimentary gourmet breakfasts at earlier times ( 8 a.m.) than normally offered (9 a.m.). -- and what delicious breakfasts Karen served. We found everything just as cozy and hospitable on this last trip as we did our first. I would highly recommend this B&B to any traveler!

There are so many great things to say about the Columbian Inn. The room was so clean and the bed was so comfortable, we almost wanted to stay another night but we had plans already made for the rest of our honeymoon. Breakfast was delicious; French toast topped with fresh fruit and the best orange juice my wife and I have ever tasted. Karen was very hospitable and genuinely friendly, I could tell she loves what she does there and it shows in the care she puts into all the details. We will probably stay there again if we randomly decide to go on a getaway vacation.

It is always quiet and clean and friendly at the Columbian. A great place to stay, particularily if you are working at the Watch and Clock School of NAWCC. Thanks Columbian!

Good place to stay if you have things to do in the area. Conveniently located between Lancaster and York. Chock full of antiques and nicely decorated. We stayed in the Ladies Parlor. It was very nice but had no closet or anyplace to hang up clothes. Food was very good and the innkeeper very attentive.

very much liked the room & the breafast. great old building.

We enoyed our stay at the Columbian Inn very much. Karen is a wonderful host and made us feel at home. Lovely home and great breakfast. We will be returning. My wife enjoyed the massage and really relaxed. Mr. and Mrs. Di

My friend & I greatly enjoyed our one night stay here. The house is just lovely and Karen was so nice and helpful. She has makes a great breakfast with apple spice pancakes. We also recommend walking or driving around the town a bit. There are some nice antique stores and lots of history!!

We have stayed 2 times at Columbian B&B, in the Parlor Room. It is decorated with antiques and the Parlor Room is very comfortable. It is strange to have a mini refrig in the room, but very helpful. The small bottle of wine and chocolate are a nice additions. The robes are luscious and the lip balm is a different touch. We enjoyed our stay and will probably return again, since it is close to York where we need to be twice a year.

I stayed for 6 nights while attending a class. The rooms were very comfortable and allowed me to work in the evenings. The service was excellent and value outstanding.

This was our first stay at a B & B for us. Our host was very nice and helpful during our stay. She made our weekend getaway celebration special.

Our host was terrific. She was cordial and very accommodating. The room was very comfortable and clean. We had a wonderful stay.

This was a wonderful experience, especially for my first time at a B&B. It was comfy, clean, and cozy. The service and food was great, and I would definitely come back again!

Karen made our stay very peaceful, relaxing, and romantic. We both had massages and a romantic dinner for two. The food was the most amazing and delicious and well presented. Karen also upgraded our room for us, we over looked the garden on our own private balcony. Our room was extremley clean! Our stay definatley made our 1st year wedding anniversary the best!

This was our first time staying at a Bed & Breakfast. It was clean, attractive and the furnishings were everything you would expect to see in a Victorian home. It was superb! The hospitality was outstanding and Karen, the owner and operator made us feel right at home. We slept better at the Columbian Inn than at home! I plan to tell everyone about it and I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking for a getaway or extended stay. You will not be disappointed!

The above ratings don't say enough about this inn. Complimentary bottle of wine and chocolates for our anniversary. The proprietor made a dinner reservation for us, too! Would gladly return.

Great place to have easy access to all the Lancaster county sites, but away from the tourist traps. Best breakfast I have had since Ireland.

Beautifully decorated rooms, relaxing backyard and patio, fabulous food. We look forward to a return visit!

Our weekend was enhanced by staying at the Columbia Inn. It is a beautiful old building wonderfully restored and cared for. We felt like we were staying in a family bedroom. Everything was clean. Breakfast was beautiful,plenty and delicious. Enjoyed checking out the town of Columbia.

You will be thoroughly pleased with this beautiful home and professional service. We stayed in the Bishop Room and enjoyed the spotless, ample bathroom and plush robes. We plan to return when in the Columbia area.

about how great our stay was! Karen made us feel at home from start to finish, but while we felt "at home" we were constantly impressed with little details of the house and her amazing breakfasts. The town is also fun, as well as exploring up and down the river. We had a wonderful time!

We have stayed here on nine occasions over a 10 year period. This is the best B&B in the Lancaster PA area.

This villa is in furnished as close to the time it was built as possible, and not overdone with modern efforts to create an "antique" atmosphere. The house and garden are relaxing and peaceful, close to everythng, but create a quiet oasis in spite of being in the middle of a busy town. We loved it! Also excited about the efforts made to upgrade the town of Columbia.

The staff at The Columbian could not have been better. The rooms were wonderful and what a beautiful neighborhood.

I don't know what exactly I was expecting but I wasn't expecting to be right next door to a gas station and on a busy road. The Inn was a very neat old house, I loved the pocket doors and the stained glass. I wasn't too happy with the dogs barking all night. My husband and I went for a walk but were hard pressed to find walking trails. If we were expecting to stay in a town it would have been fine but we were expecting to stay in the country. Also if you stay in the Ladies Parlor, you are RIGHT next to the front door and you can hear everyone and everyone can hear you.

The inn is absolutely beautiful and clean.

This was our first time staying in a B&B, and now we never want to stay in a hotel again! Everything was totally amazing! We were able to stay with our 3-yr old son, which was great because most B&Bs in the area did not allow children under 10. We were able to get a room with an additional bedroom for our son for a price that was actually CHEAPER than any hotel! The rooms were beautiful and very romantic. We didn't want to leave! The innkeeper was totally sweet and the breakfast was outstanding. I will recommend this place to everyone I know.

What a wonderful, charming Bed and Breakfast. Being able to have a massage and facial REALLY made our stay that much more enjoyable. Also, the hot tub was an added bonus. Our "Girls' Weekend" was a blast!

Great place to stay!

Great hot-tub, fantastic breakfast, the area is more to be desired

This house is gorgeous and the room so cozy. The innkeeper has truly thought of everything to make a stay here comfortable. We will definately visit again soon!

Awesome service! Great room rates.Very charming rooms. Karen is a Great cook. Be back for years to come.

The Columbian is simply incredible. Their website does not do them justice. Karen is a gracious host and outstanding innkeeper and cook. We had the German pancakes and they were divine. Note: Rooms are much larger in real life than they appear on the website. EVERYTHING about the inn is above expectations. We'll definitely return!

A very relaxing place to stay. The Breakfast was outstanding.

Personalized service, yet maintained privacy, as a getaway weekend, we felt stress "float away."

Everything about our stay was impeccable - room, breakfast, cleanliness, ammenities, etc. and our hostess was charming. Would love to be able to stay more than one night and do the romantic get-away.

This was my first "stay" at a bed and breakfast and I loved it! Everything was wonderful and the house was beautiful (antique victorian). The extras like the wine and clocolates were so nice. The morning breakfast was exceptional and beautifully served. I highly recommend this bed and breakfast and hope to return again in the future. Carol and Rob

We loved our rooms and the comfy beds, the charming decor (antiques galore and stained glass windows). The food was good, everything was spotless, and the price was surprisingly low. Thanks, Karen, for a great experience.

The Columbian B&B was a wonderful getaway for us. It was a quiet, romantic, and overall wonderful place to stay! Karen was welcoming and accomendating.

Our stay at Columbian Bad and Breakfast was wonderful. The room was spacious and bed so comfortable. I loved the soft robes, and the complimentary chocolate and wine. Breakfast on both days was very good.

We stayed at the Columbian for our 2nd anniversary. Karen was such a wonderful host! The Inn is beautiful and the breakfast was delicious. My husband and I really enjoyed relaxing in the hot tub. It was our first experience at a B&B and it won't be the last! Heather Mast

The house and room were beautiful.Karen and the dogs were great.The food was delicious.We were just as comfortable as if we were in our own home.We would recommend the Columbian Inn to everyone.

This was our first time staying at Bed and Breakfast. We both really enjoyed the accomodations and service provided during our stay. We plan to return really soon!

A very clean, beautiful room. Outstanding food. Unbelieveable service. A great massage. All done by the most down-to-Earth Innkeeper. Karen, obviously, loves what she does.

This is a lovely place and a homey atmosphere. We only could stay one night, but it was a lovely experience.

We've stayed in other B and B's in the area, all fine, but this will be our new "first call" when we come back to the area. Karen is welcoming and helpful. The inn has a nice comfortable feel, and the meal was lovely. Looking forward to a return.

we had a warm welcome and we felt very comfortable during our stay at the columbian bed and breakfast.

We had a great, relaxing vacation. Too short. Inn was beautiful. Hot tub was great feature at the end of a long day. Hope to be back soon.

Our room was impeccably clean, Karen was a great hostess, and the inn was beautiful. We plan on coming back again with guests.

We stayed in the butler suite. It was nicely decorated and had the convience of a refregerator, two rooms and a balcony which overlooked a garden. The breakfast was delicious and elegantly served.

We stayed at the Columbian with 2 other couples while attending the Nissley Lawn Concert on Aug23. The house is beautiful, and we especially liked relaxing in the back courtyard after we returned from the concert. P.S. We also loved Meryl and Layla!

A gorgeous Victorian home with beautiful gardens, 2 sweet dogs & a delicious breakfast! Suprisingly affordable! Felt right at home! Loved it & wish we could have stayed lomger!

This is the best B&B experience I have ever had. Started my stay with a wonderful massage on the premises. You feel as is you have truly stepped in to a victorian family home as soon as you come thru the door. Wonderful energy, peace, quiet in all areas. Lovely sitting room and cool patio area with plenty of choices for seating, walking thru garden or jumping in the hot tub. Breakfast was beautiful and delicious. This will definitely be one of my regular getaways. Thank you , Karen!

Karen could not have been nicer, and the property was very clean and tidy. Will go back again and visit the town of Columbia in the near future.

Karen is a gracious & accomodating hostess. Her rooms are lovely & extremely comfortable! The amenities she provides are awesome. Breakfast is always delish! We've stayed at The Columbian several times and always look forward to returning. This B&B is my #1 recommendation in the area.

We enjoyed our stay at the Columbian tremendously. Our room was comfortable and Karen is most welcoming. Breakfast was very good, (we skipped lunch.) The Columbian B & B is conveniently located for the antiquing we had come to the area for. We found good local restraunts and will return for a longer stay.

We had a wonderful, relaxing evening at The Columbian B&B! Everything exceeded our expectations! The bed was comfortable, the bath immaculate, and the food was delicious! The Inn Keeper, Karen, was welcoming, friendly and professional. We wish we could have stayed longer and we will return!

This house was beautiful and the food was delicious! My husband and I are planning to come back again.

We booked the Columbian on-line so had no idea what it would really be like. It exceeded our expectations on every level! The rooms were beautiful, the breakfast was delicious and the rates were very reasonable. We will definitely return.

Found this B&B on-line while looking for another one in the area (turns out it is up for sale and out of business!). So glad we found the Columbian! Location was perfect for our plans and we were very pleasantly pleased with the rooms and the house is beautiful! This was our first B&B experience and it won't be our last! Thank you!

Karen greeted us at the door and was a huge help getting around town. Breakfast was amazing and we met some very nice people staying with us.

This was by far the most romantic B&B my fiance and I have ever stayed in. We felt like it was our honeymoon! Our room (The Yost Room) was absolutely enchanting. The window seat gave it a dreamy old fashioned feel. The view of the garden instilled a tranquil loveliness. We especially enjoyed the small bottle of wine waiting for us. Aside from the gorgeous decor and architecture the best part was the hot tub out back in the gazebo. We used it first thing in the morning and it was unbelievably relaxing. Breakfast was delicious and Karen is an absolute sweetheart. She has a wonderful energy and makes you feel at home. I highly recommend staying here. Next time, I think we'll indulge in the spa package!

The romantic getaway package made our stay all the more special.

The house is in outstanding condition with great decor. The innkeeper, Karen, is a wonderful host and chef; breakfast was light fare, healthy and delicious. The exterior, including wrap around porch and jacuzzi, was perfect. I highly recommend this B&B.

We stayed there for one night in the Bishop’s room. I loved the front porch with rocking chairs the most...great place for relaxing with a glass of wine (complimentary) at twilight. Another plus point is the nice outdoor hot tub that Karen keeps heated up even late in the evening. The rooms are tastefully decorated and the Readers digest book collections on the side table are so inviting! I was particularly impressed with the way every thing seemed to fit into the ambiance rather than look pseudo antique. I felt like I had traveled in time to live as a house guest in a wealthy 18th century home. Karen is a gracious host and is very accommodating. Woke up late and would like to have late breakfast...no problem! Would like to have lunch or dinner arrangements also made...no problem! Except the fact that the breakfast didn’t make it to my A+ list, it was a wonderful experience.

This Bed and Breakfast was absolutely beautiful. Very historic, cozy, and quaint. Karen keeps her rooms and home immacculatly clean, and is such a friendly and gracious host! The general area/ town leaves a bit to be desired but stepping into the Columbian takes you "away from it all". I had a wonderful stay, and anyone who goes there must go to The Accomac Inn, located nearby; for the most delicious, upscale, classy dining experience! P.S. Be prepared for an exceptionally healthy breakfast while staying. I hope you like berries and wheat germ.

Driving in through town, my wife was concerned, because our only other experience with a B&B was out in the country. But, when we arrived and met Karen, and saw the inside of the house and the grounds, her anxiety about the location was quickly replaced with an appreciation of the expression " you can't judge a book by it's cover". In this case it was " you can't judge a B&B by its surroundings. The house was beautiful, the meals were great, and Karen was a delight. We were celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. Karen left us a note and a small gift in our room and also congratulated us in person when we saw her the next day. The room was comfortable. The only thing I would change would be to add a desk to sit at. The drinks and snacks were a nice touch. As we were leaving, my wife asked for a "baby" off one of the plants, and our host was gracious enough to grant her request. The antique furnishings and the modern conveniences blend very well together. We enjoyed our stay immensely. R&B

My wife and I enjoyed a wonderful three day Valentine's Day holiday. Great rooms, scrumptious breakfasts, friendly proprietor, perfect location for enjoying Lancaster and York counties. The "package" included serious discounts at two local restaurants that offered wonderful fare as well. We have recommended this place to our friends and will be returning.

This is an absolutely wonderful placde to stay. Infact, we have stayed here eight times over the last eight years. Highly recommended and a great value.

We will return!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The room was perfect for a romantic getaway.

Very nice place, clean and quaint. Karen was very gracious and pleasant. The food was great as was the hospitality

We had stayed at this b & b before so knew what to expect. This time we went with 2 other couples, and we were all pleased with our rooms and the innkeeper's hospitality.

The house is lovely and very historic. (Wish there had been time for the innkeeper to share the history with us.) It is very conveniently located to the museum, historic places, and restaurants. Also it was easy to get to Pennsylvania Dutch country and antique stores.

The Bishop Room is lovely, and the private candlelit dinner for two was delicious and incredibly romantic! One thing that inn-goers should know is that this B&B is on a relatively busy street near the downtown area of a small town. It doesn't feel pastoral, although the Susquehanna River is right down the street and is beautiful, and there's lots of pretty farmland nearby.

Beauftiful Inn, Service was outstanding...Would go back in a heartbeat! Sleepy little town...be sure to visit the Moondancer winery... Jan. 2008

The candlelight dinner was very delicious and romantic. The room,atmosphere,service and breakfast were tops.It was every thing we could of asked for. Karen is a great host. We will be back.

Top quality, refreshing and uplifting. We appreciate the friendly welcoming atmosphere. See you again; GG

Last minute reservation during te Christmas Holidays. They were very accomidating and we enjoyed the stay.

It was very comfortable and cozy. Nice spacious room and clean. Very hospitable host that Karen is!

Great place to stay for our first anniversary. We had a wonderful time. We arrived late and it was great to see a very nice note on the door waiting for us. The room was spectacular. The only downfall was the breakfast. It could have been a better portion. Seemed almost like an appetizer. Other than that, a truly wonderful place to stay!

This place is even more impressive than its pictures. The innkeeper, Karen, is a true delight. She was completely hospitable and did everything she could to make sure our stay was as perfect as possible. We'll be back time and again.

What a wonderful stay. Karen was a very hospitable host who has done a fantastic job with the decorating. Truly an enjoyable stay.

The inn is beautiful. The rooms are absolutely lovely. Thank you so much for the warmth, friendliness and beauty of your inn. It was wonderful to be there for our 35th wedding anniversary.

This was a great place to stay. We loved the room and the breakfast was fantastic!!!

Everything was most delightful down to the last detail. Innkeeper Karen couldn't have been more personable and did everything she could to see that our stay was comfortable. She provided information on area attractions and activities that we enjoyed immensely. I would have to say that the breakfasts were the highlight, though! Beautifully presented and everything was absolutely delicious! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

We stay there every time we go to Lancaster. It is a very cozy, luxurious place to stay. The extra touches like wine, chocolate, water etc. in the fridge, and those robes!!! make it A+++.

You have got to try this. Our first time in a B&B and everything was perfect. Breakfafst...OUTSTANDING!! Also, Karen is a licensed massage therapist....What a way to start or end your day. We will definitely return. Velma & Bill Young, Norwalk CT

Karen made sure that all 3 of our rooms were available 4 hrs. prior to check-in, to allow us to change before the wedding we were attending.

The Columbia is elegant. The breakfast is gourmet and absolutely delicious. The innkeeper is gracious and kind. You feel at home there. It is one of the finest B&B in the Lancaster Area.Thank you for a delightful stay.