Windham Hill Inn, West Townshend, VT

Just in time to celebrate engagements, weddings, anniversaries, and springtime escapes, the editors of the BedandBreakfast.com Report are announcing their choices for the top dozen B&B favorites for romantic getaways. Each recommended inn has been visited by well-known travel writer and editor Sandy Soule or a member of her editorial team. There is absolutely no fee or membership requirement of any kind for inclusion in this list. The BedandBreakfast.com Report is a free online newsletter published quarterly by BedandBreakfast.com, celebrating its third anniversary this month.

All our choices - whether in town or in the countryside - are great choices for romance and relaxation. Many are surprisingly affordable, and most allow you to forget your car until the time comes (much too soon) to head home.

Listed alphabetically by state/province:

1. Arizona: Casa Sedona, Sedona

   Experienced innkeepers Bob & Donna Marriott (formerly of another award-winning inn, Casa de la Paz in St. Augustine) have applied their talents to the magical atmosphere of Sedona. Dramatic red rock views can be had from almost every room of this hacienda-style inn, and guest rooms offer décor to suit every taste. Luxury amenities are supplemented by hearty breakfasts, cookies & tea, and evening hors d'oeuvres, plus a hot tub and hiking trails.

2. California: Tickle Pink, Carmel

   Serene vistas of the Pacific Ocean and dramatic views of the waves crashing on the rocks in the cove below make the Tickle Pink a top choice in Carmel. A breakfast buffet is laid out on the cliff-side deck each morning; an ample wine and cheese hour is presented here in the late afternoon. Our toughest decision was deciding where to watch the sun sink into the Pacific: from our room, the deck, or the hot tub.

3. Georgia: Foley House, Savannah

   In the heart of Savannah's historic district, the Foley House is an easy stroll from the city's lovely parks, enticing restaurants, and historic sites. Ample common areas, both inside and out, are available for relaxing and enjoying breakfast, afternoon refreshments, and evening wine reception. Twelve-foot ceilings enhance the spacious feel of the well-equipped guest rooms. Innkeepers Beryl and Don Zerwer and their staff provide first-rate service to their guests.

4. Illinois: Goldmoor Inn, Galena

   Watching the sunset over the Mississippi River is always a romantic sight, but it's much more so when you can enjoy it from a whirlpool tub in one of the luxury suites at the Goldmoor Inn. Jim and Pat Goldthorpe have created a wonderful getaway inn, highlighted by Pat's creative decorating talents, whether you prefer French country elegance or log cabin charm.

5. Iowa: Butler House on Grand, Des Moines, IA

   Decorated as a designer show house for the Des Moines Symphony, the Butler House complements its 1923 Tudor architecture with décor that is an exceptional balance of elegance and comfort, enhanced by the knowledgeable and welcoming hospitality of innkeepers Lauren & Clark Smith, plus amazingly affordable rates. Beautiful neighborhood, plus chef-owned restaurants nearby offering big-city cuisine at small-town prices.

6. Missouri: Aunt Sadie's, Branson

   For country charm and true Ozark's hospitality, you can't beat the affordable extravagance of a visit to Aunt Sadie's. Our favorite cabin is the Secret Garden, with a covered front porch and a swing, a back deck with your own private hot tub, and inside, a king-size bed, private bath with large shower for two, fireplace, double person whirlpool tub, color TV/VCR, refrigerator, and microwave.

7. New Hampshire: Hancock Inn, Hancock

   It's easy to travel two centuries back to Hancock, a beautifully preserved historic village in southern New Hampshire's Monadnock region. At the heart of the village is the Hancock Inn, in continuous operation since 1789. In addition to its atmospheric tavern and excellent restaurant, we enjoyed the best of old and new in one of the new luxury rooms, with a gas fireplace, king-size bed, and whirlpool tub.

8. Pennsylvania: Glasbern, Fogelsville

   If you've been living life in the fast lane, head to Glasbern (an easy drive from New York City or Philadelphia), to relax and unwind. From the beautifully landscaped grounds to the fine dining in the dramatically restored barn to the luxury accommodations to the first-rate staff, the only hard part will be the return to reality. Our two-level Farmhouse suite had a wood-burning fireplace, whirlpool tub, private patio, and many amenities.

9. Tennessee: Buckhorn Inn, Gatlinburg

   Life is full of tough decisions. Do we relax in front of a crackling fire in the big old stone fireplace in the Buckhorn's inviting living room, or take in the Smoky Mountain views from the porch rockers? Chose an elegant guest room in the inn, or a cottage in the woods? Owners Lee & John Mellor have done a remarkable job of updating East Tennessee's oldest country inn without losing a scintilla of its period charm. The décor is highlighted by their personal art collection, and is mercifully devoid of "kountry krafts."

10. Utah: Johnson Mill B&B, Midway

    Less than an hour from Salt Lake City, you don't need a lot of "bread" to enjoy a romantic escape at this restored 1890s flour mill. If you want to enjoy the great skiing, golf, fly-fishing, river rafting, and horseback riding that are just minutes away, maybe you shouldn't book the Presidential Suite, comprising of the entire top floor of the old mill, with unbelievable river and mountain views in all directions, and a large walkout porch above the waterfall.it's just too hard to leave!

11. Vermont: Windham Hill Inn, West Townshend

    Pull two Adirondack chairs close together, sit back, and enjoy the sweeping Green Mountain panorama, remarkable whether the vistas are green in spring and summer, multi-hued in fall, or white in winter. Although shops and skiing are nearby, given the luxurious accommodations, ample breakfasts and fine dining, plus the on-site tennis, swimming, and hiking trails, there's no need to start the car until its time to head home.

12. British Columbia: Point No Point Resort, Sooke

    A cozy cottage with a private deck with its own hot tub, plus dramatic views of the Straits of Juan de Fuca framed by the Washington's Olympic Mountains - add two glasses of first-rate BC wine -- surely there's nothing else you need to know? Actually, it just gets better: a wonderful restaurant offering the same great views, plus excellent meals, and extensive grounds honeycombed with meandering paths, a private beach, and dramatic outlooks.

Interested in learning about the top romantic picks by BedandBreakfast.com editors in past years? For more fabulous romantic B&B choices, click on the links below:

Winners, 2002: www.bedandbreakfast.com/report/june-july-02/story1.htm
Winners, 2001: www.bedandbreakfast.com/report/may-june-01/ask_sandy.htm

Have a question for Sandy? Go to our message boards, and we'll do our best to answer it promptly!