Staunton Choral Gardens

My husband booked our stay at Choral Gardens as a surprise for me on our anniversary. Carolyn and Ralph were the sweetest people and so helpful in making suggestions about local restaurants and shows. We stayed for 2 nights in the Sunshine Suite...beautifully kept and decorated suite. There were snacks and drinks provided. We had the pleasure of experiencing one of Carolyn's fantastic breakfasts with Ralph as the attentive server. What a wonderful place to be. Thank you Carolyn and Ralph. We can't wait to come back. The McHugh's

We called about 15 minutes before we arrived to book our room, and the innkeeper was ready and willing to accommodate us on short notice. The inn was beautiful, and the breakfast was amazing! The innkeeper was very knowledgeable about the area and was able to recommend several wonderful dinner choices in town. Everything you could ever want or need is within walking distance! Can't wait to return!

We had a GREAT Anniversary weekend escape! Carolyn and her husband are outstanding hosts. We enjoyed our discussions as well as the breakfast each morning. A short walk from the B&B will take you throughout downtown. Make sure you visit the Sunspots Studios and watch glass being blown. Also try The Depot for a Great Meal. We will be returning to Choral Gardens!

We stayed in the Carriage House at the Choral Gardens. This newly restored building was a the perfect place for a romantic getaway. The historic architecture and furishings created a charming atmosphere. The breakfasts each morning were a real treat. The innkeeper was very helpful in assisting with purchasing tickets for the theatre and making dinner reservations. The location was perfect - downtown attractions were all within walking distance. We have stayed in many B & B's and this was one of the best!

Having traveled the US several times and always staying in traditional hotels, I stepped out of my comfort zone to book in a Bed and Breakfast. Well, if only I had known it was this delightful. Of course, Carolyn and Ralph really went the extra mile in helping me during the huge snowstorm - checking weather reports - making certain I was warm enough. I stayed in the Carriage House on the main property. This is a unique property - offering privacy and alot of history. Everything was comfortable - especially the BED - awesome! I was so impressed with the property and more importantly...with the care and attention to detail of the owners. I live in sunny Florida but believe me...I will be back to this stunning B&B very soon.

My husband and I were only able to spend one night at this lovely home. The inn keepers were very gracious. We wish that we could have stayed longer. Perhaps we will have another chance in the future. We highly recommend Choral Gardens if you are in the Staunton Area.

It’s hard to pick what’s best – the fabulous location… the three course breakfast… or the quaint, historic carriage house where Robert E. Lee’s horse, Traveller, is rumored to have been boarded… but we’d have to say we loved everything about this B&B and, especially, its lovely, hospitable and knowledgeable innkeepers, Carolyn & Ralph. The carriage house where we stayed is just behind the main house and is dog friendly, as is most of the town of Staunton, where shopkeepers welcomed our golden retriever, Oakley. Breakfasts were outstanding, the bed was incredible, and there’s so much to do in and around Staunton from hiking to Shakespeare, fine dining, farmers markets and much, much more.

Just finished my annual trip to Staunton. My stay at the Staunton Choral Gardens Bed and Breakfast was better than ever. The already beautiful rooms were upgraded with new finish carpentry and paint. (I got the tour from the friendly owners. You can see the improvements on the website now too--I took a look. I love this place!) The grounds and building exterior have also evolved to an even nicer state of appearance. And the breakfast was truly elegant, wholesome and delicious! That wonderful breakfast set me up for a great day!

The breakfast is outstanding and an interview to find out one's Food Allergies and like or dislikes is taken. The owner goes out of her way to see to it that her guests are well taken care of.

We had an absolutely wonderful time in Staunton and the Staunton Choral Gardens was perfect in every way. We look forward to a return visit!

We stayed the night of April 27, 2009, it was simply the best B&B we've ever had the pleasure of staying at. Carolyn was so attentive to our needs. Our 1890's room was beautiful. There were delicious snacks and drinks available. The breakfast was wonderful, 'well plated', healthy, and scrumptious. Choral Gardens is a wonderful location with enchanting gardens, a swing, and a pond in the backyard. We will be back! James & Sherry

We had originally just posted this review on TripAdvisor, but, we really feel the inn and the innkeepers are so wonderful, that we decided to post it here as well. If you’re in Staunton, you have friends at the Staunton Chorale Garden! "The charm of The Staunton Choral Garden is totally eclipsed by the sweetness of the innkeeper, Carolyn Avalos! The inn is perfectly situated with historic Staunton just in its backyard. The playhouse is just a short skip away with shops, galleries, cafes and coffeehouses galore along the way. You won’t want for quiet respite. The peace and tranquility offered by The Staunton Choral Garden, and so finely orchestrated by Carolyn, will make you wish you could stay another day… or two… or more! The breakfasts were perfectly refined and delicious! The rooms gave such a wonderful feel of understated elegance one would expect from a fine B&B, but so often do not receive. I have stayed at so many inns and houses that I’m sure I couldn’t list them if I tried. But, if I could, The Staunton Choral Garden would be at the top of my list! It is a rarity. The inn and the town are incentive to visit on their own, but oh so much more so the reason to go is the hospitality! It’s as if you walked into a dear friend’s house and she’s just so happy to see you. A building, a bed, a town, a breakfast can be duplicated… Carolyn Avalos is a special, one-of-a-kind, delight! If you go, please let her know that Norm and Bernadine send their “Hellos!” and hope to visit The Staunton Choral Garden, beautiful Staunton, VA and their dear new friend again very soon!"

This a very elegant but comfortable and homey Inn, beautifully maintained and immaculately kept. Carolyn and Ralph were extremely welcoming and did everything they could to make my stay enjoyable, from offering to pick me up from the train station to creating elaborate and delicious breakfasts according to my likes and preferences. Carolyn takes great joy in decorating her table to set off her dishes to their best, as well as providing information on places to visit and dine. The Inn is located on the edge of the historic district and is an easy walk to great restaurants and stores as well as to Blackfriars. I thought bells from the nearby churches would be a nuisance but in fact they were minimal and could only be slightly heard. This a quaint little town with lots of character, and is definitely worth another visit.

As pleasant as the B&B was as a get away for a 30 year anniversary, we found these inn keepers to be very warm, considerate, helpful and sincere. Staunton had many nice eating establishments for lunch and supper and we came away refreshed!

We booked into the Choral Gardens as a nice change from large hotels while visiting from the UK - we were not disappointed. We stayed in the Carriagehouse while our son had a room in the main Inn. If one word can sum up the experince it's 'elegance'. The rooms are very comfortable, well furnished and spotless. But it is the dining room and lounge that epitomise the place. Both are beutifully furnished. The pride and joy of the welcoming and helpful hosts, Carolyn and Ralph, is breakfast - imaginative, beautifully cooked and presented and a far cry from the usual. Add on good company round the table and the start to the day was complete. Well located in Staunton's historic area and for the attractions of the valley and mountains this is a gem. We'd recommend it to anyone.

Carolyn and Ralph really know how to create the truly sounthern B&B experience. We felt so much like family when we were their guests. The home was lovely with gardens and carriage house. Our room was excellent in all ways. The best part was being able to walk downtown to do some shopping while my husband was busy with other commitments. Morning conversations were great as Carolyn had made sure that we all knew each other before we sat down to breakfast. This was an experience that we will not forget but remember with much fondness.

Carolyn and Ralph run a beautiful and clean and charming B and B in a town that is really worth the visit.....

Excellent location, gracious hosts.

Wonderful stay and the most incredible breakfast we've ever had at a B&B! We highly recommend it!

I truly enjoyed my stay at the Staunton Choral Gardens. Carolyn Avalos was the perfect hostess, and understood exactly what I needed to enjoy my stay. The house is comfortable, quiet and very clean. I look forward to a return visit soon!!

This is our 4th year staying at Choral Gardens for a one night stay on our way to a golf tournament in Pinehurst, NC. Carolyn and Ralph are fantastic hosts. The guest rooms are clean, cheerful the service is great and we are just walking steps away from many restaurants & shops. Carolyn gives us a break on the rate because we come midweek. To finish off our stay we enjoy a wonderful breakfast to send us on our way... See you next year Carolyn!

This was our second visit to Staunton Choral Gardens. Carolyn has always been an outstanding host. She and Ralph have always gone out of their way to help us with dinner reservations and tickets to the Blackfriars. The breakfasts are great and the rooms are clean. We can't wait to make a return trip.

As always, I stayed at The Staunton Choral Gardens during my stay in Staunton. This is the third time I've stayed there and somehow that B&B just keeps getting better and better!! What wonderful breakfasts -- even dessert -- served with fresh flowers and fresh herbs, all from their own gardens! What a comfortable bed, too! My room, "The Enchanted Cottage Room," is large with a very comfortable queen-size bed. The gardens are just beautiful. I really enjoy sitting on the patio and hearing the fountain in the water garden. It's fun to watch the fish, too. The water lilies were blooming, but the lotus plant was just beginning to come up. Another thing I really appreciate is that you can walk to everything downtown, and they will get you discount tickets for the Shakespeare theater. They also arranged for a free glass of wine for me at the restaurant I went to. Next time, I'll try to book all 3 nights (Fri., Sat., and Sun.) because they can get discounted tickets for 3-4 different plays! Also, I want the FREE MASSAGE they offer when you book all 3 nights. I'm already looking forward to my next visit. Great place to stay -- great room -- great hosts -- great location -- great rates and great special things they do for you (like discounted tickets and free wine)! All I can say is, it's just great!

Was probably the best B&B that we have stayed in due to the owner's hospitality and friendliness. We would visit again. Staunton was great! We saw the Taming of the Shrew, visited many local shops and especially enjoyed our visit to Trinity Episcopal's Sunday a.m. service.

Staunton Choral Gardens B & B is a lovely 19th century home, beautifully maintained and decorated. It's located in the Historic District and is only a few blocks from a number of really great restaurants as well as the Blackfriar's Theater. My husband and I live in California and had never been to Virginia. What an introduction! Our stay here was a real treat. The hosts, Carolyn and Ralph, are the best. They are so friendly and helpful. They ordered theater tickets for us (at a substantial discount) before we arrived, helped us find our way around town, and prepared the most amazing three-course, gourmet breakfasts presented in distinctive and very creative ways. All-in-all, we felt very welcome and very pampered.

This B&B was a delightful and unexpected surprise! We needed a mid-trip place to stop and chose Staunton because a dear friend was born in the area. The house is a treasure and the hosts are the best. You leave feeling like you made friends for life. There is nothing wanting here! Your hosts have gone out of their way making your stay a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We have traveled the world and rate this B&B the best! You truly get the feel of Virginia and as you sit in the garden area all your cares melt away. Just being on the property is a joy!

This is a lovely B&B. The proprietors are very friendly, the room was very comfortable and very quiet, the food was great and the location was just what I wanted. Highly recommend it!

Ralph and Carolyn greeted us with enthusiasm when we arrived, late on a Sunday afternoon. We stayed in the carriage house, which has been renovated to be a small private cottage. It was very clean, cozy, and convenient. Pets are allowed to stay with their families in the cottage, and a cool, shady garage kennel makes a safe place to leave them while you are at breakfast or out horseback riding, watching a play at the Blackfriars' Theater, or having dinner at the Staunton Grocery. We loved our stay, and wish it could have been longer! Staunton is a good place to escape and have some down-time, if your regular life is hectic.

MY BEST FRIEND AND I MEET IN STAUNTON EVERY SPRING FOR A "SPA WEEKEND." THIS WAS THE FIRST YEAR THAT WE STAYED AT CHORAL GARDENS AND WE WOULD MOST DEFINITELY STAY AGAIN. CAROLYN AND RALPH WENT OUT OF THEIR WAY TO ACCOMMODATE US. BREAKFAST WAS ALWAYS A 3 OR 4 COURSE MEAL AND OFTEN TIMES MORE THAN WE COULD EAT!! SINCE WE STAYED 3 NIGHTS WE OPTED FOR THE COTTAGE HOUSE BEHIND THE INN. IT WAS MOST CHARMING AND WAS SUPPLIED WITH EVERYTHING WE NEEDED. THE ONLY (AND I MEAN ONLY) COMPLAINT WE HAD IS THAT THE COTTAGE DIDN'T HAVE A BATHTUB. AFTER A DAY OF YOGA, WE COULD HAVE USED A LONG SOAK IN THE TUB!! OTHER THAN THAT, THE STAY WAS BEYOND ENJOYABLE, OUR HOSTS WERE MORE THAN GRACIOUS AND WE WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND IT TO OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!

Very nice B&B. Walking distance to everything. Host & hostess/owners were very sweet. Food was excellant. Loved the grounds and hearing all the church bells. Thank you so much for a wonderful time.

The Choral Gardens B&B is a lovely place to call home while you're vacationing. Upon entering the front door and meeting the wonderful inkeeper, Carolyn Avalos, one is taken aback with the charm and ambiance of this beautiful Southern home. The living room and dining room on the main floor are articulately appointed yet incredibly homey and inviting. We spent seven nights in the Garden Room and enjoyed ourselves beyond measure. Carolyn and her husband, Ralph, were superb at making us feel welcome. Each morning, Ralph served our appetizers to us while Carolyn was busy creating picture-perfect breakfasts for us in the kitchen. Carolyn is a master at beauty and presentation! Our plates were works of art, and totally delectable to the last bite. We feasted on breakfasts fit for a king. No detail was left unattended, and Carolyn and Ralph's warm and wonderful personalities were extra icing on the cake. The Staunton Choral Gardens is definitely worth your consideration if you're going to be in the area. The bedrooms are plenty large and very inviting to a vacationer seeking that perfect touch of charm and an atmosphere of yesteryear. Don't miss this one! Definitely a great, great place!

My husband and I spent one night at this b&b and really enjoyed our stay. The accomodations were great, the atmosphere relaxing, the food delicious, and the owners made us feel very welcome and "at home." They go out of their way to accomodate their guest. Would highly recommend this b&b!

This was our first B & B visit. It was delightful. Our room was comfortable although the bathroom was not attached but down the hall. Breakfast every morning was two courses, each a great breakfast in itself. This is a warm and welcoming place to stay and within walking distance of many sights in the city of Staunton.

Easy check in and out, great detail taken to food and your likes, dislikes, an allergies. Carolyn is a table artist, each morning the table looked like it should be a painting. Rooms were clean, beds comfortable, a pleasure for the eyes and back. The bathrooms well stocked. Sitting room, downstairs, was like being at your own home where you could comfortably entertain your family and friends. Carolyn and Ralph paid close attention to all details of the B&B and were so charming and delightful to be with. Wish our trip had been longer than a week.

We have just returned from a long weekend stay at the Staunton Choral Gardens. This was our first experience at a B&B and it will be a hard act to follow. The innskeeper/owner was so gracious and accomodating. Breakfast in the morning was like being in a 5 star restaurant. What a nice retreat from the real world.

It is so refreshing to find an Inn that gives the single traveler a break and offers single occupancy rates! My room was charming and very comfortable and clean. The Inn Keeper was very welcoming. The location was within walking distance to charming restaurants and shops.

Every time I have stayed at The Staunton Choral Gardens I have thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere of the inn -- plus the breakfasts are FANTASTIC!! The Innkeeper caters to personal requests, which was great for me. I have stayed in the carriage house and also in the main house and I enjoyed both. The beds have firm mattresses and then there is a plush featherbed on top. What a great night's sleep! You can just park your car and walk to everything in wonderful downtown Staunton. It was wonderful. And the gardens are very special and unique. There's even a large water garden. I hope to return soon!