Thank you for your input and feedback. We are glad that you thought our location and our pancakes were “absolutely lovely”. We are disappointed that your negative perceptions impacted your stay to the point - that to use your words - you “almost felt like intruders”, “almost felt like children… with almost every move” and that Tan “almost chased you out” of the washroom ”.

We know it is not possible to please everyone, but we do take your comments to heart. Hopefully, through this response, we can shed some light on the experiences of your stay from our perspective for the benefit of clarification to yourself and others.

When it is possible, and it is close to the known arrival times, I stand at the front door to watch for, and welcome guests so that they don't have to ring the doorbell to wait for someone to answer the door. My intention is to be efficient, welcoming - and if possible, not have the ringing of the doorbell disturb other guests. The front door is self locking; therefore I stand just in front of the half open doorway so as not to lock myself out. It’s not left fully open in an effort to reduce outside airflow coming in. Sorry if you thought this was unwelcoming.

You were not immediately recognized as a guest when you walked toward our place because you parked beforehand and were not carrying baggage, or anything else to identify yourself as a visitor. Cabbagetown is a lovely and vibrant neighbourhood. Although it is friendly here, we do not attempt to engage every passing stranger as they go by on the sidewalk. I do believe I was very polite and welcoming when you did come to our door. Upon check in - as with all our other guests, I gave you an overview of the house; the neighbourhood; parking; transit & tourist info, house rules and area suggestions. Like other well run establishments, we also leave a laminated copy of this info in each room as a convenient reference for guests. So yes, we do have house rules, and we try to clearly identify them for the comfort and enjoyment of all.

I’ve been in the hospitality business for most of my life - mostly as an Executive Chef (and for the past 12 years as owner of Toronto Townhouse B&B). Through measured experience, I believe I have developed thoughtful house rules and policies over the years to benefit all guests. Most of these are safety, common sense, and/or common courtesy based - and similar to what would be expected in any other reputable hotel or B&B.

We have large, open air parking spaces located behind our home. All our parking spots are all the same depth, and can adequately accommodate a large car or pick-up truck in either of them. If parking was requested, we assign a spot at this time. This is done so that this “reserved” spot is available to you throughout your stay with us. Your perception that the other spot was not in use was incorrect and irrelevant. If you are assigned a reserved spot in any other parking lot, do you pick another one on a whim?

Regarding the use of your hair dryer in the shared washroom – our policy is that guests use shared washrooms and bathrooms for the intended use, and not impinge on other guests by using it for any purposes outside of that. We have provided outlets, tables/desks and mirrors in each room. If you need help with outlets etc..., please know that we are always happy to assist guests during the day and evenings. (If you don’t see us, we provide a phone and tel # to call for immediate assistance). It is not our intention to be intrusive, and we don’t "almost chase" people out of spaces. Common area spaces are exactly that. Though you state you “would obviously let someone else in the bathroom if necessary”, other guests may not take your intention as being so obvious, and just move on. We do have suites available starting at $20 more per night if you prefer the comfort of your own private washroom facilities.

As for the suggestion the breakfast price is steep. Breakfast is a complementary, and value added option included in the already affordable price of the room. Our goal is to offer a healthy, filling, great tasting breakfast in a pleasant atmosphere. At select times, we offer to budget minded guests or those not inclined to have breakfast with us, an optional discount of $10 per person/per night, to forgo breakfast. You chose that option, but during your stay we actually made you breakfast free of charge because you would like to try it. Glad you enjoyed it, sorry you did not appreciate it.

We know of a few nearby diners that may offer a basic, value conscious breakfast for about $10, or more, per person. Heck - we even can recommend one or two places for that matter. From time to time it’s even a guilty pleasure for us to eat at one of these greasy spoons! We have yet to find a bistro that offers a good, healthy breakfast of fresh cut fruits, breads, cereals, juice, and tea or coffee, plus a hot dish such as omelet, pancakes, or French toast for under $10 per person.

What we provided to you was a large, clean, comfortable room in a designated heritage home 3-4 blocks from Yonge and College subway station for just under a $100 per night plus tax during the peak season. Your parking was $10 more. This room price also included FREE Wi-Fi internet, and free Local and Long Distance calling within North America as part of our value added services. We are sorry this did not match your expectations.

In closing, thank you for visiting. We wish you a more satisfying stay wherever you go on your next excursion.

Thank you Tripadvisor, for the opportunity to respond.