Booking the room was easy. I checked the on line calendar to see what was available, then called in the reservation. When I entered to check in, the lobby area was empty. I walked to the office window, and waited- too long. I actually finally had to say "Hello?" to get the attention of the manager! She apologized, but after driving for several hours in bad traffic, it did not leave a good impression. I was given 2 keys, one for the main doors, and one for the room. I was told that the inn is not staffed after normal business hours, so I would need the key. Also, if there were any problems, a message service would get the call.
I had room 101, the smallest (and cheapest). It is in the back corner, facing the parking lot. I liked the 2 sets of windows, and there is a little porch area outside the french doors. The room contained a queen bed, an armoir with a small tv, ice bucket and 2 bottles of water. There was a small table with a coffee maker and supplies, and an arm chair. There was very little room, but it worked for me as a single. As an older home, it had very high ceilings. The bathroom was large and handicap accessible. It had a light/ fan, a bath light, and a heating light. The one thing I did not like about the room was the very slow/sometimes stopped toilet. Apparently this is not the only room with this problem, and there is a plunger there, so I assume that this has been the case for some time. Other rooms I visited were suites, with a sitting area and a bedroom- several also had a kitchenette area, with sink, fridge, and microwave.
The location is in downtown Ashland, within easy walking distance of the entire old town area- very quaint! As far as I know, it is the only one in the old town area. It is right behind the visitor center, which is also the Amtrak station. Be warned- there are trains all night long, and several blow whistles as they approach the town! During the day it is cool to see them, but even as a heavy sleeper I was woken more than once. The inn is also across the tracks from Randolph Macon College.
The breakfast is serve yourself. I got there late, so there wasn't much out- some bagels with a toaster, small boxes of cereal, a container of granola, supplies for coffee and tea, and ice water. There were packets of oatmeal and hot cocoa available as well.
The house is huge, with large areas downstairs and up for gatherings. There is a large front porch, and a balcony on the second floor with rocking chairs. The rooms on the back side of the second floor all have doors that open onto a shared balcony- great for our group, as we could gather and hang out, but may limit privacy.
In town, I enjoyed the small old fashioned grocery store down the street, which sells delicious roast chicken; the public library with a great little park and fountain out front, the bakery, and Ashland Tea and Coffee, which serves an amazing Sunday brunch!
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