We found the Great House to be everything we were looking for in a B&B; it is clean, quiet, inexpensive, centrally located for sight-seeing, private baths, and owned by an interesting and energetic innkeeper. Since we were traveling by motorcycle, the paved off-street parking is a plus. Since our "carrying capacity" was limited, it was important that all the necessities (shampoo, blow dryer, etc) are provided. The home was completely refurbished in the 1990s and early 2000s, so everything works and is in great shape.

Guests have free access to the parlors, music room, and dining room, plus the decks and porch outside. There were no 'minuses' with this stay. Breakfast was prepared at the time we requested, and was not elegant but very satisfying. It would have been nice if coffee were available earlier, and perhaps Betty would provide that if asked.

Overall, a great stay, and one B&B we will return to when our travels take us to Galesburg.

Betty, the owner, was very welcoming. Rooms are large and well appointed, I especially appreciated having the vanity and sink area outside of the bath. Breakfast was yummy! We would return.

I left four messages and sent two e-mails over a period of about a week and a half. The innkeeper never responded. I had every intention of staying there. My husband attended Knox College and was excited to get the chance to show me around Galesburg. He had heard great things about The Great House. It looked like a lovely place and I was very excited. Unfortunately the innkeeper dropped the ball and we had to plan a completely different trip.

This is one of the nicest places we have ever been to. Betty, the innkeeper, makes you feel MORE at home than any where else we have been (and we love to stay at B&B's.) It is elegance in motion -- absolutely beautiful, with very large rooms at a reasonable price. The back porch is delightful in the summer. We are going there now in the winter and can't wait to see the Christmas decoations - she was decorating when I called to reserve. It is one of the few places that we wanted to spend extra days, just to relax -- when we didn't have them! (Other place's reviews say that, but this really is it!) We recommend that you stop there whenever you are enroute to anywhere nearby. It's worth even to go out of route!
Joan