This was my first time staying at a bed & breakfast. Although I don't have any other experiences to compare my night at the President's House with, I came away very pleased with the decision to try something different.

The cost of accomodations was the same as staying at Ashland's best hotel, so my wife and I chose to stay at President's House for a change of pace.

At over 160 years old, the house showed its age, but was well-maintained and very clean. Our room was beautifully decorated and, with a gas log fireplace in each room, very cozy. The presidential memorabilia throughout the house was enough to keep any history buff entertained for days.

But the best part of our stay was our hosts, Mark and Aleceia. They went out of their way to make us feel at home. Mark is retired military and he and Aleceia had experiences to share from literally the world over. He also fixed a mean omelet.

Another reviewer noted the proximity of the house to the railroad. I grew up in the area so the noise seemed familiar and relaxing, but I can see how others wouldn't find it so enjoyable. Make your decision accordingly, but I think it would be a shame to pass up the experience because of this. It's also worth noting that US 23, the main route through the area and consequently the route where most other hotels are located, parallels the river and railroad, so almost all hotels in the area are no more than a few hundred yards away from rail lines.

I would encourage anyone staying in the tri-state area and looking for a break from sterile, unform hotel chains to consider a stay with Mark and Aleceia.

We traveled to eastern Kentucky for a concert at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland (a fantastic venue - highly recommended) and found the President's House B&B (formerly Levi Hampton House) as an alternative to one of several chain hotels in the general vicinity.

The positives outnumbered the negatives here, but the one negative could be a big issue for many travelers. The inn is located across the street from a railroad track, and there is no shortage of train traffic coming through the area, both during the day and the night. The nearest crossing is far enough away that the train whistles are not overwhelming, but still audible, to be sure.

On the positive side, the innkeepers are exceedingly friendly and very happy to provide restaurant recommendations (C.J. Maggie's in downtown Ashland was a fun place). The house itself is full of the character found in most 1800s houses, and I enjoyed the size of our room and comfortable bed. Breakfast was very good - fresh watermelon and some tasty gingerbread pancakes.

Given a different location, I would definitely go back, but the train traffic (combined with our unaccustomed ears) would probably keep us from staying again.