My husband and I stayed for only one night in the summer of 2011. The email response was prompt and professional. We were repeatedly reminded that we had to arrive by a certain time or no one would be available to see us in. We were met by the owner, Diane, who took the time to explain about the city and our accommodations.
The room was very homey, tastefully decorated without being overboard with chintz. The washroom was not ensuite but very closely located down the hall. The breakfast was very good.
However, when we were ready to check out (on time, mind you), the owner Diane was nowhere to be found. We asked the cleaning staff if we would come back later in the day for our bicycles, which were locked in the shed. They said that would be fine.
When we returned to retreive our bicycles, I popped in to use the washroom before we left to head north on our road trip. Again, the owner did not appear to be there, nor did she answer when I knocked on her door. I used the closest washroom located in the hall and when I was leaving the house, Diane walked in. The look on her face was of pure disgust, and she imperiously asked what I was doing in there since I was supposed to have checked out. I told her I was just using the facilities before we head out, she declared: "The washrooms are for guests only. Now I'm going to have to get someone to clean it."
I was really taken aback by her tone and demeanor. It was as though I was caught stealing. Not more than 4 hours ago, I WAS a guest! Nor did she explain when we arrived that each washroom was assigned to a particular room, and that there wasn't a common washroom in the house (which is ridiculous).
This is in stark contrast to the next B&B that we stayed at, from whom she clearly needs to learn. They were warm and friendly, the breakfast was phenomenal and not only was there a common washroom that anyone could freely use after checkout, they saw us off with bottles of water for our trip!
All in all, the place was very nice, but I would definitely not stay there again. One poster said staying at the Wild Iris is like staying with your favourite aunt. I was hasten to disagree - more like staying with the aunt who constantly watches you to make sure you don't break anything. Perhaps we caught Diane at a bad time and just didn't hit it off. We were there in high season and there was not a lot of other options available at so late a date. Nevertheless, there are plenty of B&Bs up and down the coast of Maine who can show you true warmth and hospitality.