On its website, the Beaconlight presents itself as a cosy, romantic guest house where „relaxation is the key“, invites guests to „enjoy our outdoor hot tub open year round” and conveys the idea of a friendly house where you can feel at home. Our stay at the Beacon Light was supposed to be the highlight of our trip along the East Coast but, alas, turned out to be the biggest and most expensive disappointment of our whole journey.
For 175 $/night (prepaid rate), we stayed in a tiny room of barely ten square meters with a bathroom you could hardly move in and a noisy refrigerator. The welcome we were given was less personal than at any Holiday Inn Express and the so highly praised “hot tub open year round” was closed – at 25 degrees Celsius and perfect sunshine. The selection at breakfast was very limited: coffee, juice, cereals, dry cake and granola bars from the supermarket. When we asked for a slice of bread or something similar, the owner answered "Breakfast is what you see here" and left the house without further comment. Moving the daughter’s car, which was blocking one of the guests' vehicle, was obviously too much to ask for ("Who am I moving my car for now?").
It really is a pity. The guest house has enormous potential, especially in this colourful, charming city. But the owners' behaviour contrasts heavily with this positive atmosphere. Thinking of what this lovely place could be and what it actually is does make us sad.

The owner is rude and unfriendly. Upon my early arrival, I expected a welcome and the usual chatter that the room was not ready until yet, and a suggested time to return. instead, I was greeted with "Put the bags under the piano. Check in is at 2 PM." He didn't even know who I was. Perhaps my room may have been ready earlier. He didn't even say hello. It was not the friendly nature that one finds on every person in Ptown. I arrived at breakfast at the ending time and didn't expect anything if it was put away. When the food was still available, I moved toward it. Instead of saying, "Please help yourself", he said "Make it quick". Is this how he treats a guest in his home? He stares at you while you eat and makes one feel very unwelcome. The breakfast is really lame: 2 cereal choices, canned fruit cocktail, and yogurt - not even any bread or bagels. The hot tub was unwelcoming as well - always covered up and turned off. I felt uncomfortable asking him to remove the cover and asking how the controls worked. Also, I was told that the room had a private entrance but it was shared. It should be explained as semi-private. The request for a 10% tip for the cleaning staff was an obnoxious request.

I had read the reviews about the owner's lack of hospitality, but thought they were likely exaggerations. Nope. He rattled off the particulars of the accommodations so fast we could barely follow them, then was rarely seen and when he was, was just shy of rude. If not for the cold and unwelcoming owner, this would have easily rated 5 stars from me. The rest of the staff were wonderful. The place is lovely, clean and well kept, with great decks and beautiful furniture and plantings. The location is perfect - just far away enough from Commercial Street to be centrally located but quiet. I had expected a bit more of a breakfast, ( Toast? Bagels?) but perhaps my expectations were unrealistic. Too bad the owner isn't happier, or failing that, a better actor.

This place is beautiful, clean, and in a great location. My only complaint was that the owner Keith was cold, terse, and basically acted as if we were an annoyance. He'd walk right past us in the hallway without saying hello or making eye contact, answer questions with
a two-word reply without looking away from the TV, etc. His kids work there and are DELIGHTFUL, friendly, and kind. Who knows, maybe he was having a bad week. Overall, though, it was a good value and a beautiful spot.