Where do I begin. From the moment I stepped into the door, I knew the place was special. After making it "home" for 7 weeks Sunday-Thursday, I regret having to leave. The building and grounds are an historic site to behold, in the middle of Madisonville, Texas. Surprisingly, it is not an old home converted into a hotel, but was actually built as a hotel in the late 1800's. All the rooms are furnished with authentic antiques from the era of when the hotel was built but also has jacuzzi tubs in each suite to provide the perfect weekend getaway. But as quaint, serene and historic as it is, it isn't a B&B. Each day the bed is made, towels are replaced and the room is tidied and kept by one of the staff, yes full service hotel treatment. Then each morning a made to order hot breakfast is served with whatever you request and however you request it. All menu items whether for Lunch and dinner are created with fresh, seasonal meats, produce, herbs and seasonings and are gourmet quality. You are called by first name and invited to join the owners, staff and other guests in the bar for an evening drink and familiar conversation. Bottom line, the Woodbine is as personal as home, as quaint and peaceful as a bed and breakfast and as accommodating and refined as a full service hotel.

The owner and chef, Susan, provided an absolutely fabulous experience for my colleagues and me. The rooms were invitingly comfortable, the whirlpool bath tub was the perfect end to a busy day, and the fresh hot breakfast was to die for! Who knew french toast could taste so much like heaven??!! Susan was more than accommodating of our needs and Max the chihuahua was an awesome co-host!

I was part of the first quilting retreat held at the Woodbine Hotel. Upon arrival, our sewing tables were in place, electricity was arranged, ironing boards were up, and many snacks were provided to keep up our strength so that we could sew into the night.

The rooms were a vision of another life time in history. Each room had it's own personality and was full of artifacts from the past that included antique bathroom fixtures, furniture, drapes, ornate woodwork, and much more. I could close my eyes and envision life as my grandmother did as a child, young bride, mother and grandmother. It has inspired me to make many of the old time quilts that were used in the early 1900's.

Our Inn Keeper and Host, Susan, made sure we tasted the best cuisine imaginable. She served us prime rib, shrimp, fruits, salads, and so much more. Her rattlesnake ranch pecan coated french toast is superb! This was a treat to all of us. We did not have to cook any meals, or eat the retreat staples of cold cuts, salads, etc. We were treated royaly!

I had just undergone foot surgery seven days before our quilt retreat. The only negative experience for me was having to go up and down stairs. There is NO elevator. That said, I would crawl up the stairs to have another experience at the Woodbine Hotel. After the hotel was closed to the public for dining, Susan and her husband would come upstairs and visit with us. They have so many interesting stories to tell and share.

In conclusion, the room, utilities, food, service, and friendship was more than I could ask for. I give it a five-star rating and can't wait to go back.

Wasn't sure what to expect after reading some of the previous reviews, but the pictures and descriptions on the website convinced us to give it a try. We arrived around 6PM and were able to check-in without any issues, everyone we spoke to were friendly and helpful. The hotel itself is an old historic building and as such is full of interesting architectural oddities and ornate moldings. Everything about the building and rooms was old and interesting and we enjoyed the uniqueness of the whole experience. Our room wasn't huge, but it was plenty big enough for the two of us and our motorcycle gear. Our dinner at the hotel restaurant was very good with a good selection of entrees. The portobello mushroom salad, prime rib salad and salmon entrees were well prepared and presented, total cost of our meals, with a bottle of local Texas wine and desert was $61, which we thought was very reasonable. The breakfast included with the room was complete and cooked to order, I had an omelet and the wife the pecan waffles, both of which were well prepared. The proprietor was our "waitress" and was most gracious. The room and building were clean and well kept but still had character and a unique ambiance. As we were leaving we asked the proprietor the location of the nearest hardware store as a odd sized metric screw had broken in one of our helmets and needed replacement. She summoned her husband who disappeared with the helmet and returned a few minutes later with new screw installed. Now that's service you won't get at any chain hotel. All the employees and staff we saw and spoke to were friendly and ready to help and/or show us all the nooks and crannies of the old building. If you are looking forward to staying in a sterile, cookie cutter hotel room this isn't the place for you, but if you are looking for something a little off the beaten path and with old time character I highly recommend the Woodbine. Our one night stay was very comfortable and we left refreshed, with every intention of returning in the near future.