My wife and I spent an incredible weekend at the Highlawn Inn a few weeks ago. I am not sure what the rooms inside the main house are like as we chose the Carriage House located next to the Inn. It was really really great. Almost perfect, in fact. It has a reserved parking space and a private, locked entrance. Very clean and cozy. It is a large upstairs room with vaulted ceiling, skylight, original wooden beams from the old carriage house, comfy queen bed, gas fireplace and a few sitting areas. It feels rustic and modern at the same time, which made for a fun and romantic experience. The bathroom is not a separate room, but is separated from the main room by a 8 foot high (or so) wall and French doors. While the toilet is in its own little closet, the door is made of thin planks from the carriage house, so it doesn't offer the kind of privacy most people are used to. Nonetheless, the setup adds to the feeling of coziness and intimacy that the Carriage House offers.

We purchased a package that provided a discount on the room, a $100 gift certificate for Tari's restaurant, $100 gift certificate for Atasia Spa and wine and cheese on arrival. Our first night there we had dinner at Tari's (in the gallery area) and never ate anywhere else! We went to Tari's for our next four meals!! The food is so, so, so good. We were particularly fond of the filet and crab combination and had that several times. We live in DC and have access to dozens of top-notch restaurants, but the food at Tari's honestly was better, every time, than any meal we've had here in three years. It's also one of the only restaurants in Berkeley Springs, so it makes the choice of eating there easy! (And good wine for $6 a glass!!) We were less enthusiastic about our experience at Atasia Spa. Berkeley Springs is a haven for spa seekers during the summer months but the town is very quiet in the winter. The staff at the spa all seemed grumpy and lacked any life in them whatsoever. Perhaps it's just because of the slow days in the winter. I don't know. But I wouldn't recommend it.

By the way, Berkeley Springs has a quaint depression-era movie theater that is worth the trip to see. We spent an hour talking with the owner, Jack. The popcorn machine is from the 1930s and really does make amazing popcorn. Tickets are only $3.75!!

So why not 5 stars? Due to no fault on the part of the owners, Highlawn Inn sits in a neighborhood with a depressing feel. Several houses within viewing distance are shuttered with no trespassing signs on them. Our understanding is that some of the owners died and their relatives simply cannot sell the properties. Regardless, coming into and out of the Carriage House felt surreal. Inside was a perfect romantic escape. Outside was a neighborhood that just felt a bit sad. Indeed, driving around the neighborhoods in Berkeley Springs evokes that sense in general. Rundown homes, piles upon piles of junk and broken down vehicles, vandalism, etc. While it might be a spa town, as soon as one drives off the main street, it has the feel of a sad community.

In short, the Highlawn Inn was great. We have never stayed anywhere as cozy and romantic as the Carriage House and we talk about it nearly everyday since. Just know that, in the winter time, without leaves on the trees to provide a sense of seclusion, you might be taken aback by the solemn feel of the general area, including the neighborhood that contains the Highlawn Inn. In the summer, I would be the feel would be much different.

If you're looking for a place to disappear with your loved one for a few days, I cannot imagine any place as romantic as the Carriage House. It really was that good.