We searched the entire area between Atlanta and Augusta for a good place for a getaway. We stumbled on the Fitzpatrick through Trip Advisor and we're very thankful.
This place is everything the first reviewer described. The owners and the staff go out of their way to make sure your stay is perfect. For example, we called to let them know we would not make it until 11:00. The guy, who happened to be one of the owners, said don't worry about it, asked us which way we were coming, and then made sure we were looking out for deer on the road. Another owner asked her daughter to play with our son to give me a break. The service here was so personal.
We had one of the 3rd floor no-view rooms which are a great deal at $75. The cheapest rate we could find in the area at the chain places was around $59. There's no question this is the better deal.
The elevator doesn't go up to the 3rd floor and they were so apologetic, but it worked great for us. I'm a light sleeper and will awaken at any noise from the room overhead, so I always prefer the top floor. But I don't think it would matter since the floorboards didn't squeak much despite this being over 100 years old. The room was large enough for us to fit our pack and play (they will provide one for you if you don't bring yours) and still move around. There was a desk, rocking chair, satellite tv, and a fireplace which we didn't use. The bathroom was large with the same wood floors in the bedroom. The shower was wonderful. The stall is the normal size, but the shower head is very tall (husband is 6'3" and had plenty of room) and is a rainfall shower head. The air conditioning allows you to choose the temp you want and it maintains it. There is also a fan if you prefer using that. Your bed is made with a little bag of chocolates on top. The bed was a queen, I think. It was really comfortable. I slept about the best I ever had at a hotel.
Breakfast on Saturday morning was good. Packages of instant oatmeal and grits; fresh fruit; danish; cake; 2 kinds of cereal; tea bags; coffee; orange juice; and milk. You could either eat in the ballroom or take it to your room. A small thing that impressed me is they use real plates, glasses, and utensils for breakfast. Yet another thoughtful detail. Sunday's breakfast was cooked. It had the other stuff plus eggs, sausage, and something baked that we only saw crumbs since we got there too late.
This is just a stunning revitalization of a building. The colors on the walls and the floors are beautiful. Everything shines. I would think that this would be an ideal place for a wedding. One of the owners said they book complete wedding parties or reunions since everything can be done in the building. It would be an event to remember if you had a wedding here.
We chose to eat on Sunday in the Watchmaker restaurant for the brunch buffet. It was as wonderful as the inn although it has different ownership than the inn. We talked to the owners who used to be corporate chefs in Atlanta. Everything is fresh down to the peppers grown in the garden and used in the omelet. I would recommend this restaurant as highly as I do the inn.
We didn't spend much time in Washington except at the inn, so I can't give any opinion on it. I think the inn is special enough that it is a destination in itself.
