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Captain Gear Guest House: Traveler Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Reviews

Reviews of Captain Gear Guest House

( 6-10 of 16 )
“Captain Gear a B&B for the Next Generation”

Captain Gear Guest House

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5 of 5 stars
Chicago, IL
Feb 14, 2007

My sweetheart and I are both in our late twenties and after staying in a nice but unremarkable inn on our last vacation, I was determined to find a B&B that would impress my always-agreeable but rarely-raving boyfriend. The Captain Gear did NOT disappoint! Both my boyfriend and I cannot stop talking about this place. First is the food! A three course breakfast each morning that not only knocked MY socks off but completely won over my “foodie” boyfriend—not an easy task let me tell you! The rooms are wonderful. Every detail attended too. Beautiful antiques but none of the frilly, lacy, teddy bear stuff that often overruns B&Bs. Each room looked like it had been taken off a magazine cover, but always in an inviting, overstuffed, put your feet up sort of style—never in a "get your feet off the coffee table, use a coaster" sort of way. We had a gas fireplace in our room. I always thought I preferred wood burning, but the remote control that allowed us to turn it on and off from bed was delightfully convenient and meant that we really used it. I loved pressing the button to turn it on first thing in the morning, still under my covers, then rolling out of bed a half hour later to a nice warm room. The double whirl-pool tub was also a real treat and the towels were so big and plush they were almost too heavy! Finally, the hosts, Gary and Suzanne were great - always chatty and helpful yet never imposing—they are also much younger than the usual retired-aged couples that you think of running a B&B. I think that is reflected in the décor, amenities and even the guests that are attracted to the house. The other couple staying there was also in their late 20’s/early 30’s and we all agreed this place was top notch and perfect for city-folk looking for a relaxing weekend away.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — The food and style
    • Disliked — Going Home!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TheatriGal's Summary
Date of Stay: February 2007
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Romantic getaway
Age group: 25-34
Member since: April 04, 2006
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older travelers, Families with teenagers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
People with disabilities, Great pool scene, Pet owners
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Outdoor / Adventure, Great food / Wine, Shopping
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“So Romantic!”

Captain Gear Guest House

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5 of 5 stars
Chicago, Illinois
Dec 14, 2006
1/1 found this review helpful

Absolutely beautiful B &B in historic Galena, Illinois. Lived up to our expectations and then some. Gorgeous rooms, tastefully decorated with an attention to detail. The Gear Suite is the best with an enormous claw foot tub for two across from a fireplace. So delightfully romantic. As their website stated, we did indeed need steps to get into their to-die-for beds. The breakfast was the best we've ever had at a B&B. Suzanne gave us our privacy but still managed to make our stay heavenly. A restorative retreat worthy of the highest rating.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — Everything
    • Disliked — Nothing
    • Tips/Secrets: — Stay in the Captain Gear Suite and you won't be disappointed!
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
livediebleedlb's Summary
Date of Stay: December 2006
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Romantic getaway
Age group: 35-49
Member since: December 14, 2006
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older travelers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, People with disabilities, Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Other
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Truly exceptional, nothing but the best!”

Captain Gear Guest House

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5 of 5 stars
Chicago, Illinois
Dec 6, 2006
3/3 found this review helpful

I cannot say enough about this spectacular establishment. My fiancé and I stayed for two nights in November. Neither of us had ever tried a B&B but I don't think any other could match the fabulous experience we had at the Captain Gear. We splurged on the 3-room Captain Gear suite and would enthusiastically recommend this romantic setting in a heartbeat. The exquisite 4-poster bed, which sits in front of a remote-control operated fireplace, was the most comfortable I've ever encountered. The claw-foot whirlpool tub sits in a separate room in front of a second fireplace (so decadent!) and is the ultimate romantic addition to an already-perfect room. Gary and Suzanne have spared no expense in decorating, and they thought of everything -- uber-plush towels, robes and bedding…fabulous lotions and bath gels…a wide-ranging selection of magazines and DVDs…a mini refrigerator with beverages and a basket overflowing with a wide array of single-serving chips and snacks. The public areas of this beautifully restored home are just as finely decorated, with lots of lovely extra touches. The breakfasts each morning were beyond anything I have ever experienced, and I am accustomed to dining in and staying in the finest places all over the world, thanks to a generous expense account. Suzanne is an exceptionally talented and creative gourmet cook, and her magnificent three-course breakfasts impressed us beyond compare. Day one consisted of a wild berries and cream starter, maple butter crepes and an omelet-like egg dish generously stuffed with ham, onions, cheese and grilled potatoes. Day two was broiled grapefruit, banana buttermilk pancakes and an egg roulade with proscuitto, cheese and arugula topped with superb tomato-basil salsa. Divine! Do not even attempt to clean your plate during any of the three courses or you will need to be transported from the dining room via forklift. We never met Suzanne, presumably because she spent the bulk of her time creating these masterpieces in the kitchen. However Gary spent a great deal of time chatting with us each morning during and after breakfast, and he gave us some very helpful spot-on recommendations regarding restaurants and things to do in town. I enthusiastically recommend Captain Gear and hope we will have the chance to visit again!

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — spectacular room and amenities, exceptional breakfasts
    • Disliked — going home!
    • Tips/Secrets: — the walk to town is not long but it is down a hill and you might want to drive, especially in winter
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
chicago_emf's Summary
Date of Stay: November 2006
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Romantic getaway
Age group: 35-49
Member since: November 03, 2005
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 5 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 4 of 5 stars Location
    • 5 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 5 of 5 stars Service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, Families with young children, Families with teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Great food / Wine, Shopping, Other
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Fabulous, Elegant and Peaceful”

Captain Gear Guest House

Oct 6, 2006
2/2 found this review helpful

My husband and I stayed for a couple of nights for a romantic weekend. We were the only guests during our stay and had an amazingly relaxing weekend. The 3 course breakfast was fabulous and over abundant.

We stayed in the Gear suite which was spacious and well appointed. The bedding was plush and no detail was spared in decorating this suite. We also had chocolate dipped strawberries and champagne awaiting in our room. There is a very nice selections od DVDs to also watch in the room.

The B&B is pushed back on 3-4 acres of private space. We took advantage of relaxing on the back patio as well as quietly read the paper all morning on the front porch.

There is a sitting parlor with beautful jazz playing all day and red wine to enjoy. There were also some yummy chocolate chip cookies.

Overall we LOVED this place and HIGHLY recommend it. The town of Galena itself was just ok. It is quaint and charming though kind of on the dull side in terms of selection. We were walking distance from the main street and shops. The stores sell a lot of knick knack type of items that has no appeal to me personally. I recommend going for a quite time with a significant other but no so much for the town itself.

  • This TripAdvisor Member:
    • Liked — The room itself was beautful, comfortable, plush and the breakfast was divine
    • Disliked — I have nothing negative to say about this place
    • Tips/Secrets: — We arrived after dark and it looked like the street ended before reaching the B&B so we missed it until we went back again. It looks like the road ends but it does go through.
This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Travell_Diva's Summary
Date of Stay: September 2006
Traveled with: Spouse / significant other
Visit was for: Romantic getaway
Age group: 35-49
Member since: March 07, 2005
  • My ratings for this hotel are:
    • 4 of 5 stars Value
    • 5 of 5 stars Rooms
    • 5 of 5 stars Location
    • 4 of 5 stars Cleanliness
    • 4 of 5 stars Check in / front desk
    • 4 of 5 stars Service
Would I recommend this hotel to my best friend?
absolutely!
I recommend this hotel for:
An amazing honeymoon, A romantic getaway, Girlfriend getaway, Older travelers, Tourists
I do not recommend this hotel for:
Young singles, People with disabilities, Great pool scene, Pet owners, Families with young children, Families with teenagers
I selected this hotel as a top choice for:
Great food / Wine, Other
Was this review helpful? Yes No
“Fantastic!”

Captain Gear Guest House

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5 of 5 stars
Downers Grove, IL
May 9, 2006
4/4 found this review helpful

My wife and I just spent two wonderful nights at the Captain Gear in Galena. With a huge number of B&B's to choose from in the Galena area, picking one can be a daunting task. Look no further than the Captain Gear! The attention to detail, beautiful accommodations and especially THE BREAKFAST are second to none! We will definitely be back!

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Reviews of Captain Gear Guest House

( 6-10 of 16 )
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Captain Gear Guest House Address

1000 South Bench Street, Galena, IL 61036