One reason I generally prefer hotels to B&B's is the decor: Most B&B's strike me as the sort of place an elderly maiden aunt would choose - a fussy, feminine place full of frills and overstuffed furniture. Anne Hathaway's cottage - a four-year-old Tudor cottage built specifically to complement in with Staunton's leading attraction (the American Shakespeare Center) - avoids this.
It's a lovely place, with plenty of pretty touches, but it's not at all fussy. I liked that. There are also nice, typically English touches - a large great-room with a working fireplace; sherry and port on the sideboard; and an ample selection of teas, ready for brewing. It's also nicely located, at the west end of Staunton's bustling, revitalized downtown.
The only real drawback was the breakfast, which was essentially an expanded continental breakfast - with grapefruit and a selection of breads and pastries (some homemade, some clearly store-bought) - but without a hint of eggs, sausages, or other hearty foods I associate with England.
All in all, a cozy, comfortable, and cleverly-designed place to spend the night. Strong on the "bed". So-so on the "breakfast".
- Official Description (provided by the hotel):
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Staunton Bed and Breakfast offering three guest rooms - all with private baths, free WiFi, cable TV and queen beds. Charming thatched cottage set in large garden. Close to Polyface farm as well as many other places to visit. We take pets and are set on an acre of gardens although close to the center of town. Enjoy the quiet of not being right in the center where late night music can disturb you. Come and enjoy wine tasting, antiquing or exploring downtown. Blackfriar's theatre offers shows 5 days a week and we have 2 art cinemas. Lots of places to visit nearby like the Frontier Culture Museum, Woodrow Wilson birthplace, Monticello, and of course the Blue Ridge Parkway where you can hike.
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