What a disappointment. For those of you who read my reviews, you know we travel the world and try to find those special places that just hit the spot. This, unfortunately, is not one of those places.

On the plus side Tim, who checked us in and served breakfast in the morning, was very nice and interested in making our stay pleasant. He was, however, the only staffer on duty and was totally stretched between checking people in and serving supper to others on our arrival night.

We paid extra for the Hunter, but nothing about this room was worth it--- it smelled musty and stale—in fact the room just did not feel clean (although there was not specific evidence that it wasn’t.) The carpet in the hallway leading to our room was stained from one end to the other and some of the outlets in the bathroom area did not work. The spa tub was stained and the shower/toilet area was beyond tiny.

The amenities were almost non-existent -- no body cream, no conditioner, cotton balls that looked like they had been sitting around uncovered for months, no Q-tips, and a shower bottom that was separating from its frame.

The bed was fine, but was not even triple sheeted. The pillows were thin foam and anything but inviting, and the sheets were what you would expect to find at a 2 star hotel and at least one of the towels was torn. The TV offered just a few local channels and was a vintage model—small, not a flat screen, and very out of date. I am sorry to have to say it, but Birchfield is a 3 Star property at best.

Breakfast was nice, but it was what it was, there were no choices. Tim was kind enough to accommodate us by setting a separate table instead of having to eat communal style, which we do not enjoy.

At $180 a night, the Birchfield was totally overpriced, not just for all the reasons stated above, but this is Yakima! We stayed a few nights later at the historic Davenport Hotel in Spokane in the Tower and paid only $125 a night for a lovely room with a big shower, great bed and linens, and a new flat screen LG TV.

Birchfield simply failed on virtually every level. We would, however, recommend having supper at Gasperettis in downtown Yakima – it was a pleasant surprise. Finally, there are some really good wineries in the area with some unique wines so the wine region definitely worth a visit if wine tasting appeals.

We've stayed at this B&B on a number of occassions and we would not consider staying anywhere else in Yakima. Don't bother trying to get much on the television, but that is not why we go. We generally stay in the newer building and really love the very quiet rooms. So little traffic out this way. My wife loves the jacuzzi. The owner seems to know every winery owner in the region and can just about set you up with anything/anywhere to do with wine. The restaurant is very, very special. One or two seatings, small menu of about 5 entrees and we have never been disappointed. I think we both prefer the salmon dish and the salads are not only great, but the special house dressing is the best. The food is always, and I mean always, served at the correct temperature. The wine list is exceptional. Breakfasts are served at joined tables so we get to meet fellow guests - and I would call the breakfasts non-traditional, but scrumptuous. Don't waste your money going to a regular hotel because they have free breakfast - this place completely out-performs any other place and it truly is a breakfast of unequaled quality. Same kitchen staff for about 30 years! Amazing.

We arrived to find a wedding about to start. It felt like we were intruding and we were just handed the keys to our room, pointed to the building outside and said 'go up the stairs, that is where your room is'. Not exactly a warm reception. We stayed in the Vineyard Room and although it was clean, it was very dated. Skylights are a bad idea --- puts a glare on the TV and in the morning the sun was right in our eye as it is just above the bed. The shower was 'deafening' --- most unpleasant shower I have ever had. It was so loud and hot/cold fluctuation was crazy. The mattresses need to be replaced as they are broke down. The rooms in the Cottage have jacuzzi tubs --- which unfortunately you get to listen to if anyone in the surrounding rooms used theirs. The floor/walls vibrated for a good hour. Then the guest in the other room decided to leave their bathroom fan running most of the night. When that went off, we had the pleasure of listening to someone snore. Not too much sound proofing in that building.
Breakfast tasted good and the guests who attended were pleasant company.

If you stay here I recommend staying in the newer building called the cottages. I was in the main house in the Victoria room. The bathroom is small with not enough shelving. The closet has hooks, no bar for hanging clothes. The carpets need cleaning. The plumbing needs upgrading. You spend most of your time in the shower fixing the changing temperature. Sometimes the flow reduces to drips and you stand and wait for the water to come back on. The staff is friendly and helped me take my bags upstairs. The air conditioning is very good. There is no wi-fi and if you must have a TV, I think they are also just in the cottages. Breakfast is good. I met very nice people at breakfast because you all sit at the same table. Do book one dinner there. That is the best thing about the stay. There is an outdoor pool, but be sure to ask if there is an event scheduled that would preclude your using it.