Garden House Bed and Breakfast

We booked expecting a private bathroom and outdoor cats. Instead, when we arrived, the owner told us we'd share a bathroom upstairs with another couple. At 70, I don't want to run into someone else at 3 a.m., and when I asked whether there'd be a discount, he said no. If we'd known about the shared bathroom before booking, we could have chosen differently. Why weren't we told about the change before arriving, especially after the fourth bedroom was booked? The narrow stairs were difficult for me because I have balance problems, and potted plants by the outside steps got in the way as I tried to hold the railing. Our upstairs room had two comfy chairs, a dresser, and a bed, but very little space for luggage. The TV didn't work, and we were asked to keep the door shut because the indoor cat was wandering around meowing for its mate, who had died. I'm not comfortable with cats, and wasn't happy thinking one might be outside our door in the night. We greeted the gentleman in the dining room, then he talked to us while we went upstairs. My husband quietly remarked that the owner needed a shower. I lost most of my sense of smell after COVID, but when I got close to him, I could smell it too. That's not good customer service. Breakfast was $15 per person, which I'd declined when booking and again there. After noticing the odor, my husband agreed we wouldn't eat anything he'd made. We left Garden House Bed and Breakfast planning to walk around town, but decided we'd rather spend the night somewhere else, even if it cost us more. I was excited to try my first bed and breakfast, but the lack of a private bathroom changed that. We returned the keys and asked for our money back. The owner asked how we'd booked, and when I said booking.com, he told us to contact them and see what they said. We left. I've tried to be honest and direct in this letter. I believe either booking.com or the Garden House Bed and Breakfast should refund us. I don't think it was advertised in good faith, and I'm sending this letter to both booking.com and the Garden House Bed and Breakfast.

It was a memorable, unusual stay, and the cats were a happy surprise that I enjoyed. Of course, anyone allergic to cats might not find it ideal. Chris was friendly enough and cooked a good breakfast. Hannibal is a fun town to visit, though I'm not sure I'd stay here again. B&B plus CC!

We enjoyed talking with Chris, and he was a good host. Breakfasts were delicious, and we love Hannibal enough that we'll probably return. Still, I'm not sure we'd stay here again. The cats were lovely, but there was no notice about them, so we were lucky not to have allergies. Parking was unpredictable, and the outside of the house looked neglected. Inside was interesting. The AC stayed warm even after we asked Chris to cool it down and he agreed.

Chris was a great host and knows a lot about the town's history. He also gave us a tip for our drive toward Memphis. We stopped in St Charles for the cookies he recommended from Grandma’s cookies, and they were delicious. The historic house and cute cat were lovely too. Thanks for everything.