Fairfield Inn Kennett Square Brandywine Valley

The staff deserve five stars. The location worked well for Longwood Gardens, the common area on the first floor was pleasant and clean, and the breakfast staff kept the included food containers full. We spent three nights here for two days at the Gardens. The bed was the main problem. It smelled like body odor, and although the front desk staff kindly arranged for housekeeping to change the bedding, the smell remained. I eventually realized it was coming from the very old mattress, which fresh sheets couldn’t mask. The fourth floor also had a very strong smell like DDT. I’d just read about a family in Turkey dying after insecticide exposure at a hotel, so I was uneasy, though I stayed and am fine. There were other signs of age, too: I couldn’t get the shower to the right temperature, and the sink drained very slowly, as if partly clogged. We’ll return to the Gardens, but stay elsewhere.

We only stayed one night, and the room was sparkling clean. Housekeeping left such sweet touches, including a welcome note with a butterfly drawing and a flower folded from toilet paper. Everything was perfect.

Tara at the front desk went above and beyond. We arrived around midday on a Saturday in late September 2025, before check-in, and needed time to get ready for a 3 PM wedding. She arranged early access in a friendly, helpful way. The room was clean, quiet, and well furnished, and breakfast was generous and included with our reservation. The staff were all accommodating. Finding the hotel from the north or east can be a little tricky, so just follow Google Maps.

The hotel was clean and breakfast was good, but the pool and Jacuzzi were ice cold because the heat wasn’t working. I’d called after seeing online that they were out of order and was told they were working, and was reassured again at check-in. I booked for November 24 so my boyfriend and I could visit Longwood Gardens and relax in the pool and Jacuzzi. That part of our vacation was ruined. I’ve spoken with several staff members and haven’t been offered compensation. They just shake their heads and say, “Oh well.” For $160, it wasn’t worth it, and I wouldn’t recommend staying here.