Swanson Inn of Vermont

This felt more like a private-room hostel than a bed and breakfast. We stayed four nights and had breakfast only once. On the other three mornings, a sign at the dining table told us to drive into town to the owners' other inn. There wasn't even coffee. The one breakfast we did get had yogurt, granola, one cereal, bagels, oranges, and bananas. We chose the place based on Google and Expedia reviews, hoping to wake up to breakfast before starting our day. The owners seem to have changed a little over a year ago, and the good overall rating appears to reflect the previous owners. Check-in was self-service. The innkeeper greeted us briefly while we were settling into our room, seemed nice, and suggested restaurants. We never saw her or anyone else again, just other guests. We were in The Retreat, with two twin beds and the only detached bathroom. The shower stall was extremely small. The room floor hadn't been swept, though the rest of the room and bathroom were clean. The beds were awful, and I could feel metal in the mattresses. I'm fairly sure they're as old as I am.

Update: I did get a partial refund for the nights I didn't stay. The old owner was helpful and apologized. The place has changed ownership and no longer offers a bed-and-breakfast stay. After talking with the cleaner, it seemed more like extended employee lodging. Unless you're okay with a bad bed, a room without heat, and literally no amenities, don't book this inn. Breakfast wasn't provided unless you drove to another inn for yogurt. Our rooms were freezing on one of the coldest nights of the fall, there was construction we hadn't been told about, and there was no staff contact. The key was left on a table beside a generic printed sheet with the WiFi details and room location. Two nice guys staying there told us they'd been there before and enjoyed it under the previous owners. They had learned ownership had changed, and they felt lied to and were furious. I couldn't get help or a refund from the new owner. Don't waste your money here.

Breakfast was way more than I expected: homemade muffins, local yogurt, and special homemade items like quiche and eggs cooked to order. The comforters were ridiculously comfortable, too. From check-in through checkout, Tim and Rick kept in touch and answered quickly, which made everything easy. The outdoor space was lovely for enjoying nature. Such a great way to experience Vermont. I'll definitely be back to the Swanson Inn.

Frank, the owner, made waffles from his own recipe, and there was plenty else to choose from at breakfast. Our clean first-floor room had a really comfortable bed. The inn is old but quaint, and close to town. We'd definitely come back.