Betsy's Bed & Breakfast

The hill made the short walk into town good exercise, and the staff were so friendly. They even gave my wife a bread pudding recipe, and she keeps making it. We enjoyed our stay, especially the delicious breakfasts each morning.

Betsy and her husband have been welcoming guests here for over 20 years, and they really do go out of their way to make a stay pleasant. The service is warm and down to earth, with a quality product at a very affordable price. It’s a small but lovely spot in downtown Montpelier, Vermont, set in Victorian houses from around the turn of the century. The rooms all have their own character, with good bedding and linens, and details like propane fireplaces and marble topped furniture. Many share a sitting area with a fireplace and a full kitchen, and most rooms have their own thermostat. Breakfast is made to order by Betsy and her small staff, using good local ingredients. You sit down with nice dishes, cloth napkins, and ceramic coffee cups, and everything we tried was delicious. The old buildings do come with a few quirks. Some rooms don’t have bathtubs, others have limited kitchen space, and sound can carry through the wooden structure. It doesn’t feel like service at the Intercontinental in Boston, but Betsy is very accommodating when she can be, and the place has a homey feel.

The room we were directed to was already occupied. We arrived around 6pm, found a note and keys with instructions, then went to the next building and unlocked the door on the second floor. No one was in the room, but there was an open suitcase and an unmade bed. We were shocked and went back to the main building to call the number posted for questions. Betsy answered and said her husband could help, though she told us to call up the stairs so he would hear us. When he came down, he casually said he didn’t think he could do anything to “make us happy.” We left and found somewhere else to stay. Either they’re doing so well they can double book carelessly, or they just don’t care. I think it’s the latter. Betsy’s gets my lowest rating and strongest scorn. The place is a dump. We saw the owners’ reply and strongly dispute their description of us as “verbally abusive” and “agitated.” We were upset because their negligence left us without a room, and using the key they gave us could have caused mutual embarrassment if we had walked in while someone was there. Calling our behavior inappropriate seems like an excuse. The owners made serious mistakes. An abject apology, without the counterattack, would have earned my respect.

We had a great stay with our family in this cute, quaint two-bedroom place with one bathroom. Jasmine and the breakfast staff were attentive, and they served a full, delicious breakfast. Thank you, Bestsy!