Clark Currier Inn

The owners were gracious and charming, and breakfast was better than we expected. The frittatas were perfect. We wanted a distinctive New England experience, and Clark Currier Inn delivered: beautiful, comfortable, and fun. The bedroom had just the look we hoped for on this trip. We’ll certainly stay again next time we’re in Newburyport.

The location is excellent, with everything within walking distance. Beyond that, I struggled to understand the praise from so many reviewers. This was the first B&B I’ve stayed at where the owners seemed hands-off in every way. There was no personal check-in or checkout, and the welcome letter got our name wrong. They could easily have checked it. The building also needs serious attention. The entrance has rotting wood and peeling paint, and inside there were dingy carpets, more peeling paint and wallpaper, a 1980s bathroom, and cheap furnishings in the Hale Room. It felt as if the owners weren’t taking care of this historic property. Breakfast was a real disappointment for somewhere calling itself a B&B. It was boxed cereal, store-bought bread and pastries, and tubs of yogurt. The whole time, the owner was either on her laptop in the kitchen or folding laundry in the nearby formal dining room. We paid $300 a night and came away feeling this was a bait and switch, with the owners phoning it in and charging a lot based on the location. Calling this a B&B feels misleading and downright dishonest. I can’t imagine how 563 of 596 reviewers gave it 4 stars or more, using words like charming, lovely, and amazing. Did they stay at the same place I did?

Caitlin was incredible, and the breakfast spread with egg bites was great each morning. We stayed two nights in the Marquand room, which had its own deck and private entrance. The room was gorgeous, with a newly renovated bathroom and a comfortable bed. It was also an easy walk into town.

Caitlin is the bombdigity! For about eight years, we’ve gone the first weekend in December and it never disappoints. My wife and I went by ourselves for the first few years. For the last four, my brother, sister-in-law, niece, and her husband have joined us. We all love the location, the rooms, and manager Caitlin.