Rockland Talbot House

The rooms were a nice size, comfortable, and each decorated differently, like being a guest in a friend's home. We appreciated the daily treat and useful extras, especially the guest refrigerator in the butler's pantry, which kept our picnic supplies cold. Two friends and I stayed in three of the inn's rooms for two nights in mid July. We arrived late in the evening, but the simple instructions sent by email made check-in easy.

The room itself was very clean, and room spray we had brought helped with the musty smell. We saw a couple of staff members during our stay, but they kept their distance and didn't engage. Breakfast was minimal, just cereal, muffins, and a Keurig machine, so we went out each day instead. The house had a noticeable odor, perhaps because of its age. No one was there to welcome us; just an envelope with my name and the room key. It was dark inside, which made the place feel cold and uninviting. Outside, the overgrown bushes and trees made the sign hard to see, the front flower pots were empty, and the rundown neighborhood had old furniture and random items along the curbs. It gave us an uneasy feeling. We arrived at 3:50 pm and still had to wait outdoors, since check-in is strictly at 4:00 pm with no exceptions. Downtown Rockland wasn't especially charming, and many restaurants were closed. For a trip to this area, I'd spend more to stay in Rockport or Camden, which are much more scenic and offer better-quality accommodations. It was disappointing.

My partner and I spent two nights at the Rockland Talbot House with our dogs. The rooms were beautiful, the beds comfortable, and Main Street was close by. Best of all, they truly welcome dogs, which is rare to find along with everything else in one place. We'll be back.

What a letdown compared with last year. Then there was a proper breakfast at the inn next door, which they also own, and we walked over for it. This time a paper bag was brought to our room. It had some cinnamon raisin baked bread, though I wasn't sure what it was since there was no description, plus a yogurt and SunnyD orange juice. My six-year-old and I ate the yogurt and left first thing in the morning. Not sure why they changed it for the worse. Last year, my daughter and I had a wonderful one-night stay and will without a doubt be back. We took the bus and checked in as soon as we got off, after a five-minute, .25-mile walk from the station. The charming inn was welcoming, quiet, and perfectly located. The room was spotless, and the heated bathroom floors were the best. Breakfast was superb: French toast casserole and bacon crisp to perfection. They even gave my daughter an adorable free lobster hat, so kind of them. The walk back to the bus station was another five minutes.