Dismayed & Disappointed by the Tucker Inn…read more
We wish we could report that, after many summer stays in Provincetown at a variety of Bed and Breakfast inns, that our experience at this first stay at the Tucker Inn was a pleasure. Based on its reviews and marketing, we hoped that we could add another glowing review once we returned home. What follows is not what we hoped to report.
Unfortunately, we were not prepared to - at an average of $415 per night (fee and taxes included) - (a) to feel from the outset that we were intruders and not guests, (b) to stay in a room that did not feel clean, and (c) to eat off of dirty dishes and utensils.
Level of Hospitality - Low and sometimes, off-putting:
The initial greeting from main innkeeper upon our arrival at check in was ambivalent, at best. Actually, she made us feel as though our arrival was disturbing her from whatever she was doing - and we never were presented with any greeting or sense of "welcome to the Tucker Inn" when we arrived. Most times over the five nights stay, we did not feel particularly welcome guests of the inn. The general attitude of the innkeeper made us feel uncomfortable and intrusive in the space.
* Example 1: There is a selection of breakfast foods buffet style but on two occasions we asked for "eggs any style". At least one of these times, the host asked why we don't just eat the eggs with scallions that were put out daily. She seemed bothered by having to fulfill a request to make eggs that did not include scallions.
* Example 2: Apparently each Saturday there is a social hour at 5 PM. But nowhere is there any sign to indicate this, so that guests can arrange to attend. And we only found out around 10 AM the day of when the host tossed out, "You know there's a social tonight." Well, we did not know and then had to pry the other details to be in the know.
* Example 3: One morning at breakfast, a new face was among the guests. But it was not until several minutes of conversation and us asking, 'where are you from', that the gentlemen finally owned up to being an owner. It felt like we were part of an episode of "Undercover Boss" and, frankly, we have never had an inn owner not introduce himself from the moment of meeting. It felt disingenuous for the proprietor of a hospitality establishment.
* Example 4: Every other inn we have stayed at keeps, at a minimum, fresh water available in the common area and most replace water in the room daily. This was not the case with the Tucker Inn. And even if we asked for replacements, we have already shared that any reasonable request felt like an intrusion of the host.
* Example 5: The inn was mainly accommodating males during our stay and it was during the first four of five days we experienced this feeling of inconveniencing the host. Curiously on Day five, a group of mainly women arrived and we witnessed an openness and spirit from the host towards them that we, as paying guests, would have appreciated receiving. This gives us even more uncomfortable pause if we read into these dynamics.*
*It bears distinguishing that the other two servers at the inn were more engaging and did not seem to mind the few basic requests we had.
Cleanliness:
It became apparent from the first meal and for each one after that any time we needed a bowl, plate, piece of silverware, mug, or drinking glass, we should expect to search through at least three or four before we might find one that did not have residual food or sediment caked on it. Is offering clean dishware that challenging?
Also, the areas where food was presented could have appeared much cleaner.
The room smelled somewhat musty when we entered. I cannot say if we got accustomed to it or if it subsided; but musty was the first impression, certainly. And the towels had a number of stains on them, as well.
Photographs versus reality:
We offer kudos to the Inn for having a good photographer with the ability to use wide angles and bright lights to mask the reality of spaces and lighting. This is one area where we can agree this is a fairly common practice in the industry. But, as is often common in the industry, the room was nowhere as specious or accommodating as the photos could lead one to believe.
In summary - while previous reviews may have enjoyed their stay at the Tucker Inn - and these are the reviews we relied heavily upon when selecting the inn - ,for the avoidance of doubt , we were quite disappointed and believe we should share our experiences with our friends and family and social media outlets. It is with great regret that we cannot recommend this inn to anyone visiting Provincetown.
