My husband and I were seeking a weekend away in the Finger Lakes region. We hadn't been away in quite a while and wanted something really special. Boy, did we get it!
Directions to Bella Rose were easy to follow (we were coming from the Albany area). Even though it isn't quite spring yet, the exterior of the property was well maintained and charming. Chris and Renee greeted us at the door and were the most welcoming hosts. Immediately to the right of the front entrance is a newspaper article telling a bit about Bella Rose and it's near 10 year renovation journey to becoming a Bed and Breakfast. You can tell much thought was given to every detail of the building, right down to the etched designs in the door hinges.
There is gentle classical music playing throughout the sitting rooms, books and magazines to read, a fireplace to enjoy and a mini-fridge stocked with water and various soft drinks. There is also a DVD collection that would appeal to a wide audience. Had our stay been longer, I'd have taken advantage of the sitting rooms more.
Chris and Renee made sure we were comfortable and would be comfortable throughout our stay, making sure we had cookies to take to our room each night and leaving a keurig out for me so I could enjoy my nightly cup of tea. :) They also helped ensure we knew our way around town and other areas we would be visiting during the day by printing out directions for us and checking on the open/close status of various locations. They also offered to make any reservations we might need and since our weekend plans were fairly open, they gave us many good suggestions.
Bella Rose has 3 rooms. We were the only ones staying this weekend so we got a good tour of the building. All rooms are very charming. We stayed in the Anne Eliza suite, their largest room with a deck, fireplace, jacuzzi tub, and separate shower. There is also a heated towel bar, gorgeous robes and slippers to truly feel pampered. I fell in love with this room and, also, with the charming key that had an engraved fob with it. Just perfect. I can't remember the last time I slept so well. I also appreciated the tiny, sufficient night light by the door.
Our first morning, we were treated to the most wonderful breakfast. I had no worries about being served anything I am allergic to, as they made sure of those preferences before we even made the trip. Breakfast at Bella Rose is phenomenal! Each breakfast is 3 courses and a different menu each day. That morning, we had homemade cherry almond muffins, a poached pear with vanilla yogurt and, for our third course, eggs benedict (I had yummy dreams about these later that night). We were also served water, juice and coffee and they made sure to keep the coffee coming! :)
We enjoyed some time on the deck outside our room, which overlooks Main St. You can see a few historic buildings from the deck and really appreciate how clean the town is.
Our next heavenly breakfast consisted of homemade blueberry scones, pineapple with raspberry sauce (the pineapple was still on the skin and cut into cubes. Very interesting and pleasant way to eat this fruit!), and carrotcake pancakes with maple cream sauce and sausage links. Just Divine!
Before we left, I made sure to fill out an entry in the journal that is left on one of the nightstands. In this journal, you will find entries from previous guests and you will not find one complaint amongst them.
You won't be disappointed staying at Bella Rose...and you will look forward to returning someday :) read more