A beautiful place to stay and the owner is the nicest sweetest lady, I have ever had the pleasure…read moreto meet!!

I cannot even begin to describe how effortlessly wonderful our stay here was. The Seagull Inn is…read moreeverything a bed and breakfast should be! Ruth and Skip, the super awesome hosts, made us feel like we were at home the second we pulled up. We stayed in the Library Suite and as you can picture, the walls were lined with endless rows of books. The quaint, vintage furniture (all hand made by Skip) throughout the house added so much character and gave the house a welcoming feel. Seagull Inn is literally a backyard away from the water where you can kayak or just hang out. My favorite place in Marblehead, Castle Rock, was only a two minute bike ride from the house. The Inn has kayaks and bikes to use during the day and always has yummy goodies out in the kitchen. I wish I could say more about our stay at Seagull Inn, but then I'd go on forever. We really cannot WAIT to make a second trip back and you can count on it that we will be visiting regularly. Lovelovelove it.

Didn't get to take the tour, it seemed a little expensive to me... but I felt like it did offer…read moremuch more bang for your buck then some other near by attractions. And honestly I would have paid it but we were almost out of our fun money for the trip. I will probably do it next time, or honestly staying here would be really cool!

Great day for a visit! Worth the drive Spent the day in…read moreSalem. Very comforting! conveniently located.

My bf and I stayed here in March. I found the website online and was convinced it would be…read morewonderful because of the gorgeous pictures of the place and the stellar reviews I found all over the internet. When we got there, we found the owner and his girlfriend cooking dinner. They were very nice and welcoming. I knew to expect the owners living quarters to be really close to the guest rooms because of some of the reviews I read but since the room we were in had a private entrance we weren't worried, we figured we could come and go and have the privacy we were looking for with no problem. We told Ted that we were late sleepers and not to worry about providing breakfast for us (the website says breakfast is served between 8:30-9:30). We would much rather sleep in and then grab brunch somewhere and we didn't want to hold him up from whatever he may have had planned for the day. He seemed somewhat resistant to the idea of not providing sustenance for us so after a little discussion, J and I told him "okay, how about 10:30?" He said he would leave certain items out for us. The house and our room really were gorgeous! Ted is an architect and he has done a really great job on the house and grounds. We stayed in the pond room which had cathedral ceilings, a two person jacuzzi, a gas fireplace, double glass doors, lighted double sinks that automatically turned on when you walked into the room, a whole wall of windows, decks, and heated floors. We were really happy with the room. It was very clean and decorated with a subtle nautical theme. From the moment we got there, we kind of felt like we had to whisper in our room. Probably because there wasn't any other guests there that weekend and the owner was having dinner 20 ft from our door. I know they probably couldn't have heard us but it did make me feel more uncomfortable than I thought it would. In the morning, we were woken up bright and early by the sun coming through the large, high windows in our room. No wonder breakfast is so early, how can anyone sleep through that? However, I do have to say that if I wasn't a cranky morning person, this would be a really enjoyable way to wake up, sun and beautiful blue sky and trees to look at while lying in bed. We pulled ourselves together and quietly went to the kitchen for breakfast. Ted said he would leave things out for us so we assumed we'd be alone. He immediately came around the corner when we got to the kitchen so it felt like he may have been waiting for us. He served us cantaloupe slices with yogurt, granola and berries and a tomato and basil quiche, which was all very good. What wasn't good was that he talked to us from the kitchen the whole time we were eating, so we had to keep turning around in our chairs to respond to him. It was uncomfortable and awkward (if he had sat down with us, it wouldn't have been as bad). During our weird breakfast conversation, it comes up that J is a software engineer and next thing you know, Ted is asking for help with a website he is working on. I have no problem with J helping someone out, but DUDE we're on vacation and we are paying you good money, don't ask for business help while we are trying to relax. It just wasn't appropriate. I said "Maybe when we are on our way out on Sunday he can help you for a bit". After that, we pretty much chose to use our private entrance to the room when we came and went from the house. We didn't feel like discussing in great detail every time we came back from somewhere, what we had done and where we had gone. I think Ted meant well, he had a lot of advice and suggestions for things to do and he was a really nice guy but it just didn't mesh with our style. For the most part, we like to be left alone when we go away and Ted didn't seem to pick up on the signals we gave him. I think this B&B would be really great for an older couple, for some reason I feel like older people are more open to this type of attention. On Sunday when we packed up, J was heading out to take some things to the car and Ted followed him outside for help on his website. He spent more than an hour working on something with him, while I sat in our room waiting. We probably won't go back. Gorgeous place, beautiful backyard and pond, and nice trails that lead to a running path and the harbor. I really liked the physical surroundings but didn't really feel relaxed because Ted was overly available and obviously in closer earshot than we would have liked. A week later, Ted called and asked BF to go on trip advisor and write a positive review of our stay!! No wonder I found so many good reviews online. 5 stars for aesthetics and 1 star for invasiveness! It wasn't horrible but it was not our style. **Updating this review in March '09: Ted called J a month or so ago and said he found this review and apologized and offered us a free night at the B&B. Not sure if we'll take him up on it but nice that he tried to make amends.**

Two weekends ago my friend and I spent a lovely weekend in Marblehead at the Fox Pond Bed and…read moreBreakfast. This gem is nestled in a quiet neighborhood bordering a 37 acre sanctuary with trails that lead down to Salem Harbor. I looked at a number of B & Bs before finding this obvious and rare jewel of a home. Ted and Sophie, our hosts, were flexible as we arrived early and left a bit late since the off season is easier on everyone. This home has been meticulously redone, as have the beautiful grounds. Indeed, this property is featured in a number of architectural, gardening, and home magazines. The obvious care and attention to detail is very very unique. Our host, Ted, and his lovely dog, Sophie, made us feel right at home. Ted has an easy way about him that makes one feel like family the second you walk through the door. As is common with Bed and Breakfasts, you are a part of the family while in residence - that's the charm. The breakfasts were lovely and we invited Ted to join us as we learned about the house, its history, and received numerous tips about local attractions, restaurants, shops, and some of the local North Shore news. All in all our stay was wonderful. Ted opened his home to us and helped make our stay a memorable and relaxing time. I most enthusiastically recommend the Fox Pond B&B; we'll be back!

Amazing stay. Can not say enough about Bob. Incredible and generous host. Wharf view from the…read morebalcony was beautiful. Short easy walk to all of the attractions, shopping, food and drink. Hope to be back and stay longer in the future.

Perfect Location; Bob is a great host; Have a drink or coffee on the deck off the rooms overlooking…read morethe water or on the patio. Plenty of restaurants within walking distance. In the summer- go to The Landing. Bob will give great local advice if needed. Can't recommend Morning Glory enough!

Rest in Peace, Suzanne. Thank you for being so good to us. I'm sad we were not able to meet again.read more

It's our last night at Stepping Stone; a delightful three extraordinary nights. Matt and Kelly…read morecouldn't be better hosts. They are always available to provide tips and information while carefully listening to your desires. The Inn is beautifully decorated with unique antiques. So appropriate for this house built in 1826. There are no musty odors or creeks to attest to its age. It's obvious Matt and Kelly love this home. They and their kitties take excellent care of it and will take great care of you.

Great location and owners. Unique experience staying in such an historical structure. Close to…read moreeverything. Matt and Kelly provide excellent details and their recommendations helped us plan our trip with plenty of time to book desired tours. We stayed in the Washington room on the second floor with a lot of space and large mirror to get ready. The Inn felt very comfortable and we enjoyed relaxing in the living room. Highly recommend! Close to everything.

Lovely views from the deck where I sat and read my book all morning after a lovely breakfast of…read moreyogurt and berries and the BEST coffee. Suzie is a gracious host and the beds are soft and comfortable. The decor is whimsical beachy with boxes of seapearls and mirrored vanities in the bath and lovely hues of lavendar and blue in the bedrooms. Lots of beautiful flowers in the garden and a morning sitting porch for breakfast that she lights at night to welcome you home. Rooms are adaquately air conditioned and rooms are cozy and quaint. A lovely respite.

We planned a trip to Massachusetts to Salem for a spooky October trip. We found A Lady Winette…read moreCottage and thought it was perfect and quaint. A nice size for our group. We rented out both rooms upstairs. With our initial phone call with the Innkeeper Suzie she was so pleasant, nice, and informative. As the trip was getting closer we called her again just clarify a few questions we had. We asked if could check in early as we were driving from Michigan (15 hours) and wanted to get cleaned up and unpacked before going out and exploring. She seemed to not understand why we would want to do that and why not grab lunch and explore before - we went around and around a few times until she finally agreed to let us check in before going out. We then asked her if we could do breakfast a bit later in the day as we planned on taking advantage of sleeping in while on vacation and we're night owls and wanted to enjoy the town. She said no, if was at exactly 8:30am and she didnt need to explain why she wouldn't move it to a later time. A simple no would have sufficed. So the day of the trip - we drove through the night- we were about an hour away and we were instructed to call her once we got close and multiple times. So we did and she was super short with us the first phone call but told us there was a big storm that went through the night before so she was trying to clean up the mess from it she wasn't too happy that we were checking in at 2. Though she said it was alright. Then we called a 2nd time when we were in Marblehead and asked if where we were going to park if that was okay, she said "yea. I have to go bye" and hung up on us. It was so strange as she was so sweet and nice to us weeks before when planning the trip. We then walked up to the door and she told us that we could not roll out suitcases on the carpet and would have to lift them. Totally fine, but that was literally the first thing she said to us. We then took the corner to go up the stairs to the rooms and I don't think I've ever seen steps more narrow or steep. But not Suzies fault at all for that, it was just suprising. We then got up to the rooms with Suzie behind us, she told us to put our luggage immediately on the luggage racks as to not ruin the carpet. Mind you the carpet is very stained and could stand a vacuuming. Suzie then told us that we were not allowed to go on to the balcony because of the storm that happened the night before, and even blocked it with a plant, which we thought was super strange and disappointing as we really wanted to spend some time out there and enjoy the views. But oh well, we were able to enjoy it later on in out stay, which was great. Our breakfast was fruit, bread, coffee and water. At breakfast suzie was asking us what we were doing for the day, when telling her she said oh no, don't do that, that's not worth it. With almost everything we had planned. I appreciate the help on making our visit worth it, but this is our trip and we want to do what we planned and were going to do them regardless. Suzie was also applying and clipping her fake nails 2 feet away from where we were eating... At that same breakfast Suzie said she saw our food in the rooms that we had for snacks and quick lunches as we were trying to be frugal while driving. She said that she told us we were not allowed to eat in the rooms and that she had told us that, when in fact she did not. Her place is very cluttered, and hasnt been deep cleaned in a long while (dust, cobwebs with bugs in them, etc.) Also, the shared bathroom upstairs between the two rooms is also shared with Suzie. We did not know that before hand. Some of the pros: The balcony is beautiful and we really did enjoy it out there. The beds were so comfortable we all slept like rocks and so soundly. The location was great with the cove in view at a times. Her garden was beautiful as well. Overall it wasnt a horrible stay but we will not be staying here again due to the cleanliness, and how overbearing Suzie was. She was very nice and thankful that we were staying there. But it was all way too much.

The APH B&B was incredible! Great location with private parking and easy walks to all the best…read morespots in Salem. The house has an historic charm and feel, well designed and curated artwork throughout. It's clean, spacious with comfortable bedrooms and private bathrooms. It has several indoor and outdoor spaces to gather and enjoy food, music and spirits while indulging in witty banter filled conversation with friends and family. Our French hostess "V" was lovely, great food, great service and highly entertaining. The whole experience exceeded our expectations. Would absolutely recommend. Thanks again, from the 1993 HS Crew!

Our first time at a bed and breakfast and it was amazing! 10/10 recommend staying here when…read morevisiting Salem! Virginie was the most gracious, lovely and amiable host and had amazing recommendations for food and shopping and attractions! Breakfast was alway delicious, the rooms were immaculate and the decorations were so cute! I can't recommend this B&B enough! This house is located within walking distance of just about everything which is very convenient!

I'm not someone who rushes to Yelp, but this stay earned the effort…read more I recently stayed at The Merchant for the second time, and whatever magic existed during my first visit is gone. The biggest issue: the hotel hosted a large, ticketed public event that completely took over the main lobby--with zero advance notice to guests. I woke up to a lobby packed with strangers and nowhere to sit or gather with my family. I've never stayed at a hotel that allows a public event to fully overrun its only common area without warning paying guests. And no, "just go somewhere else" isn't an option--there is nowhere else. There are no additional common spaces and no elevator. Since we were meeting elderly family members, climbing three to four flights of stairs to our room wasn't possible. The lobby being unusable wasn't a minor inconvenience; it was a dealbreaker. Operationally, things only went downhill. Check-in is at 4pm, but arrive after 5pm and there's no one on-site to check you in. Checkout, however, is rigidly 11am. Our room was never cleaned during the stay, despite leaving the "please clean" tag on the door. Because of the limited staffing hours, we couldn't even get fresh towels. Then there's the mouse. I saw one in the common area and notified staff. Nothing was done. Food is left out uncovered for guests, which I promptly avoided--because "boutique hotel meets rodent buffet" isn't really my vibe. What's also new: some sort of train or underground rumbling that shakes the building roughly every hour, offering a front-row seat to what feels like an earthquake simulator. If this were a budget motel or a Holiday Inn, I might shrug and move on. But this is a $500-per-night hotel, and at that price point, these issues are unacceptable. Until these problems are addressed, I wouldn't recommend staying here--and I certainly won't be returning.

My stay was short but just divine, best sleep I had and the most delicious cookies! Thank you to…read morethe wonderful staff who shared instructions for my after hours check-in and made the entire process of navigating to the parking lot a breeze and ensuring I have all I need during my stay at this charming hotel that felt like home). I'll be returning :)