From the website Shore Path Cottage does seem wonderfully inviting. I made reservations for the Melinda Room, which promised a private bath with a claw foot tub. It sounded very nice, especially the "gourmet breakfast" which is part of what makes staying at a Bed and Breakfast so wonderful.
On arriving we were greeted by one of the innkeepers who took us inside the Cottage. The first thing I noticed was that the lights in the foyer were turned off. She had to turn the lights on at our arrival and I did find it odd that she would have the lights off even though clearly other guests were staying as well. We were taken upstairs to our room, which was located near the front of the building . Much to my displeasure, the "private claw foot tub" was not inside our room. Despite the "private" claim, we had to leave our room to use the bathroom or shower, and no bathrobes were provided. This meant both I and my girlfriend had to practically get dressed before leaving the comfort of our rooms to reach the facilities.
The first morning at out stay was also met with some disappointment. Breakfast resembled very closely a continental breakfast you could get at any hotel. Yogurt with granola, various english muffins and bagels, french toast kept over warming plate, jam and butter, coffee and juice, as well as a few sweet cakes. One of the guests also seemed put off by this lackluster breakfast of nothing but carbs and made the request for something like eggs. The Innkeepers mother, who was very kind, materialized and made the requesting guest, and her husband, a hurriedly made omelette.
Later, the same guest that had requested the omelette, was asked by the Innkeepers mother if they could switch rooms from the first floor to a different room on the upper floor. Apparently another guest, one who often stayed at this B&B, was bringing a cat. Nowhere on the website did it say animals were allowed, and according to the innkeeper, there was another guest on the first floor that was deathly allergic to cats, so, the unfortunate couple was being asked to change rooms. Both of them being elderly, they were very upset and did not want to have to move their luggage up the stairs. The innkeepers mother was persistent and told the couple that she would help them move their luggage upstairs. Both the husband and wife did finally agree to repack their things and move, but it was clear they weren't happy.
The second day provided more of the same carb laden breakfast but with the addition of pancakes and an egg frittata, still nothing close to some of the better breakfasts from other places I have stayed, but slightly better than the day before. For some reason the shower's hot water was cold as if the place had run out of hot water that day. After sightseeing Bar Harbor, we came back to the Cottage for some refreshments. I was happy to see that there was still a piece of marble pound cake left out from breakfast, but when I went to grab a piece, and perhaps enjoy a cup of tea, I was told by the innkeeper, almost scolded really, for trying to eat it. She said that NORMALLY she doesn't put out snacks until 3-6pm and that otherwise she'd be baking cakes all day. She did let me have a piece of cake however but left me feeling nearly guilty for even being excited that it had been there.
Overall I will not be stay again. I found the innkeeper to be rude, and neurotic. The Innkeepers mother was certainly very kind and a wonderful lady. The website needs to clarify that the Melinda room does NOT actually have a private bathroom IN the room. Breakfast needs improvement, I could have had something similar at a Motel 6 as I had on my stay at the Shore Path Cottage. read more