REVIEW AS EVENT SPACE ONLY (SECRET TEA ROOM): I attended a baby shower held at the DeBary Inn in Summit last weekend. This was my first time inside the building, which was built circa 1880, and also at a Cream Tea. It was a lovely experience! Secret Tea Room is a pop-up company that creates classic English tea party experiences. They host events at four locations - DeBary Inn and Reeves-Reed Arboretum (Summit), Morven Museum and Gardens (Princeton), and Van Vleck Gardens (Montclair). Great attention to details! Everyone loved the table settings and chinaware. The loose leaf teas were wonderful; that day, we had an apple cider, Ceylon, and green tea. Then came out the tiers. Oh, the scones! The scones are baked on premise, so they were fresh and delicious. At one point, the hosts also walked around table to table with fresh scones from the oven. It was so nice. I overheard a guest from another table joke, "Oh, you can leave the tray of 17 right here for us please. Thank you!" lol Because it's December, the DeBary Inn was decorated for the holidays with a lighted tree. Many guests took selfies in the living room/greeting area. It was a cute venue and party concept for a baby shower! read more

See all

I checked out early after issues related to the hotel's pantry area, which is located directly beside my room. Another guest -- whose room was actually inside the pantry space -- confronted my company late at night for making coffee, claiming we were being "too loud." While I understand the challenges of shared spaces, this setup should be clearly disclosed at booking, especially if it falls under a "run of the house" rate. Guests deserve to know they may be placed next to, or even within, an active pantry area with unavoidable noise and foot traffic. What made the situation worse was the complete absence of staff during evening hours. With no concierge or on‑site support, there was no way to report the incident, request assistance, or ensure our safety when faced with a potentially volatile guest. Being left to manage the confrontation alone was unacceptable and felt unsafe. What made the situation worse was the complete absence of staff during evening hours. With no concierge or on‑site support, there was no way to report the incident, request assistance, or ensure our safety when faced with a potentially volatile guest. Being left to manage the confrontation alone was unacceptable and felt unsafe. Too bad as it is jn a very quaint town... " too quaint and quiet" that normal dynamics in a hotel establishment become an issue all of a sudden. read more

We were looking for a place closer to the central part of Summit. Small problem with the Curtain for the shower but it was easily remedied. We were pleased and have no regrets after staying here for the 1st time. Our room was huge, had a fridge and a comfy bed. Three blocks to the Summit Diner; four blocks to the NJT station - allowing for easy access to YEMSG ! We'll keep this place in mind as we'll be back for more trips to Summit/Chatham read more

This place came recommended because of its location, walkability and proximity to the stores. I was told that I booked the "best room" on the top floor. Problem 1: I was greeted by someone who did not work the front desk; he was awkward and he wreaked of cigarettes. He showed me to my room and tried explaining how the TV remotes worked. Across my 3 days/2nights stay, I ran into this person twice. He was outside smoking and drinking coffee on the front porch. Problem 2: Every surface in my room was dusty, dirty, scratched or dinged (see photos). The bed linens were nothing special; mostly things you can buy at walmart...target at best. I heard people snoring in different rooms below me every evening. Because of these issues, I decided to skip the free continental breakfast. Problem 3: Any book, vase, artwork or decoration inside of this inn felt like it was bought at Goodwill. read more

See all

I e used DeBary as a resource when we've had an overflow of guests. It's much better than marooning them at, say, the Short Hills Hilton-much cheaper and steps away from the restaurants and stores in downtown Summit. read more

It feels homey and spacious inside the inn. It has a lot of good features like the front wrap around porch with seatings to relax and have tea or breakfast, reading and tv room, parking front and back, wonderful breakfast with variety of foods like bagels, muffins, hard boiled eggs, fruits, toast, coffee and tea etc. Easy check in and check out process. We got the king sized master bedroom, with a microwave and mini fridge. The wooden floor, doors and stairs are squeaky because it's an old house but we were surprised how quiet it was at night. We didn't hear any noise. Pillows were awful, feels like inflated balloon. Mattress was not bad. Cleanliness was pretty good except old carpet. Really nice they provide some toiletries and plenty of towels. Air con works fine! Good standing shower and water pressure on the third floor. Would recommend this inn! read more

We spent five nights at the DeBary Inn in Room 8. I was very disappointed as I had expected a B&B-like stay but it was anything but. First of all, the room: it was extremely dark with a few low lights. The closet did not have any lighting so during the evenings it was unusable. The closet was dingy with three wire hangers. The bathroom sink was in a small nook (with three walls closed in) and very little counter space. The bath tub was like any old bath tub you find in an apartment. There was nothing charming about the space, just old and not cared for. The floor was a very dark-colored carpet so you can't see how filthy it may be. Thank goodness I brought my slippers. There was a TV in the room, no cups or coffee maker of any sort. No water bottle, nothing. Obviously no microwave or mini-fridge. In the bathroom they provided the minimal, small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and hand soup. The bathroom tissue was the super thin and scratchy type. The mattress itself was comfy enough, but the pillows were lumpy and the duvet had a scratchy cover. Worst of all are the dogs barking early in the morning, and someone running a machinery around 7:45am. It was not a quaint environment where you're woken up by chirping birds - instead it will be barking dogs and people using loud equipments right outside your window. I've stayed at many B&Bs that were charming and well cared for. This was SO far from it. The house has a potential to be a really nice B&B but it was clear that the owners didn't put in the effort. So it's really just an old house. The funny thing I noticed was that, while it was a King room, they only provided one robe. My companion offered to let me use it but frankly I did not trust that it was clean. Also, no turn-down service. They claimed it's because of Covid, but there are people walking around mask-less in the house. The least they could have done is provide information on where to get extra bottles of shampoos and replacement sheets and towels. There was none of that in the room or during check-in (which consisted of us letting ourselves in without seeing anyone). My companion had to go hunt for shampoo bottles. I highly doubt they clean the rooms properly after each visit. A HARD PASS on this establishment. Their only saving grace was the location - they're in downtown Summit within a 10-min walk to the train station from where you can take a train to go into NYC for sight-seeing. My companion is actually local to the city and surrounding areas and thought it would be nice to book a charming inn that's locally owned. He was very apologetic for the stay. Edit to mention that we did not have breakfast at this place since all they had were cereals, pastries, and boiled eggs. There are a number of excellent diners and cafes within a few minutes of walk where you can get a satisfying hot breakfast. read more

Could not be more charming! My room with a king bed was sublime and immediately felt like home. The library and dining room are lovely and the wrap around porch is so comfortable for a glass of wine or reading while the rain pours outside. The perfect place to stay in Summit while visiting family, just a few blocks from the train and lovely downtown. I will absolutely be back! The breakfast was excellent as well! They really had everything and all of the staff were lovely and super accommodating. read more

All my complaints and concerns have been addressed. The top floor room #14 is great - lots of stairs, though. Thanks for making changes and becoming awesome! read more

TOO HOT TO HANDLE! Find a modern hotel! My wife stayed at this place while I had major surgery at the local hospital. The overall appearance of this B&B is quite nice. However the quality of your stay depends on the room you book. My wife's stay was from 3/21 thru 3/26. Weather turned cold. The heat in her room was stifling and was not controlled in the room. While she tended to me all day, she was unable to sleep in her room for much of the stay and became exhausted. That's not supposed to happen at a B&B. The Inn management indicated the they were unaware of the issue and offered no viable solution other than to open the window, which didn't work. Additionally from their own response to my wife and other on line complaints found, they were very much aware of this situation....but rented the room anyway. They offered $100 for my wife's misery. read more

The Continuo Arts Foundation 1/5 4 minutes ago on Google After a long day of travel I came to the Inn, had stayed the week prior, and had numerous conversations with Jack regarding rooms and price etc. including sending our tax exempt form. My name was not on the list and instead of just admitting my reservation was lost in the shuffle he had the nerve, audacity to say I was 'banned' by the management because of the condition I left the room. As a 62 year old woman leaving at 3 am to catch a flight the 'condition,' I left the room was bed made, towels hung up, nothing on the floor. Being VERY well connected in the community have already reached out to the 'management ' (whom I was told they couldn't give numbers for...) and will also contact the owners. Own up when you make a mistake.... read more

We stayed in the suite on the 3rd floor, this is a small inn, no elevator, so pack light & be mobile. Breakfast was decent, enough to get me started and if you need more there are places a short walk away. I was asked several times if everything was okay, so they care about guests here. Our last day the hot water took a long time to get warm but it did finally. Parking can be tough but we had a small car so that helped. We were there for a family event in town, wish I had more time it's a 10 min walk to the train station to got to NYC. Several restaurants in town, a bit of shopping, cool record store & foods market. read more

See all

I was very pleased with my recent stay at the DeBary Inn. The Inn and its furnishings were beautiful, the staff were friendly and approachable; and its location was so convenient (I walked a short distance to the train station and the church where I attended a wedding). I was quite pleased to be able to have guests (who also went to the wedding) in the common area of "my" temporary Victorian home for short visits for coffee or tea that was available 24/7 or just to relax for a bit. I really enjoyed relaxing on their large porch. It was a pleasure to stay at the DeBary Inn. read more

Old and loud! You can hear every noise at night. Impossible to get decent sleep. Could be great but needs major updates.

This was one of the best hotel experiences I have had recently. From the book lined entrance to the library /reading room to the very well laid out breakfast, this was the bibliophile's ultimate country estate experience - in the middle of New Jersey! My room was exceptionally well appointed, very clean, and quiet. The checkin was a breeze and Jimmy was friendly and attentive. Highly recommended. read more

See all

Degrading experience for a disabled person and I am seriously thinking of reporting them . There are federal laws that protect the disabled but these people are ignorant with no knowledge of the law afforded to service animals and the outcome for breaking those laws. I have a small 7 lb chihuahua whom I have had for 8years . She is highly trained , clean and completely housebroken . She underwent rigorous training before coming to me and is better behaved than most people . She is an alert dog who can immediately detect if I'm in danger of having a diabetic attack brought on by low blood sugar which can lead to a diabetic coma if unchecked . . She has been a life saver to to me , having saved my life on several occasions when I was getting into trouble with my blood sugar but was unaware of it . Upon checking in to the DeBarry Inn and the lady at the front desk seeing "Minnie " She looked at her with disdain And loudly declared no dogs permitted here.!! I I calmly explained that this was a service dog, my alert dog, and I produced all of her papers attesting to that. This woman was very rude to us even then and not understanding of the necessity of my dog . She told me that we needed to use a different entrance into the Inn , the back entrance , that we could not be in any public areas of the house and all in all made us feel like we were criminals. Our three day stay there was very uncomfortable as we were not allowed in to any public areas of the home such as the library or common room , were made to feel very unwelcome ruining our stay . . When proprietors are ignorant of the law and the rights of a disabled person they should not be in business and I would not recommend this supposed bed-and-breakfast to anyone, Shame on you Deberry Inn! read more

The brochure says; "Your Luxury Boutique Inn" SERIOUSLY? This place is a dump. Look at my pictures and judge for yourself. The truly sad part is that there is soooo much potential. It could be really charming but the neglect and the cheap fixes make it nothing more than a stay in your grandmother's basement with furniture found by the roadside. Motel 6 is classier. read more

See all

I booked a room via the Debray Inn website. When I got the e-mail confirmation, I noticed that I entered the wrong date. I immediately called on the same day, and asked to change the date. I was told that wasn't possible because of the cancellation policy. I explained that I wasn't cancelling my reservation, just revising it. They refused to even consider my request, and charged me for a stay, which I did not use. I attemted thru several phone calls and e-mails to engage anyone, and did not receive any response. TERRIBLE PEOPLE TO DO BUSINESS WITH! read more

The gruff, bordering on paranoid staff of this inn mistakenly accused me of having a dog in my room. Despite six denials, they asked to serach the room. After not finding the dog he threatened with me consequences if he found out I was lying. Then he told me I had a"smug look on my face." I responded that this was the face of someone who had to deny something 6 x. Then they returned to show me a photo of the "dog bed, blanket and bone" that they had, without my permission, taken a photo of while cleaning the room. I informed them of the fact that these things were: a meditation cushion, a blanket and a stick for hitting a bowl that I meditate with. They left without comment or apology for their misunderstanding. I immediately checked out as I felt unsafe and disrepected. These folks are bad innkeepers and worse interrogators. read more

Our stay was for 10 nights. Here are the positives and negatives. Teresa the innkeeper is very pleasant and responds to requests if she feels it is within her limited authority to do so. But here are the negatives: breakfast is included. we asked if she could pick up a few bananas next time she shopped. She said she was not allowed to buy bananas because the guests will take them away with them. We asked to move to another vacant room with a larger bed for the balance of our stay which was 1 week. We were told that we couldn't move because they need to keep it open in case they hit a reservation for a month. Finally, when we asked them to look into the air conditioner in the room, which had been working for the previous 5 days, she said it was the law in NJ to turn the heat on beginning October 15 and that the air conditioner to cool the room would not work. The owners of this place do not care about the guests. read more

My husband and I found The DeBary Inn via an internet search because we were looking for a spot to stay after flying in to the Newark Airport. Our stay was on New Years Eve after a long cross country trip - we were pleased to find our room (eight) at the top of the stairs...it was the perfect haven to spend our last night of vacation. The Inn was very quiet, I believe we were the only guests, perhaps another couple. I found everything to be clean, tidy, and inviting. Our room was very spacious and had a fireplace, comfortable king bed, and large bathroom. I was also pleased to find so many outlets for charging our phones, computers, etc - I always hate when I can't find well-placed outlets. We had a bit of trouble with the fireplace, but a call to the innkeeper cleared it up. He was very nice to address our concerns at 10 PM on NYE. After a great nights sleep, we came down for breakfast and were greeted by the innkeeper. We chatted a bit because we were all from southern California. The only reason I can't give the Inn a five-star rating was due to the breakfast - it was average at best and contained no hot items like eggs or bacon. Perhaps I have been spoiled by previous experiences at B&Bs, but I expected something more than cereal, english muffins, hard boiled eggs, and yogurt. (Want an amazing B&B breakfast experience? Check out the Bozrah House in CT!) In any case, aside from breakfast, we had a fantastic stay and plan to return! Note: They offer a AAA discount - $10 off. read more

It was a great place, gorgeous room and a comfortable bed close to the rehab center and to dinner at Huntly Tavern .the only thing is we mentioned why we were there and could've got a 10% discount but we didn't ask for it specifically. Referred the rest of my family members to the inn read more

The DeBary Inn - Hotels Near Me - Summit, New Jersey

Beautifully maintained Victorian home now a bed and breakfast, if you wish to go into the city (and who doesn't?), it's an easy, adorable walk through the town to the train station...and the town itself had yummy looking restaurants, sadly we returned from the city too late to try any of them, not for breakfast either...as the breakfast offered by the DeBary Inn was DELICIOUS! Even better--had viable low-carb options (most breakfast offered is decidedly HIGH carb.) I understand some guests have complained about some perks being unavailable for the time being...we are STILL in a pandemic! Considering that reality, I felt the DeBary went above & beyond. Which reminds me--a sign when you immediately enter that ALL staff are fully vaccinated-made me extra pleased I chose to stay here. read more

"Quaint large Victorian Home!" So comfortable! Beautiful, quaint, modern facilities. The rooms are very clean. Comfortable mattress and pillows. We walked into the center of town. (2 minutes) and found everything we would ever need. Short Hills mall just a short drive from here. Train station directly into the city. Delicious breakfast! Pleasant living rooms on main floor for reading or watching tv. read more

We had a car crash and had to find a hotel near the hospital. I was pretty much blown away by how nice of a place it was, at a very good price. I wish we could have stayed a little longer. read more

This is a comfortable bed and breakfast, especially in the middle of a hotel desert. There's nothing fancy, but the room was very comfortable, clean, and well-maintained. James was very attentive, and he provided us with great service. We got in very late, and everything was waiting for us, and we had received very clear instructions about how to get in the inn. Breakfast wasn't fancy, but there were several options for a variety of tastes. The train station was in walking distance, and the town of Summit is quite charming. read more

Checked in. Couldn't get a cup of coffee at night. Was told the coffee was old and never offered to make any. The lobby was cold and asked if a fireplace could be turned on. We were told they were all broken. Come on now!! Room seems ok. Help is very rude and unhelpful. This is one bed and breakfast I will never be back to!!!! read more

Pros: pretty neighborhood, our room was nice. Close to lots of shops and restaurants Cons: breakfast is pedestrian stuff that a Hampton Inn might put out. Odd: There is an expectation that you figure out a great deal on your own including checking yourself in. The staff are available by email or cell phone and they will offer to come over if there is a problem. I guess I would call them uninvolved unless invoked. When we met them they seemed nice but this arrangement is not for everybody. read more

I stayed at this bed and breakfast over the weekend a little while ago, and it was an incredible experience. The staff was extremely hard working, very kind and personable, and extremely helpful during my stay. In fact, I left a small bag of personal items in the room by mistake, and the staff held onto them for me and made every effort to return them. I couldn't have been happier with this stay. read more

We had a small room on the first floor - right behind the reception desk. $130 is too much for this room which fits a queen-size bed and not much else. There were some additional disappointments. As I helped myself to some hot water in the nice downstairs common area, I noticed cups that were not quite clean and had some trouble finding a clean one. In the morning, breakfast items were not all fresh. My wife's Greek yoghurt was well past its prime. Some of the breakfast pastries were dried out. Nothing was freshly prepared. The DeBary Inn is a beautiful place but some of the services are not on the same level and some rooms are overpriced. read more

Nestled among a quiet and peaceful residential area, I was so pleased with my stay at The DeBary Inn. Having stayed there a few times for work, each experience has been so warm and welcoming. At first, the staff was courteous and helpful, as the general manager helped me carry my bag to my second floor room. My second stay was no different, as the staff even remembered me and made me feel right at home. The rooms are very clean and I received fresh towels every day. I absolutely LOVE the fresh bread they provided with the continental breakfast. The breakfast offers a nice blend of healthy options, sweeter indulgences, and freshly prepared eggs by the innkeepers. The Wednesday evening barbecue was especially enjoyable as I met some wonderful guests and got to know the managers as well. I look forward to coming back to the DeBary Inn this fall and winter, not only for the beautiful accommodations, but also for the Wine & Cheese gatherings planned for Wednesday nights! Thank you to the staff there for letting me have a home away from home!! read more

Stayed here in 2011 and got a bad case of bed bug bites. Other than that it was fine.

DO NOT STAY AT DeBARY INN!! We actually give 0 stars. I've stayed a # of times at the Inn. HOWEVER, THE INN NOW IS UNSAFE, DIRTY, AND NOT SERVICED. When we booked, an innkeeper said that the staff had been "let go," so we'd not get cleaning, and the innkeeper couple was leaving for LA. Lack of housekeeping was fine due to COVID. She confirmed that the "double double" room we preferred was booked (it actually was not, but rather broken). We didn't realize that no housekeeping meant NO ONE employed by the hotel would be around. When we arrived 1 wk ago for Labor Day weekend, we ran into an "owner," who said "half" the inn's rooms had no a/c & he couldn't get an electrician. Not sure about that bc a moldy window a/c was near the driveway. The same day, or 1st day, I ran into a group touring the inn and then being solicited to buy the inn. Then, during 1 wk at the inn, we saw only 3 other living guests, each there 1 nt; otherwise, there were just open, vacant rooms, supposedly booked per the inn's website or hand-written anticipatory "guest" list; we saw no inn representatives except twice over 6 days. An owner's son, so he said, angrily reported that the inn was losing money, lost 95% of business and basically didn't care about room issues. Lamps and headboard were dusty, shower smelled of mold, etc. We have photos. WHY STAY? AMPLE parking (!), since no one's around it's quiet for telecons, the split-unit in our room # 15 worked (even if the one outside the room dripped and soaked the floor if not laid more mold), the Grand Hotel Summit and other hotels had bed bugs, and there were no nearby airbnbs. And..we're leaving for another inn read more

I tried surprise my wife on our wedding night with a room at The DeBary Inn. I snuck away early in the day to check in and get the key when I returned with my now wife after Midnight I found a high pitched ringing in our room, checked the fire alarm, the alarm clock but seemed fine called the front desk, innkeeper and late night line never got a response and couldn't stop the ringing so I left and now I am told I can't get a refund for a room I couldn't use. Not happy in the least. read more

Absolutely wonderful Inn in downtown Summit. We frequent the DeBary as an "in-town getaway"...truly a wonderful place to relax and enjoy close access to the downtown shopping, markets, and restaurants! When we have visiting relatives we often send them here so they too can experience our wonderful town via a short walk! Highly recommended...clean and staff is wonderful! read more

I have stayed in every hotel in the area numerous times for ten years. This place is by far the best hotel outside of New York that is relatively close to the airport. Only a 20 minute drive. The breakfast is quite expansive, not just the piece of bread that some other hotels in the area offer, but multiple types of fruit, cereal, yogurt, phili fluff pound cake, sometimes they surprise you by cooking a full eggs and breakfast feast. Okay, enough of food. The place feels like a home away from and the owners, managers all are top notch. You need it, they get it. The place is quiet 2 (my number 1 thing) and if u feel like enjoying a fireplace or a lazy day on the porch - they have it. Yes, they are not perfect, but they address your concerns. I saw where another reviewer mentioned in a strange rant that the rooms need individual air conditioner clickers (they listened and now they have them). Overall, the place is cozy, warm and a home-away for world wide guest (seems every guest I meet is from some interesting place int he world). I would recommend 99%. (the 1% is that I have to look at a Jim Cramer In Trust picture on the wall) Hey, if he is one of the owners why can't I find him with that TV remote controller). read more