We booked Room 2 at The Parsonage expecting a traditional bed-and-breakfast stay in a historic home. The property is listed as a B&B on several platforms, the website features breakfast imagery, and the booking form asks for dietary restrictions, so we reasonably assumed breakfast and access to common areas were part of the experience.
Instead, Room 2 functions more like a small private room rental with limited access to the house. We were surprised to learn upon arrival that we did not have access to the main house common areas. For us, shared spaces are a major part of what makes staying in a bed and breakfast enjoyable.
The room itself was also extremely small. With a queen bed and a twin bed in the room, there was essentially no space to move around comfortably and no seating area at all. For three guests, there was nowhere to sit except on the beds, and simply walking around the room was difficult due to the tight layout.
Breakfast was also not served. Two muffins were left for us despite the reservation being for three guests, and despite the booking form asking for dietary restrictions.
We have stayed at many bed and breakfasts over the years throughout California--both coastal and wine country--and the experiences we've loved have always included warm hospitality, welcoming hosts, shared spaces to relax in, and memorable breakfasts. The common thread in these stays is that guests are encouraged to enjoy the home itself, interact with hosts, and relax in shared spaces. That sense of hospitality and atmosphere is the reason we choose B&Bs.
While the building at The Parsonage is historic, Room 2 itself felt very modern and generic rather than reflecting the character of a historic inn.
To be fair, the owners later pointed out that the website includes a detailed description and a floor plan showing the limited access for Room 2. However, we found the wording easy to misinterpret when booking, particularly given the B&B categorization, breakfast imagery on the site, and the dietary restriction field in the booking form.
At approximately $280 for the night (including a $50 fee for a third guest), the experience did not match what we personally expect from a bed-and-breakfast stay.
This room may work fine for travelers who simply want a small private room and plan to spend most of their time out in town. However, for guests specifically seeking the hospitality, shared spaces, and atmosphere that typically define a bed-and-breakfast experience, Room 2 may not meet those expectations. read more