The Inn at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate

My visit to the Inn at Castle Hill was very expensive and terribly disappointing. The bathroom was dirty with dead bugs and previous guest hair on the floor. The toilet was so low, like a child's toilet, I had to hold onto the sink top to get up. The sink top was already pulling away from the wall. The shower faucet dripped constantly and the shower was pathetic, barely enough of a water spray to feel clean. The sink drain was plugged up and took a long time to drain. The window curtain was broken. The toiletries were what you would expect from a budget motel. The wall to wall rug in the bedroom was dirty with countless stains. The bed provided a comfortable place to sleep, and the view of the ocean, stunning. There was no clock, radio, & certainly no TV . Housekeeping consisted of someone making the bed and picking up wet towels. The bathroom floor remained dirty, the tub faucet still dripped, and there were no fresh drinking glasses. Breakfast was lacklustre, nothing special. The breakfast room was lovely, but marred by a large rug that looked dirty and was covered with many large unseemly stains. My sense is an establishment concerned about the presentation of a very public room would have replaced this rug many stains ago. The downstairs public areas, a front desk, a living room, and a game room were lovely and looked clean. The outside stone porch with views of the marshes and ocean was delightful. However, my sense is the greatest asset this inn possesses is some of the staff who were pleasant, courteous, and listened respectfully to my concerns. Clearly they wanted visitors to have a positive experience. Unfortunately, the price for 2 evenings at this inn ($1125.00) was far more expensive than a number of other far superior inns I have visited over the past several years To add insult to injury, I was charged an extra $50 for changing my reservation, well over three weeks in advance from late April to late May (because my husband needed a hip replacement surgery). Apparently with this inn, whenever you change reservation dates, no matter how far in advance, there is a $50 charge. In the past 25 years of travel, I have never been subject to this kind of fee. I am surprised given the quality of the room and food that the Inn at Castle Hill qualifies as a Select Registry establishment. My guess is that this inn has no competition since there is no other BnB that overlooks marshes and a distant Crane Beach. For those who have visited establishments with beautiful and clean accommodations and superb food, buy yourself a picture of Crane Beach and the Inn at Castle Hill and you will have far more value in your purchase than if you actually stay at the Inn at Castle Hill; it's a historical and fancy rip-off.

The Inn is a beautiful, meticulously kept up 19th century house in an extraordinary setting. The view of the ocean from the large front porch is breathtaking - and the porch has lots of rockers for relaxing and enjoying that view. The house is beautifully decorated and spotlessly clean. Comfortable common areas. A bright dining room with beautiful views from most tables. My guest room, the Teller Room, had a view of the ocean from a comfortable window seat. Comfortable bed. Two people can stay in this room, but I think that it would be a little tight. The service was extraordinary. So much effort to provide whatever a guest might want or need. What I didn't know ahead of time: late afternoon homemade cookies (delicious!); wine, beer or special cocktails always available (not included in room price); free access to parking at Crane Beach. Breakfast: yogurt, granola, wonderful scones and a "Chef's Special" hot breakfast meal (something egg, meat, toast). I was there for only two breakfasts and the hot meal seemed just okay to me. Attention to 'green' policies was really good. The location of the Inn on the historic and huge and beautiful Crane Estate, was the a central piece of my days at the Inn. There is so much wonderful walking/hiking in natural beauty. You can take some easy walks or hike on dunes. You can take tours and learn about the interesting Crane family. So much to do without leaving the property.

Wonderful stay..we loved the inn with the exception of the air conditioning that was freezing and was central air which we could not control. My only negative as the staff, breakfast, setting and the Crane estate were wonderful. We took both mansion home tours depicted by actors which was very informative.

The grounds are simply beautiful. Spacious porch for watching time go by very slowly. Nature abounds. Staff very friendly. The common areas were restored some years ago but are presently showing signs of aging. Artwork on walls worth taking a second look, however, many pictures were hanging askew and in obvious need of dusting. Breakfast room nicely appointed until worn and dusty drapes are given a second look. Food average, a step or two above Cracker Barrel. Coffee hot but weak, not much different than hot water served for tea. Our room needed a deep clean. Bugs and webs on walls and ceiling. Linens are worn. Does not feel clean. The ventilation was a couple of holes in the floor. No kidding. Apparently, cold air enters via a separate hole and exits by another. Primitive. No control over temperature. Need a complete HVAC overhaul. Also, bathroom very dated. Tubs with curtain makes navigating in and out hazardous. Will not return.

Its a lovely Inn and the location/view is beautiful. Or room was bright and pretty and the bed very comfortable. However, the Inn is expensive and for the rates they charge they should update the shower, it had no water pressure, luke warm water and a leaky faucet. The windows are not fully sealed, so bugs get in. Things in general look like they need some TLC... loose doorknobs, chipped paint etc. The breakfast was delightful with a nice assortment of choices.