Pillow Talking’s Review of KING’S COTTAGE Bed & Breakfast
Someday Productions LLC and Pillow Talking are pleased to present the following review of KING’S COTTAGE Bed and Breakfast in Lancaster, PA
She Said:
I am something of a veteran of bed and breakfast (B&B) lodging, but it’s been a while. Having just remarried last year and with seven kids between my husband and me, we don’t get away very often! I found it to be great fun to introduce Wayne (who also is my co-reviewer) who’d never before had the pleasure, to the quaint, inviting, intimate world of B&Bs, where service is top-notch, accommodations are charming and pristine, and nothing at all is sterile or formulaic.
For others who may be unfamiliar with B&Bs, they suggest that one is a guest rather than a customer at what often is a lavish and nicely-appointed mansion, renovated property, or other large home (often historic). There generally are on average, six rooms; some may have private baths, however, others may require sharing (if this is an issue for you, it is a good idea to check in advance). Guests are given personalized attention by owners who also may live in the residence. B&Bs provide a peaceful, relaxing getaway, frequently with picturesque outdoor areas, and which are accessible to local attractions.
When we had the wonderful opportunity to attend and review a performance of Footloose at the Fulton Theatre in Lancaster, PA, because of the nearly four-hour commute it required, we knew that staying overnight was going to be necessary. Unfamiliar with the area, we searched for lodging and came upon King’s Cottage Bed & Breakfast on E. King Street in Lancaster, moments from Pennsylvania Dutch and Amish Countries and very near to the thriving, cultural arts hub of the city. Touting themselves as a “home away from home,” I must say that is the perfect way to describe this lovely inn, a 1913 Mission-style mansion which both preserves the elegance of its original architecture and décor, while it provides stellar and contemporary amenities.
Demonstrating excellent attention to detail from the start, after making our reservation, my husband and I were asked if we had any dietary restrictions or food allergies, to ensure that our dining experiences would be as wonderful as our lodging. We also received a detailed email confirmation, including late check-in instructions, should we have needed them (we did). When we entered using the coded lock, we immediately took in the beautiful and luxe décor. The attractive living/sitting room and adjoining sunroom were beautiful, and flanked by local artisan offerings, such as hand carved animals, soaps, jewelry, and more for purchase. We ascended the stairs to our accommodations, one of eight unique guest rooms. The perfectly appointed “Duchess Room” had walls alternately bathed in stripes and flowers, an electric fireplace, a desk, a four-poster Mahogany queen bed, a loveseat, and a private bathroom. And after a long day, we took a well-deserved hot bath in the antique soaking tub before preparing to go out for the evening.
When we returned, I must say I had the most restful night’s sleep I can recall in recent memory. The bed was probably the most comfortable in which I’ve ever slept and I awoke feeling refreshed…and ravenous! Since we only stayed one night, breakfast was our final experience (sadly), and I also must say it was one of the best I’ve had in a very long time. Because we’d utilized the late check-in, we hadn’t had the opportunity to formally meet the innkeepers, Janis Kutterer and Ann Willets. They could not have been warmer and more accommodating, in addition to offering wonderful insight about Lancaster art, culture, and other local offerings.
As with many B&Bs, breakfast is served communally. The formal table settings were exquisite, with fine details such as chargers, elegant floral plates, crystal glassware, cloth napkins, and knife rests. Since King’s Cottage does not allow children (many B&Bs do not), our dining companions were other adult travelers who had likely taken advantage of some of those rare, kid-less, relaxing hours. The meal began with self-service coffee and tea, while we awaited our hostesses’ breakfast offering of the day. We first received an incredible parfait of creamy yogurt, the most flavorful blueberries, and fantastic Amish-made granola, accented with a fresh-cut pansy. It may sound corny, but it was like a party in my mouth! After that course was cleared, we were delighted to receive a plate of twin ham and cheese crepes with pesto-roasted potatoes. The crepes were delicious and light and the potatoes had just the right amount of pesto sauce. It was accompanied by a basket of warm multi-grain scones, Amish butter balls, and an incredible Amish-made strawberry-rhubarb jam. I’ll admit I ate more than my share of the scones – and later learned when another guest asked, that there was a humorous history to them. Some years ago when the innkeepers received a complimentary delivery of more boxes of Post cereal than they knew what to do with, they found a recipe that they’ve been making ever since! They were kind enough to offer a printed version to us and to the other couple who were gushing over them as well!
At King’s Cottage each room is different, with some having a few more bells and whistles: for example, one may enjoy a separate carriage house, in-room breakfast, microwave, mini fridge, or whirlpool tubs. The facility itself offers amenities to all guests such as cable TV, free Wi-Fi, book lending and DVD check-out, on-site spa and massage services, fax-service, a guest kitchen with water, ice, and munchies. With three-day notice, a number of luxury services also are available such as chocolate-covered strawberries, rose petal baths, flowers, and wine and champagne set-ups (no alcohol included); as well Romantic Packages which range from a “Covered Bridge Picnic Tour” complete with picnic and self-guided directions; to an “Enchanted Evening” which includes long-stemmed roses, a rose-petal bath, and a romantic gourmet meal for two at one of three hand-selected dining establishments.
All in all, I’d say King’s Cottage is a must for anyone wishing to experience the wonderful and personalized service of a luxurious Pennsylvania B&B. They are members of Select Registry, BedandBreakfast.com Diamond Collection, 1,000 Places to see in the USA and Canada Before You Die, and have a rating of “excellent” on TripAdvisor. This is a place I would highly recommend and hope to visit them again soon on another trip back to the fabulous, thriving, culturally rich city of Lancaster!
He Said:
I have a confession to make. I’ve prided myself on being a world traveler and bon vivant. After all, I have been to many places including Mexico, France, Italy, the UK, Spain, Canada, Monte Carlo, just about every island in the Caribbean, and dozens of states in the U.S. I’ve also been to the best restaurants. As a gambler, I’ve lost money is casinos all around the world. But—
I’VE NEVER BEEN TO A BED AND BREAKFAST.
It’s true. As far as Bed & Breakfasts had gone, my virginity remained intact. My only experience had been watching Bill Murray’s character stay at one in Groundhog Day. It seemed to me like communal living; eating together and watching Jeopardy together.
And then we had the opportunity to stay at King’s Cottage, a Bed & Breakfast located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania when we were there to review Footloose at the Fulton Opera House. I am happy to report that the experience was wonderful.
King’s Cottage had a definite Victorian feel to it. The parlor and common areas were beautifully furnished with antiques. Our room was immaculate. It was cozy, inviting and…quaint. Yes, that is the right word – quaint. Our four poster bed was incredibly comfortable. I had a great night’s sleep. Even my wife did not complain for once about my snoring.
Although the room had modern accoutrements like Wi-Fi and an HD television, they seemed anachronistic in this timeless milieu. In fact, I did not turn on the TV once and used my computer sparingly.
And then I finally realized why they call it a Bed & Breakfast – because you get breakfast as part of the stay. It was a positively scrumptious breakfast. I thought I was having a rolled up omelette. My wife advised that it was crepes – something I never tried and thought I would never like (I have a limited palette to say the least). And the table was beautifully set. One of my pet peeves as a tea drinker is that even in the best of restaurants, tea is served in a mug or a cup without a saucer forcing you to put your soggy tea bag on the table or your napkin. (It’s unfair how coffee drinkers are favored in restaurants with unlimited refills.) To my utter surprise and pleasure, there were cute little tea bag holders on the table. There was even a little thingy-majiggy to rest your butter knife against. I was in heaven!
The innkeepers were quite hospitable and friendly. They genuinely wanted to make our stay the best it could possibly be. They had a plethora of information about what events and activities one could do in Lancaster.
King’s Cottage is conveniently located four minutes from Highway 30 and seven minutes from downtown Lancaster. There is ample parking. I should note that there are comfortable chairs and tables around a water garden where you can sit and while away the hours (if only we could have).
All in all, it was a fabulous experience. My only regret is that I wish we had spent more time there. I look forward to another show to review so we can go back and discover more about King’s Cottage.
