Guest User
November 17, 2024
Firstly, you please know that we (a happily married couple of 42 years) much prefer B & B's and Air B & B's over hotels. My husband's Godson was getting married at a venue in Hackettstown. Although the couple included several nice area hotels as referrals to out of town guests, I immediately opened up my search to B & B's within a 10 mile radius. The Whistling Swan Inn caught my eye immediately! A very early 20th century (1905 to be exact) magnificent Victorian mansion, I was thrilled to learn they had a third floor suite ("The Stillwater") available that weekend. The suite had a two-person Jacuzzi tub that my arthritic bones craved. What a delight it was! Every amenity you could desire to enhance a nice long soak was within reach and a clean, warm robe awaited you when finished. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Audry Burnett, the welcoming Innkeeper/Owner of this lovely Victorian. She immediately welcomed us into the parlor and adjacent dining room turned tea room and first offed us a cold or hot drink (she has a generous selection of delish teas) to go with, my personal favorite, the cookies she had baked that morning - yummy oatmeal and raisin, soft and delicious, Audry provided all the important information with knowledgeable answers to a few questions we had. She immediately made us feel at home, inquiring as to what our plans were for the weekend, asked about family and shared a little about her's as well. She was the quintessential host...warm and friendly yet not intrusive. We were also introduced to another guest who visits the Inn frequently. She is an author and was currently doing research for her latest project. She was very pleasant and a pleasure to converse with. Her interest and knowledge in horticulture was vast and we found the information she shared with us helpful and very interesting. Meeting new people from different walks of life is one of the best things about really good B & B's....and The Whistling Swan is excellent! The Swan is a magnificently maintained 1905 mansion. The original woodwork throughout the Inn is absolutely beautiful! The small vignettes throughout the home add to its glory...along with the exquisite antique furnishings and grand fireplaces in almost every room. Yes, there are three floors, and no, there is no elevator. But considering the required rise of a step in 1905 was considerably lower, the climb to the third floor was not as difficult as one might think....so don't let that stop you! We are well into our 60's, not athletic, and had no problem enjoying the beauty of the staircase and framed artwork as we ascended to our suite. Audry was more than willing to assist us with belongings. She made every effort to make us as comfortable as ever. She welcomed us to our suite and pointed out all the amenities that, given the time of the mansion's construction, would not have been included. But there they were; very comfortable and well-dressed king size cherry bed, an electric fireplace with lovely m