More about Phineas Swann Bed and Breakfast Inn
what a vermont B&B should be
by TripAdvisor Member vermont2007
i live in waterville vermont...two towns south of montgomery...i was looking for something really special for my mother (86 years young) that was "downtown" in montgomery center....so we could look at some houses that she could buy....to be near me in vt. my place is up in the mountains and is too isolated for her... i want her to be able to walk to the store, visit friends etc..... montgomery is the closest i've seen to a true eutopian society ... it's a small picturesque town with the friendliest of people, nestled into the green mountains.. and very close to what is arguably the greastest ski area in vermont (jay peak), the east, and maybe the continent, and is certainly no less than world class.. vermont has an intrinsic natural four season beauty that is unique... "vermont sells it'self". my mother, as a corporate wife has stayed in many of the worlds classiest resorts (hilton head, las brisas, aspen co. etc.). what sets this place above,... is the crew that runs it. john, jay and thier wonderful staff create a very comfortable ambience.... without being asked, they think of, then provide such a magnificent sense of personal care and attention that would rival places like top notch or trapp lodge in stowe (e.g).... they bought the place with the idea of having fun with thier customers and that really comes across. these folks really enjoy thier work... they know that serving less people well, is better and more fun than serving many people "just ok". i know people who have been in the business for decades that will never get that concept. the decore and luxuries of the rooms and the inn (dining room etc.) exude an elegance and charm that i have never seen in vermont. i have lived in vermont for 25 years... i haved served as ski instructor or patroller at killington, stowe, smuggs and jay peak. the ultimate compliment i can pay to the phineas, is to have my own mother stay there whenever she visits vermont. they made her vacation a wonderful and memorable experience. this is the high watermark of what a vermont bed and breakfast should really be... sinced the owners aren't "in it for the money" it is wonderfully affordable. and here is a great vermont secret... visit during the off season... they will work with you on the fare. but, busy or slow, vermont, is a magnificent place to enjoy, and phineas swann is one of the many reasons why..... thanks again to the staff, my hat is off to you,,,very sincerly, scott erlandson waterville vermont
Wonderful stay
by TripAdvisor Member cgr
What a delightful B&B! Amazing breakfast, lots and lots of food, plenty of amenities (free snacks, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, etc at *any* time!). TV and DVD in every room. Free telephone calls. Your hosts will happily answer all and any questions. Great hiking trails nearby and nice eateries down the street. A great find! We'll be back.
What a treat!
by TripAdvisor Member sfsue
My friend Henri booked the whole place for two nights to celebrate his 50th birthday, and I was blown away by the experience. The service was beyond comparison, e.g., my special dietary and mobility needs were met and accommodated with smiles and patience. Every room or suite has cable television, and the whole place has free computer connection, as well as free phone service.
The Vermont countryside is so beautiful, and it was such a treat to return to such comfort and caring after a day of sightseeing. There's a beautiful hot tub which I didn't even get to enjoy because the tub in my suite had it's own jets. I had so much fun in there I never got to the one outside!
Breakfast each day was a work of art. I wasn't able to eat the wonderful French toast and waffles they served, but I heard all my friends raving about how good they were. Meanwhile, they went out of their way to fix scrambled eggs just for me. I felt very privileged and special. I always have high protein foods with me in case of emergency, but I didn't need to eat any of it while I was there.
The proprieters, Jay and John are a pure delight, full of knowledge and trivia about Montgomery Center, their neighbors, and the surrounding area.
This would be an ideal place to stay for a ski trip to northern Vermont or any sightseeing trip. I hope to gather some friends and go back soon.
Standard B&B
by TripAdvisor Member SK8181
We stayed at the Phineas Bed & Breakfast for 8 nights in mid-September 2007. Though we were told we had been upgraded to a room in the 'Carriage House' at no-cahrge, we were not, and found our room to be small and Not clean ( nicht sauber). Our room and in the main house in both of our opinions was EXTREMELY full of furniture, antiques, trinkets (Schmuckgegenstand), etc. The owners seem pleasant, however, overcharged the bill.... the taxes are inflated on the bill and be advised, also INCLUDED you will pay for Gratuity ( they charge 13%) THOUGH you must ask for the service of having your room cleaned. This B&B being very Pet friendly is a plus, however, my German partner did not find that the owners walked their dogs AT All and this did strike a chord with her... Back home in Germany, we enjoy walking our own dog on a daily basis and so we enjoyed walking John & Jay's two dogs
( Westies).
Breakfast is included in the price, however, Jay specifically said that there is no menu and breakfast is whatever John cooks. When John is not available to cook, then we were given breakfast vouchers to the small restaurant on the opposite side of the street. This was a plus because we were given a menu to choose from and did not have to pay, however naturally left the Server a tip. The scenery in the area is beautiful. Highlights: Jay Peak is close and we took a ride to the top, and we organised a canoe (Kanu) ride on a lake also in the area. John and Jay have a Hot tub in the back of the house by the 'Carriage House', but make sure you go in it after it has been cleaned and free of chemicals
( we experienced relaxing in the Hot tub, however it had just been cleaned and chemical residue would bubble-up and stay at the top of the water which we would then skim off with our hands). The Television in our room was small. In the main house is a DVD library to choose from. Coffee & coffee machine, and little fridge are in the room, as well a other beverages which are not complimentary. In the afternoon snacks in the main house as well as coffeee is avaiable at no charge, however I do not think baked goods are fresh each day.
Overall, Ok, but problems as noted above. I did dispute my bill and Inkeeper did adjust it.
Eccentric but excellent home away from home
by TripAdvisor Member fatheralbert
A friend celebrating his 50th birthday arranged for 19 of us to join him at the Phineas Swann Bed and Breakfast Inn for two days to help him celebrate the event. It was a joyous two days in large part because of the delightful inn. Jay and John are the ideal hosts. Nothing is a problem. The rooms and general ambience are luxurious but homely. All rooms have high level TV/DVD facilities and broadband connections. Jay is an expert antique collector and the inn is replete with fascinating artifacts, not least some 4,000 bulldog statuettes, mugs, etc. There is non-stop coffee and tea available along with the most tempting brownies and cookies prepared by John. Breakfasts are magnificent. Perhaps the inn is best described as cosy and caring. Behind the property is the restful Trout River and the inn is close to impressive ski fields and stunningly beautiful countryside. The main street of Montgomery Center boasts several good restaurants, a delightful craft centre across from the inn, and a number of basic shops staffed with the most friendly people. I cannot recommend the Phineas Swann too warmly and I look forward to a return visit another time when I visit the USA from Australia.
Terrific romantic retreat, in one of my favorite Vermont towns!
by TripAdvisor Member Juliane144
Perfect hosts, fabulous breakfasts, and a full kitchen set of gleaming
copper pots that I lusted for! The Coach House is comfortable, stocked
with Betty Boop videos and enough entertainment to make getting snowed
in by the fire just fine. Visited here two years now, summer and winter, and it's always just right.
A fabulous surprise awaits you at the Phineas Swann
by TripAdvisor Member Scottrose
From the moment you walk in the front door, there is a feeling that this B&B is dazzling. The decor, created by co-owner Jay Kerch, is lush with antique furniture and the owners' collection of dog-related items, everything from pillows to framed prints to figurines. We have stayed in at least 50 bed & breakfasts in three countries, and the Phineas Swann ranks among the top, both in the quality of service and the accommodations.
The owners have thought of so many amenities to make their guests comfortable such as a Keurig coffeemaker in the suite, home-baked cookies, a fabulous breakfast each morning and phenomenal linens. Co-owner John Perkins has traveled extensively, and that experience shows in the way the Phineas Swann operates. What's interesting about this location is that you have the ability to select just the type of vacation you need. Consider this a retreat from the world: take it easy, read, sit in front of the fire, and enjoy a DVD from the inn's collection. Or explore the Montgomery Center, VT area, which includes skiing at nearby Jay Peak, shopping, and other winter activities, which John and Jay are happy to schedule for you.
We found the prices very reasonable for the high level of quality this B&B offers. The owners were warm and congenial, obviously enjoying providing the best in hospitality. We'd looking forward to a return visit.
The perfect Vermont B&B.
by TripAdvisor Member Tommy24
The Phineas Swann is a wonderful example of what all B&B’s should aspire to.
The gracious hosts, John and Jay, provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The accommodations are beautifully appointed with antiques, collectables and very cozy furnishings. I have never slept in a more comfortable bed.
The breakfast was very delicious and we didn’t leave the table hungry.
Not only is the Phineas Swann exquisite it is also pet-friendly.
We enjoyed our stay last summer so much that we are returning this winter for a ski trip.
An Idyllic Escape
by TripAdvisor Member FinnishCanadian
Spent a snowy winter night at this charming B&B with my boyfriend. After two days of skiing with friends at Jay Peak, VT, we were absolutely delighted to spend a night at this romantic Inn. Jay and John are wonderful Innkeepers; incredibly warm, helpful, intelligent, interesting - clearly, in a league of their own. We stayed in the Red Room in the main house - bed was incredible (so high!!); bathrobes and variety of toiletries were a very nice touch. Main Room (with fireplace) was cozy, and a variety of teas, coffees, juices, sodas, and homemade cookies were always available. Piano is gorgeous - John was very helpful in setting this up. Excellent selection of magazines and newspapers (demonstrated the Innkeepers' cosmopolitan background). Late at night, my boyfriend and I had a private hot tub and rolled in the snow (I am Finnish after all). Breakfast was banana walnut pancakes, fruit salad, coffee: delicious.
wonderful, romantic inn
by TripAdvisor Member rooftopsue
We stayed for two nights at the inn under a ski/stay package to ski at Jay Peak for two days mid-week. The inn was lovely. From the moment we walked in (late), and Jay welcomed us - we felt at home. The inn is filled with antiques and collectibles, has tea/hot chocolate and goodies available all day for nibbling (which we particularly appreciated after skiing). The breakfasts are sumptious and the breakfast room looks out over the gardens with numerous bird feeders and a very fat and happy collection of birds. We were upgraded to the carriage house at no extra cost because it was open, and had the most comfortable bed imaginable. We didn't try the hot tub, but it was under the stars and looked inviting. They have a very large DVD collection available for borrowing, which we also appreciated. The room had a gas fireplace that kept it toasty warm in the evening, and could be shut off at night for those of us who like it cold to sleep. Also very nice shower with a jacuzzi tub in the room, also wonderful for getting out the kinks. Jay and John thought of everything, valentine hearts for valentines, advil for sore skiers. Best of all, we felt welcome and cared for - the best part of being at an inn. Lovely, romantic place to stay.
Photos
The soda fountain at Kilgore's General Store, VT
Covered bridge near Montgomery Center, VT
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