Don’t stay here! Most reviews I read before booking Burke Mansion were filled with praise for Jessica, especially her kind and welcoming personality. Now I know why. That’s the only nice thing a reviewer can say. While she is friendly and talkative, there is no substance to anything she says or actually does. She will promise you the sun, moon, and stars when you arrive, but you will receive nothing but the basics. And even they will be sub-par. The front door lock failed to work and we had to call her to get inside with our luggage. The elevator did not work even though it is listed on the website. The handle on our toilet fell off on my husband’s first visit to the bathroom and when we went down for breakfast the next morning at our scheduled time, she was no where to be seen. She showed up about 30 minutes late and said she was “running behind.” The food itself was average – two strips of bacon, a scrambled egg, grits, and a biscuit from a can. Yet we had been promised a southern feast with pastries, made from scratch gravy, etc. We went out for breakfast the next day.

Another problem is the strong-smelling laundry detergent that is used. That plus the over-use of Febreze was stifling. The smell was so strong it caused our pajamas to smell just like it so I packed them separately when we departed so everything else in our suitcase wouldn’t pick up the scent. The towels were worn, and numerous lightbulbs were burned out in our bathroom. The drain cover in the shower was dislodged and no fire extinguisher was visible anywhere in the building. The air-conditioning unit is also freaky and after pulling back the curtains we were appalled at the crude installation. We stayed in the most expensive room at the inn. I can only assume it is rarely booked because it needs a lot of attention.

I have no idea who owns the inn. Jessica’s husband serves as a handyman, her nephew as a bellman (he’s too young to assist with baggage), and her brother-in-law does the yardwork. Her 15-year-old daughter made an appearance wrapped in a blanket (yes you read that right) to refill condiments during breakfast and the daughter’s boyfriend also wandered about. None of them appear to know how to operate a professional business.

Our stay was a big disappointment, and we won’t be back. Other guests felt the same way. The inn’s website does not represent the actual inn! The amenities listed are not offered. Yes, Jessica is sweet, but you can’t get by on sweetness alone. You have to provide a level of service and professionalism that is commensurate with the price you charge. I don’t believe Jessica is up to the task.