We stayed at the Bond 1835 on our way home from Michigan to Connecticut. After 11 hours driving, we arrived at about 2:00PM. Nobody was there when we arrived and our room key was in an envelope at the front door. Our assigned room was not the room we booked so we notified the innkeeper - evidently we were "upgraded" to another room. The owner was able to sort this out while we were out to lunch and we eventually settled in but it was not the seamless start we had hoped for after a long day on the road. Lunch was really good but it was totally by chance as nobody was there to give us guidance. We enjoyed dinner that evening and breakfast the next morning was great - Katie was a delight to talk with and the crowd was really friendly and interesting. We went into town after breakfast to explore the town. It was charming but small and we had seen it by noon. We noted that most restaurants were closed (it was Monday) and there wasn't too much happening locally (we did not want to drive far after our travels the day before). Also, you cannot directly access the lake from the property so going for a swim was not convenient. Therefore we decided to ask the owner if she would let us leave a night early. She would not consider this request and since we reserved for 2 nights, we were obligated to pay. She stated that she was a small business and that she and other B&B's do not entertain these requests. We have stayed in many B&B's across the country and during the few times that we have needed to make changes, we have found the owners to be very accommodating....We left anyway and headed home as we saw no value in sitting around the room for the afternoon with very limited dining options for dinner. As I'm trying to write a balanced review:|The good:|The room that we chose was nice with a view of the lake. |The staff was really friendly and helpful - special call-out to Katie as she really tried to accommodate us|The not-so-good:|The inn should have somebody there to greet you - it seemed quite impersonal|The "upgrade" did not work for us - with a B&B, we chose a specific room based on the pictures. The other room did not look anything like it and we were initially displeased|The innkeeper should consider some flexibility to early departure requests. We realize that she has a business to run but it was a really slow Monday and I doubt that she was losing other bookings. She missed an opportunity to create goodwill|Lastly - Skaneateles is r-e-a-l-l-y quiet on Monday - bad timing for us as this visit just didn't work out the...
Read moreWhat does a girl do when she has to pack up herself, her husband, and her kitten crew during back to back house showings and minimal notice? She calls every hotel, B&B, and Inn within a 30 mile radius. As a cat mom, whenever I see the term “pet friendly,” I have come to accept that it either means “dogs only,” or “one cat.” I was absolutely taken aback by The Bond’s gracious ability to welcome my tiny brood into their stunningly appointed home for a few days. Upon arrival, we were greeted with the most beautiful suite, chocolates, a bottle of wine, and pet bowls. After a long and arduous day, it was the warm welcome we all needed! The Bond Suite rivaled any five-star stay I have ever encountered from the deliciously soft California King bed to the elegantly appointed and expansive bathroom; which included a decadent clawfoot tub. Our stress quickly melted away! Each morning, the staff checked in via text to see if we wanted to join for breakfast, or at the very least, enjoy a fresh cup of coffee. They ensured that we were taken care of during our stay and that we wanted for nothing. Everyone at The Bond felt more like friends than strangers and had the ability to make you feel seen and that they truly cared about your needs. Their attention to each individual person was second to none. All in all, I have never felt more pampered and cared for during a stay, and I can truly say that my fur babies felt the same. We will continue to sing their praises to anyone who will listen and hope to have another staycation in the...
Read moreMy best friend and I just spent a LOVELY relaxing two night stay in Skaneateles. We found The BOND on our google search when we were figuring out where we wanted to stay for our trip. We picked The Bond because of the awesome reviews and because we have never stayed at a Bed and Breakfast before and wanted to try something new. Let me tell you, we could not be any HAPPIER with our choice to stay at The Bond… it is every bit as lovely as these reviews reflect… so quant, picturesque, and peaceful. The theme of the house is very rustic and true to the original farm house it once was. Corey and Mark are the dream team and by the end of our trip it seemed like we have known them for a lot longer than 2 days. So friendly and easy to talk too… and funny! They gave us great recommendations for things to do and places to eat. Mark made KILLER avocado toast and Corey made wonderful freshly made pastries and omelettes everyday. We ate in the garden area where Corey grows her own herb garden which she uses for her breakfast delights. Our room was lovely and comfortable, wine and treats are also available in every room should you want them. Also, a TV with all the Apps to watch movies on at night or if you prefer you can lounge on the couch with a cozy fire in the living room. Without a doubt we WILL be coming back every year. THANK you Corey and Mark for an unforgettable trip, we will see you...
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