The Brooklin Inn

Great bed and breakfast with cozy rooms and excellent service. Rooms: 5 Service: 5 Location: 4 Hotel highlights: Quiet read more Great bed and breakfast with cozy rooms and excellent service. Rooms: 5 Service: 5 Location: 4 Hotel highlights: Quiet

Food and service were fine, not really standout, but the gratuity policy really irked me (and frankly, ruined the dinner). Waiter dropped off the check, which h... read more Food and service were fine, not really standout, but the gratuity policy really irked me (and frankly, ruined the dinner). Waiter dropped off the check, which had the usual subtotal, a blank line for “tip”, then a line for the total. What went unmentioned was the fact that a 20% gratuity had already been included. No quick word by the waiter, no signage, no “extra tip” line on the bill, nothing. I was all set to just add $40 to our $200 tab when my wife mentioned that she thought she read something online about the tip being included. I began my search, and sure enough, there it was, in minuscule print, barely readable it was so small, on the original bill. When I asked the manager to confirm, she mumbled something and scurried off. Look, times are tough I don’t necessarily have a problem with add ons for kitchen staff etc so long as it’s clearly explained, but this felt intentionally deceptive. I looked around the dining room and wondered how many patrons were going to do exactly what I almost did and unwittingly leave 20% more than they intended. I hate to leave a bad review for this place, but it was all very disappointing.

We had a lovely time at the Brooklin Inn! The aesthetics are gorgeous, the rooms are spare yet comfortable, and the food is excellent. Unfortunately, one of the... read more We had a lovely time at the Brooklin Inn! The aesthetics are gorgeous, the rooms are spare yet comfortable, and the food is excellent. Unfortunately, one of the lamps in our room didn't work (which made it quite dark) but the bed was very comfortable and made for a great night's sleep. Loved the soaking tub as well. Complimentary breakfasts were served every morning, which were always unique, locally-sourced, and delicious. We also ate in the restaurant one night and had a great experience. We did wish we had a bit more personal service, however, especially given the small nature of the inn. We were confused about check-in (since we were arriving after 5pm) so we called and emailed just before 5pm. The key was there when we arrived, but that wasn't made clear beforehand, which was a bit concerning. We also hung around to say goodbye and thank you when we checked out, but no one was around. I am sure that some people appreciate the contactless system, but we just wanted a bit more communication.

A delightful, delicious and thoughtful meal with friendly attentive service in a lovely comfortable atmosphere. Thank you. Service: 5 read more A delightful, delicious and thoughtful meal with friendly attentive service in a lovely comfortable atmosphere. Thank you. Service: 5

Expect to be ignored. My husband and I arrived with our two year old and were promptly seated, that was the end of our attentive service. My husband was not pla... read more Expect to be ignored. My husband and I arrived with our two year old and were promptly seated, that was the end of our attentive service. My husband was not planning to drink, and was dismayed to learn that do not serve iced tea. After our first course, I had to request a bottle of water to refill our empty glasses after noting all the tables surrounding us had carafes of water on them for self-refills. I also had to request a wine list to have a glass of wine with my dinner after finishing my cocktail. At the end of the evening, my husband and daughter went to the car, I waited, no one came by, I placed my credit card on the table, still no one, I finally flagged down a server and requested our bill. When she delivered it, she noted that gratuity was automatically included. This explains why we were completely ignored over the course of our meal. The food is good, but not worth the lack of service and attention, especially at this price point, I expect better.