Meticulously restored in 2008,  Stonehurst Place opened its doors as a bed and breakfast inn less than a year ago. Already it is being acclaimed as one of Atlanta's most outstanding inns for individuals traveling to Atlanta on business or pleasure. A delightful shingle-style house, built in 1896, Stonehurst Place is conveniently located in midtown Atlanta close to downtown businesses as well as the arts district. Stonehurst Place is situated upon a hill with English-inspired gardens; a whimsical fountain embellishes the front garden and can be enjoyed from the front porch. Magnificent architectural stone formations contribute to the overall beauty of the property's exterior. On-site parking is available, and fine dining is within walking distance.

Though characterized by a feel of urbane sophistication, Stonehurst Inn also exudes a sense of welcoming warmth. The inn has 3 porches for guests to enjoy, and I thoroughly enjoyed relaxing on each of them. A former sleeping porch (on the second level) has been attractively converted into an enclosed "porch" overlooking the gardens below. The front porch (above photo on left) allows guests to view Atlanta's skyscrapers while surrounded by trees and listening to piped-in music. The third porch (above photo on right) is also located on the main level and overlooks the well-manicured gardens. The middle photo shows afternoon refreshments offered to guests each afternoon in the living room. In addition to luxurious appointments throughout the inn, Stonehurst Place is an eco-friendly property featuring water conservation systems and solar energy. It is also a pet-friendly inn and even offers a "Pampered Pooch Package!"

   

Winding through the picturesque pastoral landscape, I feel embraced by the tranquility enhancing the area's natural beauty. Once I park my car and begin approaching the hilltop inn, I notice a small sign at the door I am about to enter: "First time guests please use front entrance." Smiling to myself, I think about how many times I have insisted that first time visitors to my home enter through my home's "official" and most inviting entrance, rather than the more convenient back doorway. At this point, I instinctively know I will relate easily to the owner/innkeeper of Bed and Breakfast on Tiffany Hill and will likely find her to be just as fanatical about attention-to-detail and protocol as I am.

As I step into a grand foyer, flanked by handsome staircases leading to guestrooms on the second floor, Selena points out an attractive guest library. This attractive room provides an ideal work area for business travelers, an "extra" not usually found at small bed and breakfast inns. Wifi is accessible for guests throughout the inn. I am immediately drawn into the high-style and tasteful decor of this inn—the fulfillment of a dream (also see Asheville Times) Selena Einwechter tenaciously and meticulously pursued for over a quarter of a century. The result of her creative abilities and business savvy is reflected at every turn—a labor of love shared by and contributed to by a host of Selena's friends who believed in the dream as well.

I especially like the living room and the back porch enabling guests to enjoy the woodsy acreage (leading to seven unique garden vignettes) behind the inn—including a "bird house" observatory large enough for several adults to enjoy birdwatching, a whimsical spot with a collection of birdhouses perched upon a fallen log, landscaped walking paths, and a secret garden. Plans are currently underway for a labyrinth to be created in the near future for more "concentrated" strolling. 

The dining room provides an exquisite setting for a gourmet breakfast freshly prepared each morning. When the weather is nice, as it was during my visit, guests may choose to be served breakfast on the covered porch. A hopeless romantic, Selena had "Breakfast at Tiffany's" penned in script on one of the dining room's upper walls (see photo below). When looking at Audrey Hepburn's framed photograph, hanging on one of the dining room walls, I can almost hear "Moon River" playing in the background. I have no doubt the famous star would be pleased to have her photograph gracing the wall of a room as stunning as she.

Since childhood, I have always enjoyed the magic of the mountains of Western North Carolina where there is so much to see and do every season of the year. Ideally located in the midst of "The Playground of the South," The Bed and Breakfast at Tiffany Hill provides an exceptional bed and breakfast experience for the most discerning of guests. As a very "discerning guest," I know for a fact I will be making a return visit when I can stay longer and savor each memory-making moment more completely.

If you've been looking for an inn where you can pitter-patter about all day in a comfy robe and spa slippers, indulge in a wide range of rejuvenating body treatments, luxuriate in an exhilarating sauna, or just veg out in a meditation garden, Asia Bed and Spa is a place offering all of this plus more. A meticulously restored arts and crafts home located in a wooded neighborhood, Asia Bed and Spa captures the essence of tranquility and relaxation at its best.

                       

I enjoyed my stay in the light-filled Java Journey (shown above on far left), bedchamber with its king-sized bed, double Jacuzzi, working fireplace, mini-fridge, and attractive decor—offerings found in each of the distinctive guest suites at Asia Bed and Spa. I especially enjoyed being able to look out over the Japanese gardens, replete with stepping stones and a trickling fountain, from my suite. However, I am confident I would have been just as happy in any of the other Asian-inspired guest rooms at this unique inn. 

Julie is a wonderful, multi-talented innkeeper. She enjoys cooking, and her culinary talents are evident each morning at breakfast. Guests make their selections from an attractively arranged buffet set up in the inn's dining room. After placing their food and beverages on an Asian-style tray, they are invited to select an area to enjoy their freshly prepared meal. My favorite breakfast spot is the living room's window seat, located in a cozy nook overlooking the manicured front garden.

Outstanding restaurants abound in the Asheville area, but I don't think one could find better ambience or a more delicious meal than at Magnolia's—just a short drive from the inn. Rich in history, Magnolia's offers an impressive menu with excellent service. My dinner was superb, and I unhesitatingly recommend dining at Magnolia's to others. In addition to an abundance of good places to dine in the Asheville area, the sights to see and things to do seem unending year-round. But, if you do not want to do anything but enjoy the ultimate in relaxation, Asia Bed and Spa is a place you can depend upon receiving that!

 

          

       

The Swann House Bed and Breakfast is an inn that beckons its guests to return again and again!

 Guests sense a feeling of at-home comfort the moment they enter the charming Intown Uptown Inn, a Victorian home with easy metro access to the city's center and points of interest. The staff is warm and welcoming, and they take pride in making each guest feel like a VIP. Shortly after my mid-afternoon arrival, I enjoyed a cup of coffee and freshly baked cookies as I relaxed on a deck overlooking an attractive garden area--often the site of weddings and other special events.

  The stairwell leading to the upper guestrooms is lined with beautifully framed portraits and works of art. I enjoyed peeking into the different bedchambers as I made my way to my quarters, Room with a View, on the top floor. Room with a View (far left photo below) has a separate sitting area and a private deck overlooking the city. In the adjacent hallway, there is a guest computer for the convenience of guests traveling without a laptop. Wifi is available throughout the inn.

Breakfast at The Intown Uptown Inn is exceptional, and the presentation is an impressive one. I especially liked the unique pewter rimmed china used at breakfast and also appreciated the fresh flowers adorning the tables. Breakfast is served in two attractive dining areas, and guests may either eat with other guests or at a private table with their traveling companion(s).

This is an ideal urban inn for both leisure and business travelers to consider staying in when visiting the Washington D.C. area. Parking is not a problem in the area of the inn, and that alone is a big plus. My stay at Intown Uptown Inn was an enjoyable one from beginning to end, and it is a B&B I hope to visit again.