My coworker and I were supposed to take the 6 p.m. Amtrak from Centralia back to Chicago, and (very) long story short, the train - and subsequent replacement bus - weren't showing up. We decided to stay in Centralia, but were faced with some rather unpleasant hotel options.
Needless to say, we were very excited to see a new B&B had opened up in summer of 2011, and we called to see if they had rooms. Tammy answered the phone, heard our plight, said that she had two rooms and that she would jump in her car and come get us immediately from the station. She did, and we were so grateful for the rescue.
When we got back to Garden Estates, we were in awe of the beautiful garden outside and the calm, comforting, tasteful interior. There were snacks sitting out, and we were allowed to help ourselves to beverages. We were shown to our beautiful rooms (I stayed in the Garden and my coworker in the Wisteria rooms), which were not only super-comfortable, but VERY clean, and gorgeously decorated.
The sheets and pillows on the king size bed were so soft and welcoming, and the private baths (external to the room, but my own to use) was clean and also beautifully decorated. Because I hadn't expected to stay the night, I also didn't have any toiletries... Tammy showed me a basket full of deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste, contact solution, razors, and more. I used it liberally and all the products were top-notch.
We had to catch the 8:25 train the next day, meaning that the 8 a.m. breakfast time wouldn't work. Tammy, not blinking an eye, said she'd have the wonderful Annette come in early and have it ready in time for us to have some before we left. After an amazing night's rest, we were served bacon, eggs, muffins, breakfast risotto, and homemade caramels for the road... not to mention fruit, coffee, and juice.
Garden Estates also sports wifi throughout the house, soft music playing everywhere, porches with chairs/tables/a swing, the garden we walked through with a table, and virtually anything else that you can think of that Tammy can provide. She is the most generous host (and rescuer) I can think of.
Tammy drove us back to the train station and our train - thankfully - arrived on time. I wish we would have decided to stay overnight sooner, and despite needing to get back to work, wished we could have spent more time at this beautiful, comforting, homey B&B. THANKS SO MUCH! read more