Nottoway Plantation Historic Inn

As we drove up from New Orleans, we were very excited. The pictures and descriptions filled us with anticipation. When we got there we found that the mansion is beautiful. The grounds are gorgeous. The new cottages are delightful. The restaurant's food is very good. And yet, somehow, the place failed to delight us. We were ready to fall in love with the place - it had so much going for it. The first sour note was at check in. We were told a bellman would help us unload our car. Half an hour later, we gave up and unloaded our car ourselves. There was a failure to deliver here. If we hadn't been told a bellman would help us, we wouldn't have missed the service. Next, there are many rules for guests. No red wine in rooms. No outside food or beverages in rooms. Yes, red wine can stain linens. However, a competent laundry service can remove them. No outside food? Is this a movie theater on tight margins? The rules leave one thinking that they don't really understand the concept of hospitality. The service in the restaurant was spotty. At times the gentlemen in our party were served before the ladies. At these price points, and with the status they are trying to convey, it matters. In the morning we wanted to take the tour of the mansion. However, we'd missed the first tour of the day by a few minutes, though no one had taken the tour. The next tour was in an hour. The woman who ran the tours suggested we wait in some chairs on the veranda which were in full sunlight. Despite the early hour, it was uncomfortably hot and humid. We skipped the wait, the sunburn and the tour. There were many little inelegant touches that added up to less than satisfactory service and a less than satisfactory stay. If they learn about hospitality and service, we'd be delighted to stay again. Maybe they could take the "raving fan" courses?

Southern hospitality at its finest. Your restaurant has got to be Louisiana's best-kept secret.