The Red Maple Inn       
217 Main St, Spencer, MA 01562-1739, USA    
 
 

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Lovely Getaway!

We had such a wonderful experience! John couldn't have been more hospitable-- the room was super comfortable, the breakfast was to DIE for, and the service was wonderful. I would DEFINITELY recommend this B&B and will hopefully be returning in the fall. In response to other reviews, I'm not quite such what the fuss is over the "loud street noise." Unless you are coming from an area of the world where you live on 100 acres of land, with no street close by whatsoever, I'm not sure how anyone would consider the street "noisy." Yes, there are cars, however it is not at all a disturbance.
Diana Rivkin

My ratings for this property      
     Location
     Comfort
     Condition
     Cleanliness
     Service
BOTTOM LINE: I would stay here again.
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This review is the subjective opinion of an iLoveInns.com user and not of iLoveInns.com or American Historic Inns, Inc.

Unfilfilled Expectation

My wife loves to stay at Bed & Breakfast facilities and has had several positive experiences but this was my first time doing so. I made reservations at The Red Maple Inn based on its convenient "package deal" with the Salem Cross Inn (restaurant) for New Year's Eve and what we had read about the two Owners -- Shari Alexander & John Bills -- on the Inn's web site. I even called to make reservations and spoke with John, himself. He sounded delightful and we were really looking forward to staying there and meeting two people who were supposed to be "charming hosts and absolute professionals". NOT! What they neglect to say on the web site and what John "forgot" to tell me when I spoke to him over the phone, is that they spend from November to May each year outside the country, leaving their Inn in the hands of highly-capable and hospitable but not-nearly-as-inspiring local helpers. It was a BIG disappointment! Come to find out, John and Shari have had this magnificent facility up for sale for the past year (asking $850K according to a Real Estate catalogue we found) and are already focused on their next business venture as soon as they can sell it. So, if you enjoy the charm, talents, wit and wisdom offered by your B&B Host(s), don't stay at this facility between November and May...at least until they sell it to a next owner.
Bill Ruggles
Fair Lawn, NJ
1/5/2010

Management Response
We admit to being a bit puzzled by this review. The writer describes The Red Maple Inn as a "magnificent facility" and our staff as "highly capable and hospitable." We proudly agree that the Inn is indeed magnificent, and our staff, which is carefully trained and has been with us for the entire six years we have owned the property, are indeed highly capable and hospitable. Although our personal backgrounds may be out of the ordinary, we find that our guests stay with us, and return in great numbers, based on our luxurious linens, beautiful antique furnishings, original art and sumptuous gourmet breakfasts, all of which was provided to this, and every, guest. We do take vacation from our 24/7 schedule each winter, but do so with complete confidence that our superb standards are upheld in our absence, and we take exception to the notion that our attentions are focused elsewhere. As this guest noted, even though we were on vacation, we answered his call personally, described the "convenient package deal", personally made his New Year's dinner reservations and arranged for a complimentary bottle of wine to be delivered to his room. Frankly, we can't see where we did not provide everything that can reasonably be expected in terms of comfort, hospitality and service in an upscale, elegant country inn or 5-star hotel.
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of iLoveInns.com or American Historic Inns, Inc.
My ratings for this property      
     Location
     Comfort
     Condition
     Cleanliness
     Service
BOTTOM LINE: I would stay here again.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes (0 votes)
This review is the subjective opinion of an iLoveInns.com user and not of iLoveInns.com or American Historic Inns, Inc.

The Quintessential Historic Inn

My wife and I love to stay at Inns & Bed & Breakfasts, it is always a different experience. Staying at The Red Maple Inn was the best experience we have had to date! Owners Shari Alexander & John Bills are charming hosts and absolute professionals. Every detail of this magnificent estate has been lovingly thought out and delivered. Outstanding gourmet breakfasts, 5 star dinners in either The Library or the beautiful dining room with surrounding hand-painted murals. The rooms are elegant, large and filled with designer touches. We stayed in The Cottage and never wanted to leave!!!
Scotts Lawson
Fair Lawn, NJ
3/22/2006

My ratings for this property      
BOTTOM LINE: I would stay here again.
Did you find this review helpful? Yes (0 votes)
This review is the subjective opinion of an iLoveInns.com user and not of iLoveInns.com or American Historic Inns, Inc.

At A Glance

3 Review(s)
67% would stay again
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Publicity and Press Reviews

The New Leader, (www.newleaderspencer.com, First page headline), The Telegram & Gazette, Food Section (full page story on The Red Maple Inn and Chef Shari Alexander), The Boston Globe Travel Section Review (Oct. 1, 2006) Tripadvisor.com, Traditional Home Magazine (August 2005), Our Town Magazine, Yankee Magazine "Editor's Choice" award 2007, Boston Globe Travel Section, (October, 2006), lead travel article on The Red Maple Inn., Weekly lifestyle series, "Living It Up With George Hirsch!" October & November 2005, The Debbie Nigro Show.

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