Westbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast is a house in Westbrook, Connecticut. The bed and breakfast is three stories high and has ten guestrooms named after several Connecticut locations. While varying slightly in style, they are stated to be "vintage cottage" style, with a few having Victorian elements. They are outfitted with king- or queen-size beds, private bathrooms, and several toiletry items. Some rooms also have refrigerators or kitchenettes. Additionally, two rooms have outside entrances and are dog-friendly. It should be noted that breakfast is served each morning between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. Westbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast is within walking distance of West Beach, with a number of other attractions that can be found in the area, such as the Long Island Sound, the Essex Steam Train, and the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center.
Westbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast is a three-story house in Westbrook, Connecticut. The building has ten guestrooms named after Connecticut destinations and landmarks. Four are located on the first floor, five on the second, and one on the third. Meri Wick, one of the business owners, describes the rooms as "vintage cottage" style, though she notes that each room is distinctly decorated. Meri also says that some rooms have elements of a Victorian style, but she prefers to simply call them vintage rooms. Each guestroom contains either a king- or queen-size bed, robes, slippers, toiletries, and hair dryers. All rooms but one have ensuite bathrooms, and the exception is still private. Three units—Duck Island Room, West Beach Apartment, and Salt Island Room—offer kitchenettes, and all first- and third-floor rooms are equipped with refrigerators. Additionally, the Salt Island and Duck Island Rooms have outside entrances and are dog-friendly. Meri says that the Clinton Suite is the most popular of the ten rooms.
Other spaces inside Westbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast include the great room, which doubles as a dining room and event center; the parlor; the library; and a gift shop that sells luxury sheets and robes. The property's 1.5-acre outdoor space consists of gardens, a gazebo, a riverfront patio, and some lawn space overlooking the Patchogue River. Additionally, the bed and breakfast provides out-of-unit amenities, such as chairs and umbrellas for the beach, West Beach parking passes, and on-site parking. Complimentary bikes and kayaks can be rented as well. Moreover, coffee, tea, and water are offered at all hours. Guests can also read from the selection of books available at the library.
Meri says that breakfast typically starts with fruit and yogurt, with the possibility of adding baked pancakes, Belgian waffles, eggs Benedict, frittatas, peach or apple French toast, and various other options. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets can be accommodated, and Meri says she may prepare something such as oatmeal with fruit or yogurt with granola for such visitors. Breakfast is served each morning from 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
Westbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast is within walking distance of West Beach. Other local attractions include the Essex Steam Train, the Florence Griswold Museum, the Long Island Sound, the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, Mystic Seaport Museum, and several other locations. Furthermore, numerous breweries and wineries can be found in the area. Visitors can also see Gillette Castle State Park or tour the Connecticut River Museum and Riverboat Cruise. Finally, Meri's dining recommendations include Cafe Routier, Fresh Salt, and Bill's Seafood. Westbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast's website has multiple other attractions and dining locations listed on its website for those who might be interested.
Meri, a Westbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast co-owner, wants her guests to feel like they're "staying at home." She says the "uniquely decorated" rooms and visitor services help people feel invited. As previously mentioned, refreshments such as coffee, tea, and cookies are provided daily. Moreover, Meri says that the staff makes an effort to welcome occupants upon arrival, and they can answer questions or help people make plans during their stay. Meri adds that she and the Westbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast staff try to create areas where people can find a spot to relax inside the house, perhaps by the fireplace or in the great room, to read or play games. She affirms that guest interaction is frequent, especially in the morning.
Regarding activities, Westbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast can host weddings and small elopements for groups of up to 40 people. Visitors can inquire about additional events, such as family reunions, parties, corporate gatherings, or showers, and have those activities arranged at the house or in the gardens.
Meri feels that Westbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast is known for its "warm hospitality." Various guest reviews highlight this business aspect, such as one that says, "The staff was very accommodating, friendly, and efficient. [The inn] exceeded my expectations in every way. I felt they were there for me to make sure I had a pleasant stay." Meri also believes Westbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast is unique for creating space for people to be "autonomous." She remarks, "It feels like you're staying at home, but it doesn't feel like you're staying at our home."
Westbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast occupants should be aware of a few policies while staying at the inn. Dogs are welcome in the Salt Island and Duck Island rooms at an additional $25 per stay, and they can be left in the rooms while owners are away. A dog walking area is available for them to exercise. A one-week cancellation is in place in case incoming visitors experience a change in plans. Furthermore, children are allowed, but parents should "consider if it's an appropriate place for their children." Finally, quiet time is enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.
Westbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast is open year-round and experiences its busiest season during the summer due to Westbrook's maritime environment. Meri says that weddings are common in town as well. Couples generally make up the majority of the guest demographic, according to Meri. She adds that the average visitor is about 40 to 65 years old and confirms that many regulars return to Westbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast.
Westbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast was built in 1876 as a wedding gift for Ida Post by her adoptive father. According to Meri, a business co-owner, the house stayed in Ida's family until the 1950s before functioning as a boarding house, then a guesthouse. At the time, it was called the Wheaton House Inn, and it wasn't until the 1980s that the property was converted to a bed and breakfast. In 2019, Meri and her husband Marcus purchased Westbrook Inn Bed and Breakfast as they wanted to own an inn for many years. After the acquisition, they upgraded and renewed several aspects of the house. Meri and Marcus also began including weddings and afternoon tea as part of the business in 2022. They plan to continue upgrading the rooms, adding amenities, and integrating more events into their business model. Meri adds that her favorite part of her job is meeting guests at the door, and she and Marcus strive to live by the saying, "enter as strangers, leave as friends."
976 Boston Post Rd
Westbrook, Connecticut 6498
United States
Bed and Breakfast
Meri Wick & Marcus
