Starr Mansion B&B

Elite '09

35

102

Karina G.

San Jose, CA

5/27/2009

It's almost impossible (for me at least) to give a B&B a poor review, it's hard to bash on someone's home.

But there's absolutely no need here, the two proprietors were super friendly and helpul. The bf and I had a nice time chatting with them and they gave us great winery recommendations to check out (map included so we wouldn't get lost). The B&B itself is nice, but it's kind of located in a meh location. Well, what I mean is hte B&B sticks out like a sore thumb.

Accommodations were decent. We picked the Mare Island Room - the bed was high! There was a step stool but you still had to climb onto the bed practically - it was kinda fun though! My only compliant was the bathroom was not connected to the room we picked. However, the bathroom was so cute. Cute tub with those little claw foot thingys and lots of bath stuff to use if you want to make a romantic night out of it. I really like bathrooms in older houses - it's almost like stepping into a different era (but don't worry, the bathrooms aren't gross old if you know what I mean).

Breakfast was yummy and filling - they really feed you so be hungry! One thing I liked a lot, was their breakfast room. Most B&B's have one big table that you share with everyone, but this one had a bunch of cute 2 person tables in a bright, sunny room. It was nice cause you got a private table but still open enough so you could chat with everyone if you wanted.

I hear they do high tea? Damn! Totally missed it, will try next time.

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Elite '09

105

518

Petra S.

San Francisco, CA

7/6/2008 4 photos

Always on the look out for diamonds in the "rough", Starr Mansion is definitely a hidden gem nestled on top of a hill in Vallejo's Historic district. Though it's not really a mansion, this cozy little bed and breakfast inside of an old Victorian building owned by a couple who offer the feeling of being at home while away from home, also do special events such as weddings, baby showers and have recently started offering British high tea, which is what the hubby and I decided to try out today. Being the tea lovers that we are, we saw an add for them in the Vallejo Ferry building and called in to make a reservation. The Victorian consists of 7 guest rooms, beautiful dining room full of old antique furniture and painting, including Victorian era couches and Tiffany lamps. The outside lawn area has a beautiful water fountain in the front of the property and the back has a larger area for hosting wedding ceremony's, parties or wedding receptions. The owners say they are adding a gazebo and making upgrades to the property. Outside they also have many fruit tree's including nectarines, cherries and cumquat's just to name a few. The British high tea we had today is held inside the formal living room area with a single table nestled right next to a window for an intimate tea party/anniversary date. They normally require at least a party of 4 however we were able to make reservations for just the two of us since it was for a belated/early anniversary date. Upon arriving one of the staff seats you at a small table set up with proper tea silverware and a menu of the selections you would be getting that day. I took some photos to give you guys an idea of what they had; Tea sandwiches consisting of egg salad/cucumber, curry chicken and Monte Cristo. Also we had a variety of scones, mini tarts filled with pumpkin cream and lemon cream, mini upside down pineapple cakes, and a selection of loose leaf teas. The staff was very attentive and even joined us in the living room for some conversation, so it felt like we were enjoying hors d'oeuvres at a friends living room rather than at a business. The tea cakes and desserts were yummy and the tea was very great too. We ended up trying the cream brule tea and the Blue Lady which we were told were very popular. The settling was nice, the owners were a very friendly and welcoming couple, and the property was very charming and romantic, and to think this is something anyone can enjoy right in their own little neighborhood. Overall, this place is great for almost any occasion, especially mothers day, a girls evening out, bridal or baby shower, or just a cozy and intimate date with you and your partner. We plan on visiting again, but perhaps this time when they weather is a little colder so we can warm up with a spot of tea! Even Vallejo has some hidden gems in it, but without support from it's local government and community, these little mom and pop owned places become few, and eventually end up being put out of business because locals are not aware that their even there and end up taking their business to other surrounding cities.

NOTE: For the British high tea the price is $20 per person with a 4 person minimum (but they are willing to accomodate special occations like they did ours) and I highly recommend booking reservation in advance.

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