Virginia Cliffe Inn: Uncover the US's Best-Kept Secret!
Virginia Cliffe Inn: Uncover the US's Best-Kept Secret! - A Deep Dive (Warning: May Contain Rambling)
Okay, folks, buckle up. I just spent a week (or maybe it was two? Time blurs when you're truly relaxed…) at the Virginia Cliffe Inn, and I'm still trying to process it all. They call it a "secret," and honestly? They're not wrong. Finding this place felt like discovering a hidden treasure map, and the treasure… well, let's just say it involved a lot of fluffy robes and even fluffier pillows. Ready for the full, messy, honest, slightly-obsessive review? Here we go!
First Impressions (and the Mild Panic of Accessibility):
My first thought upon arriving? “Wow, elegant.” My second thought? “Okay, accessibility. Let’s see what we’re dealing with.” Because, you know, for a place selling itself as a getaway, it better be welcoming to everyone. (And trust me, I’ve seen some “accessible” hotels that made me want to scream into a pillow).
Accessibility is a thumbs-up! The website seemed promising, and thankfully, the reality mostly matched. The wheelchair accessible options were clearly marked, and the staff were unbelievably patient answering all my pre-arrival questions. The elevator was a godsend, and accessing the public areas (restaurants, spa, etc.) was generally smooth sailing. They even had a Facilities for disabled guests, which included helpful things like accessible bathrooms in common areas. Big points for that, Virginia Cliffe! Now, I’m not going to pretend it was perfect. Some pathways felt a little tight, but overall, a genuine effort was made.
The Tech Stuff (Or, Where Did My Phone Go Again?):
Okay, modern life, right? We need our internet. And the Virginia Cliffe Inn gets it. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! And, more importantly, it actually worked. (Unlike some hotels I’ve been in where the Wi-Fi is like trying to wrestle a greased pig). There's also Internet access - LAN if you are the more old-school. Internet itself, in fact. Bless them.
Rooms: My Personal Sanctuary (And the Occasional Sock Under the Bed):
My room? Air conditioning was blasting. The blackout curtains were essential for my sleeping-in ambitions. It had a separate shower/bathtub, which is excellent for a tired human. I had an extra-long bed, perfect for a sprawler like me. There was a desk if you insisted on doing work (I didn’t). Oh, and the coffee/tea maker? My lifeline. Complimentary tea was the cherry on top! Seriously. I was hooked.
Yes, the room had the usual amenities: Air conditioning, Bathrobes, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens. But those were just the basic. And the rooms are, without a doubt, stunning. Though, speaking frankly, the rooms are just a tad too big for my liking, making me a little more prone to losing my personal items. (Where did I put my socks?)
Cleanliness and Safety (Because, You Know, The World):
Okay, let's be real. In this day and age, cleanliness is EVERYTHING. And the Virginia Cliffe Inn gets it. They were clearly taking their Anti-viral cleaning products seriously. I saw Daily disinfection in common areas, and the staff were masked and respectful. They had Hand sanitizer everywhere, and Rooms sanitized between stays. The Professional-grade sanitizing services gave me a lot of ease. Oh, and they had Cashless payment service too. The only concern? If you like that "hotel" experience, you can opt out from Room sanitization opt-out available! Also, they had a Doctor/nurse on call, and a First aid kit--just in case.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking (Where I Gained a Few Precious Pounds):
Okay, deep breath. This is where things get really good. Or, I mean, delicious. The dining experience at Virginia Cliffe Inn was, to put it mildly, fantastic. They had the usual A la carte in restaurant, Bar, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant.
I mostly spent my days by the pool, which had a beautiful view, nursing a drink from the Poolside bar. The happy hour was a godsend! A few glasses of wine, basking in the sun… pure bliss.
The breakfast was a buffet-style, and a buffet, as we all know and love, is a beautiful thing… but I was too comfortable to be bothered with it. I'd spend my evenings out, and my days eating the Breakfast in room I had paid for, a blessing, truly.
I'm obsessed with the salad at the restaurant. Oh, and they have a vegetarian restaurant, which makes those of us who don't love meat very, very happy.
But the best part? The staff were incredible! The waitstaff were always up for a chat. They had a truly genuine welcome, though.
Things to Do (Or, How I Lost my Sense of Time):
This is where the "best-kept secret" part truly shines. They have so many options to relax, you'd have to try to be bored.
Want to get pampered? You can:
- Get a Body scrub.
- Get a Body wrap.
- Get a Massage.
Want to get healthy?:
- Go to the Fitness center.
- Go for a Swimming pool.
- Go for a Steamroom.
Want to get the royal experience?:
- Go to the Spa.
- Go for a Spa/sauna.
- Go for a Pool with view.
- Do a Foot bath.
- Go to the Sauna.
I spent hours in the Spa, melting into the massage table. Honestly, the Sauna was tempting, as was the Steamroom, but I was already in a state of pure relaxation. And the Swimming pool? Forget about it. I got used to it, but in the end, I'd rather have the Swimming pool [outdoor].
I think Body scrub was my favorite, because the feeling afterwards left me utterly, utterly relaxed. I'd never felt so refreshed, so clean. I think I spent a good hour just staring at the ceiling afterwards.
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Make a Big Difference):
They were good with the little things. **Daily housekeeping, Concierge, Luggage storage, Dry cleaning, Laundry service, and Elevator. Also, they had *Facilities for disabled guests*, which is always important.
For the Kids (If You're Into That Sort of Thing):
I’m not going to pretend I used it, but I did see the Kids facilities, a Babysitting service, and they were genuinely Family/child friendly. There was a Kids meal, too. Kudos for thinking of everyone!
Getting Around (Because Eventually, You Have to Leave Paradise):
They offered Airport transfer. It had Car park [free of charge]. The Taxi service and Valet parking were also available. I mean, what more could you want?
The Imperfections (Because We're All Human):
Okay, nobody's perfect. And the Virginia Cliffe Inn, while pretty darn close, had a few minor hiccups.
- The Internet access – LAN I did not use.
- I saw absolutely nothing of the Bicycle parking.
- I didn't quite understand what a Shrine was doing there, but it was there.
- The CCTV in common areas was a little much.
But honestly? These were tiny things.
Overall Impression (The Verdict!):
Virginia Cliffe Inn? It's a winner. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect or stay connected (thanks, Wi-Fi!), where you can pamper yourself, explore, or simply… be. It’s classy without being pretentious, luxurious without feeling stuffy. It's the kind of place that leaves you feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and maybe
Escape to Paradise: The Rest Hotel, Prachuap Khiri Khan Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, 'cause we're heading to the Virginia Cliffe Inn, and let me tell you, this ain't gonna be your pristine, perfectly-planned travel blog. This is the real deal. The messy, glorious, slightly-unhinged travel diary of yours truly.
Virginia Cliffe Inn: A Rambling Adventure (and Maybe a Few Tears)
Day 1: Arrival and Initial Hilarity (and a Dash of Panic)
- 1:00 PM - ARRIVAL! Okay, so the GPS lady lied. Totally lied. Took us on a scenic route that involved more gravel roads than actual pavement. I swear, my car's rattling like an old jalopy. But hey, we made it! The Virginia Cliffe Inn… it’s… well, it's something. Pictures don't do it justice. It feels like stepping into a Wes Anderson movie, but, like, if Wes Anderson had a penchant for slightly-too-bright floral wallpaper.
- 1:15 PM - Check-In Shenanigans: The innkeeper, a woman named Beatrice with a smile that could melt glaciers, greeted us. My luggage, of course, decided to rebel and explode, scattering my underwear across the lobby. Mortifying. Beatrice, though? She simply chuckled and handed me a welcome lemonade. Bless her heart.
- 2:00 PM - The Room (and My Mild Panic Attack): Our room… it’s “historic.” Translation? The floor creaks like a dying whale. The bed is HUGE. Like, can-you-put-a-roller-skating-rink-in-it huge. I'm convinced a ghost slept there last night. I had a solid five minutes of pure, unadulterated panic about being trapped in a haunted room. I may or may not have checked under the bed with a flashlight (several times).
- 3:00 PM - Exploring the Grounds: Okay, deep breaths. The grounds are actually pretty damn lovely. Rolling hills, a gazebo that screams "romantic getaway," and a garden that looks like it could feed a small village. I did, however, almost trip over a rogue garden gnome. Clearly, they're trying to keep me on edge.
- 4:00 PM - Tea Time (and Existential Dread): They serve afternoon tea! This is supposed to be relaxing. But, the scones were a tad dry, and the cucumber sandwiches tasted suspiciously of… cucumbers. While attempting to politely eat a scone, I fell into an existential spiral. Is life just a series of dry scones and slightly-off cucumber sandwiches? Contemplation complete!
- 7:00 PM - Dinner at the Inn's Restaurant: The name escapes me, but the food was… meh. My partner loved it, with his usual high praise. But I, admittedly, was a bit underwhelmed. Beautiful presentation though. It's just… fine. The wine, however, was delicious. I may have had a few glasses.
Day 2: Digging Deep (and Falling Hard for a Little Thing)
- 8:00 AM - Breakfast: Eggs Benedict, and a Revelation: Surprisingly, the breakfast was not just edible, it was fantastic. The eggs were perfectly poached, the hollandaise creamy, the bacon crispy. Maybe this place isn’t so bad after all. Maybe I was just cranky because of my travel underwear. I was even more surprised that, suddenly, I was happy.
- 9:00 AM - The Secret Garden: While there could be some ghosts, the garden is everything. And, there, tucked away, I found it. A little swing, the sun was setting, the birds were singing, and for the first time since the disasterous arrival, I was content.
- 10:00 AM - A Chance Encounter: While wandering around, I met another guest: a woman named Eleanor, who was in her late 70s and had the most fantastic laugh. It turned out she'd been coming to the Cliffe Inn for over 20 years. She told me stories of the place, the people, the history. Her passion for the place was infectious. This wasn't just about the fancy rooms or the slightly-dry scones, this was about connection.
- 11:00 AM - The "Stuff Your Face" Room: In my wanderings, I stumbled upon the "game room," but there was also a big bag of peanut M&M'S (my kryptonite). And by "stumbled upon," I mean I saw them from 50 paces and beelined for them, like a moth to a particularly tempting flame.
- 1:00 PM - Lunch Out: My partner and I went for lunch at a little restaurant out of the Inn called "The Iron Skillet" It's a great place for a good meal!
- 3:00 PM - The Emotional Waterfall (Part 2): We spent the afternoon in the reading room. The books, the crackling fireplace, the comfy chairs… I got a little misty-eyed. I don't know what came over me. Maybe it was the M&Ms. Maybe it was the sheer beauty of the moment. My partner just smiled and handed me a tissue.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and the Ghostly Encounter (Maybe): Enjoyed a quiet dinner with my partner at the Inn. We tried to be quiet, and we were sure that we heard a creak from the floor above. I still think there's a ghost.
- 8:00 PM - Stargazing: The sky above Virginia Cliffe Inn is HUGE! I could tell, a huge portion of the world was above me.
Day 3: Farewell (and a Promise to Return – Maybe with a Geiger Counter)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast: I bravely took another scone. It still was dry, but I just didn't care.
- 10:00 AM - Check out and Goodbyes: Beatrice gave me a hug goodbye! I'd made it! I survived! Mostly. We actually left not completely in one piece, the car was full of memories!
- 11:00 AM - One Last Look: As we drove away, I took one last look back at the Inn. It looked, well, less haunted now. And strangely, I was already missing it. Maybe it wasn’t the perfect vacation, but it was real. It was messy. It was… well, it was human. And that, my friends, is what matters.
- 12:00 PM - The Drive Home and the Aftermath: So we're on the road. I'm already planning my return. I'm bringing a Geiger counter. Just in case.
Final Verdict: The Virginia Cliffe Inn? It's an experience. It's a little quirky, a little creaky, a lot of charm, and a whole lot of heart. Would I recommend it? Absolutely. Just maybe pack your own scone recipe. And a good flashlight. And maybe, just maybe, embrace the chaos. You never know, you might just find yourself falling in love with a slightly-haunted, flower-wallpapered, scone-filled slice of heaven.
Escape to Cozy PJ Paradise: 2-Pax Hub SS2 Haven!
Virginia Cliffe Inn: Your Questions, My Truth (Brace Yourself!)
Is the Virginia Cliffe Inn really as beautiful as the photos?
Okay, let's be real. Photos can lie. They can be all perfectly filtered sunshine and manicured lawns. But the Virginia Cliffe Inn? Yeah, it's *mostly* as beautiful. Think less Instagram filter, more… well, a real-life painting. The house itself is majestic, no question. That wrap-around porch? Perfect for feeling like a Southern belle (even if you're clumsy and just spilled your sweet tea!). The grounds? Gorgeous. Except, maybe, that one patch of grass near the rose garden that looks a bit patchy. You know, life. Even castles have slightly frayed corners. But mostly, YES. It's stunning. Just don't expect a sterile, overly-perfect vibe. There's actual *life* there.
What's the vibe like? Is it stuffy or relaxing?
Relaxing. Thankfully. I'd say it's a "refined casual." You can dress up a *little*, but no one is going to be giving you the stink eye if you aren't in a suit. I went once and saw someone rocking jeans and a nice sweater – which is what I had on, phew! The staff is genuinely friendly, not that fake-polite thing. They actually *seem* to enjoy what they do, which is a HUGE plus. You can wander the grounds, sip wine on the porch swing, and generally just *be*. It's not the kind of place where you feel pressured to whisper and tiptoe. Thank God. I need a little clumsy charm in my life.
The rooms... tell me about the rooms!
Oh, the rooms! Each one is different, which is lovely. My first time, I booked the "Rose Room" – romantic, right? And it was! Four-poster bed, fireplace (which, yes, I used! Cozy!), and a clawfoot tub that was practically begging for a bubble bath. Now, here's a little secret...I *almost* didn't book the Rose Room. I'm a bit of a scaredy-cat, and supposedly, a friendly ghost resides there. I didn't *see* a ghost, if that helps. But, I *did* feel a little bit… watched, at 3 AM. So, maybe if you *really* want to sleep soundly, pick a different room. Or, well, drink more wine.
What about the food? Is the included breakfast good?
Breakfast? Don't even get me *started*. It's seriously a highlight. Forget those sad continental hotel offerings. We're talking fresh fruit, homemade pastries (that melt in your mouth!), and a cooked-to-order entree. The first time, I had the quiche. Flaky crust, perfectly creamy filling… I almost licked the plate (almost!). This is the kind of breakfast that makes you want to linger. And then, you feel guilty for lingering because you know the staff is busy. But, honestly, you can't rush perfection.
Can I bring my pet?
Unfortunately, no. Virginia Cliffe's a dog-free zone. So, leave Fido at home. Which, for me, is a bonus. I'm allergic! But I know it's a bummer for some.
Is it a good place for a special occasion?
Absolutely. Weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, just because... yes. It's got that built-in romance factor. I saw a wedding there once. It was so pretty, so romantic. Definitely tear-jerker material. I was just there for a relaxing break, but the ambiance is so perfect even the most cynical get a little caught up.
Anything I should be aware of beforehand? Hidden fees? Pesky bugs?
Okay, let's get practical. Hidden fees? Nope, not that I saw. Bugs? Well, it *is* the South. Mosquitoes are possible, so bring bug spray if you're prone to bites. I got a few, the first trip. And remember, it's an old house. So, *potential* for creaky floorboards and maybe, just maybe, the aforementioned ghost. Again, I didn't see it. Mostly, the biggest "warning" is that you might not want to leave. It's *that* good.
What's the best season to go?
This is tough because each season has its charm. Spring is gorgeous, with everything in bloom. Fall is spectacular with the color change -- the pictures don't even do it justice. But summer? The porch is lovely in the evening, and winter offers that cozy fireplace experience. It truly depends on what you're looking for. Me? I'd say autumn. Cozy, yet stunning.
Is there anything you *didn't* like? Be honest!
Alright, here’s my dirt. One tiny gripe: the Wi-Fi can be spotty. But, honestly, that's kind of the point, isn't it? To disconnect? I initially struggled to find a signal, but then I gave it a second, and honestly, I was glad. More time to actually *experience* the inn, the grounds, the whole vibe. You want a reliable connection? Stay in your hotel.
Would you go back?
Absolutely, without a doubt, yes, a million times, yes! I’m already planning my next trip. The Virginia Cliffe Inn is more than just a place to stay; it's an experience. It's a little slice of heaven, a break from the chaos, and a reminder that sometimes, the best-kept secrets are the ones you need to discover for yourself. Seriously, go. You won't regret it. And if you go, tell that Rose Room ghost that I said hello. (And maybe bring an extra bottle of wine. Just, you know, to be safe.)
