Recipe for romance: Bed and breakfast inns spice up a place to sleep

After the cake’s been cut and the dancing’s done, newlyweds inevitably find themselves at the last item on the agenda: The wedding night. You’ll want it to be special.

Bed and breakfast inns offer personality and charm that can boost wedding night romance and create a more memorable overall experience than spending the night at a cookie-cutter hotel.

Often set in historic homes, bed and breakfast inns are independently owned and inherently different. It’s OK — highly recommended, actually — to ask the innkeeper questions before placing a reservation. Look in trusted guide books for recommendations. Many inns offer Web sites where you can research rates and view pictures before picking up the phone.

“They are all different, all unique,” says Mark Jackson, owner of the Cozy Rose Inn Bed and Breakfast in Grandview.

Bed and breakfast inns can be quite luxurious, offering amenities such as antique furnishings and Jacuzzi baths, often with a topnotch breakfast in the morning. Some inns, however, simply offer a clean and comfortable place to rest for the night at a reasonable rate.

Rates vary, but B&Bs shouldn’t be dismissed as more expensive than hotels. Top hotels in Yakima rent for about $90-$180 per night, while the nicer B&Bs run about $150. Factor in the cost of breakfast, as well as any special details, when comparing prices and you may often find the inns offer a better value.

“The breakfast I serve is pretty incredible,” boasts Pepper Fewel, owner of the Cherry Wood Bed, Breakfast and Barn in Zillah.

Indeed, there’s a reason why the term “bed and breakfast” mentions breakfast by name. Unlike a hotel, these inns can be so much more than just a bed.

Each morning at A Touch of Europe in Yakima, professionally trained chef Erika Cenci dishes up a multi-course gourmet breakfast, served by candlelight at a private table in the inn’s antique-furnished dining room.

For folks who prefer more privacy, some inns will deliver breakfast to your door. That option has become the norm at the Cozy Rose.

“Ninety-nine percent of the time, they choose the delivered breakfast,” Jackson says.

Innkeepers know that many couples who have never stayed at a bed and breakfast harbor fears about chatty hosts and dining with other guests.

“It’s a misconception,” says Tim Newbury, general manager of Yakima’s Birchfield Manor. “We kind of let you be. We get you what you need and let you enjoy.”

With 11 guest rooms in two neighboring houses, the Birchfield Manor is classified as a country inn. Newbury recommends larger inns, such as Birchfield, as a great place for newbies to experiment with B&B lodging without danger of feeling like they’re staying at a personal residence.

However, even smaller innkeepers these days are well aware of the need for professionalism and privacy.

“This is my job,” says Fewel. “I let them have their day. Unless they invite me to visit, or ask me questions, I do not volunteer.”

The Cherry Wood innkeeper lets two guest rooms in her home. When honeymooners are in the house, she doesn’t rent the second room.

“I really want them to have a really special time,” says Fewel, who pays attention to detail — ironed sheets! — and often adds special touches, such as scattered rose petals or a bowl of chilled cherries from the orchard.

“I try to make it really festive when they go in,” she says.

Indeed, discovering the unique personality of each inn is the charm of staying at a B&B.

Says Newbury: “You’re going to get an experience that you’re not going to get if you check into a hotel.”

A TOUCH OF EUROPE BED AND BREAKFAST INN
220 N. 16th Ave., Yakima
509-454-9775
Toll-free: 888-438-7073
On the Web: winesnw.com/toucheuropeb&b.htm
Hosts: Jim and Erika Cenci

This tranquil adults-only inn offers a touch — and gourmet taste — of Europe, tucked inside an historic Queen Anne Victorian in old Yakima. Two antique-furnished guest rooms, each with private bath, welcome you with fresh flowers, French chocolates and a basket of fruit. In the spirit of romance, there’s no TV here. In the morning, professionally trained Chef Erika prepares a multi-course gourmet breakfast, served at the table by candlelight. $123-$136 nightly.

Three- to seven-course dinners for up to 20 guests are available with prior arrangement.

BIRCHFIELD MANOR COUNTRY INN
2018 Birchfield Road, Yakima
509-452-1960
Toll-free: 800-375-3420
On the Web: birchfieldmanor.com
Hosts: Masset family.

Enjoy an array of accommodation choices at this country inn, which offers 11 guest rooms in two neighboring houses. The original 1910 manor offers historic charm, while rooms in the newer guest house offer TV, telephone and private decks. All rooms offer private baths, and most also offer two-person whirlpool tubs. Outdoor pool. Rates include a full breakfast, served in the dining room or delivered to the room. No children under 8 years. $119-$219 nightly. Ask about special packages, such as wine and chocolates delivered to the room. Golf packages also available.

Multi-course dinners are available by reservation on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.

CHERRY WOOD BED, BREAKFAST AND BARN
3271 Roza Drive, Zillah
509-829-3500
On the Web: cherrywoodbbandb.com
Host: Pepper Fewel

Enjoy a panoramic view of Zillah wine country and Mt. Adams from the porch swing of this colonial-style farmhouse where the hostess does her best to make your stay special. Don’t be surprised to find a bowl of chilled cherries on the table, or rose petals sprinkled on the floor. Choose from two themed guest rooms: Victorian elegance or ranch house charm. Shared bath. Honeymooners have the run of the house; this B&B won’t book the second room. A candlelight breakfast is served at private tables in the dining room or patio. $145 nightly.

For something different, spend a summer night in a fully finished teepee or retro Streamline trailer; available April-early October, $110 includes breakfast.

For groups of 6-10 people, the B&B offers a wine ride package ($375 per person): Enjoy a two-night stay, breakfast, horseback ride to local wineries, Dutch oven dinner and cowboy entertainment.

COZY ROSE INN BED AND BREAKFAST
1220 Forsell Road, Grandview
509-882-4669
Toll-free: 800-575-8381
On the Web: cozyroseinn.com
Hosts: Mark and Jennie Jackson

Relax in private luxury at this romantic country inn with vineyard views. Five Jacuzzi suites each feature a private entrance, fireplace, flat-screen television and wireless Internet. Take a walk on the vineyard trail, but there’s no need to leave your room: A full country breakfast is delivered to the door. $189-$235 weekend nights; ask about weekly and monthly rates.

Special packages and gourmet dinners are available with prior arrangement. Wine tours available for groups of 8 or more.

4 SEASONS RIVER INN
16202 S. Griffin Road, Prosser
509-786-1694
On the Web: 4seasonsriverinn.com
Hosts: Les and Nancy Bender

The family-friendly hosts of this country hideaway offer homey comfort, bundled with resort-like amenities. Stay in the private cottage (with king-size bed and trundle), or three guest rooms in the main house; each room offers a private bath. Take a dip in the indoor pool (with a slide!), or relax in the Jacuzzi spa. This sprawling home also offers a wide-screen television, pool table, air hockey and exercise room. Enjoy a view of the river from the clay tennis court. A full breakfast is served in the dining room, or dine on the patio in warm weather. $125 nightly. Dogs welcome in the cottage with prior approval. Entire house rents for weddings.

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