Top U.S. B&Bs 2016
We’re thrilled to announce the winners of our 12th Annual Awards for B&Bs and inns. Finalists were chosen based on a qualitative and quantitative analysis of traveler reviews from the past year, and winners were selected by an independent panel of guest judges: Caroline Morse, senior editor at SmarterTravel Stirling Kelso, freelance travel writer and editor Robert Firpo-Cappiello, editor in chief at Budget Travel
Manor House Inn, BAR HARBOR, MAINE
This B&B set within walking distance of Acadia National Park earns guests’ praise for its very convenient location and impressive amenities. According to one traveler, “The inn was immaculate! We enjoyed the refreshing afternoon snacks while sitting in the sun on the wrap-around porch.” Innkeepers Stacey and Ken serve complimentary cookies and tea every afternoon. Another guest says, “Accommodations were very clean and comfortable with some nice extra touches like nighttime chocolates and freshly bottled water. …The Inn is extremely convenient to Bar Harbor since you can park your car and walk to downtown and the harbor.
Gosby House Inn, a Four Sisters Inn, PACIFIC GROVE, CALIFORNIA
“The hotel is walking distance from most points of interest, including the aquarium and Fisherman’s Wharf. This is a fantastic B&B and a great place for exploring Monterey,” writes a guest. Gosby House Inn is a Victorian property set on the Monterey Peninsula, just a few blocks from the ocean. Rooms have private balconies, working fireplaces and water views. Another reviewer says, “The ‘tea time’ foods were wonderful. After hours of driving and sightseeing, we relaxed by the fire in the parlor with a glass of wine along with hot artichoke dip and crackers! Delightful!”
Inn at Ullikana, BAR HABOR, MAINE
You’ll find Inn at Ullikana on a private garden-covered terrace overlooking the Atlantic, not far from Acadia National Park. “The inn itself is stunning, with extreme attention to detail,” writes a reviewer. “Guests are encouraged to make use of the property and mingle with each other over decadent breakfasts, and wine and cheese in the back patio or on the garden overlooking the harbor.” Another guest lauds the innkeepers’ “superb” French cooking. Lavish breakfasts include dishes like lemon soufflé pancakes, crepes and perfectly cooked omelets.
Inn at Old Virginia, STAUNTON, VIRGINIA

Travelers to the Shenandoah Valley will fall in love with the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain views, vaulted ceilings and multi-course breakfasts served in a glass conservatory. According to a past guest, “This is probably the best B&B that we have ever stayed at. [We loved the] Sleep Number Bed, sound machine and lots of extras in the bath. [It was] lovely dining in the conservatory.” Another reviewer cites top-notch service as reason enough to return again and again: “In my opinion, the best part of our trip was the staff. …we were made to feel important, and the staff seemed pleased and grateful to be able to make our stay the best possible.
Carson Ridge Luxury Cabins, CARSON, WASHINGTON
Carson Ridge Luxury Cabins are nestled in the Columbia River Gorge, where outdoor activities abound no matter the season. “It was a winter wonderland!” writes a reviewer. “There was already about 2 ft. of snow on the ground and 6-8 more inches fell overnight. Accommodations were perfect to enjoy the serene spot; they even had snowshoes on hand, and we couldn’t wait to put them on and explore the property right from the front door of our cabin.” With hydrotherapy spa tubs, fireplaces and enormous canopied beds, the property’s cozy private cabins offer an especially welcome respite during colder months.
Hillbrook Inn & Spa, CHARLES TOWN, WEST VIRGINIA
Escape to this English Tudor mansion for serenity, spa treatments and multi-course gourmet meals. “The food was amazing. Literally everything they served was delicious and most of the dishes were things both my fiancé and I had never had. Kudos to the chef,” writes a guest about the inn’s upscale Redbook Restaurant. When not indulging in local and seasonal fare within a fire-lit dining room, book a massage at the on-site full-service spa or roam nearby wineries. Another reviewer says, “Loved that the location is 15 minutes from Harper’s Ferry and then a little further to VA vineyards.”
Murphin Ridge Inn, WEST UNION, OHIO
Murphin Ridge Inn offers a variety of accommodation styles for travelers seeking a peaceful countryside escape. “The Inn has options of standard rooms or quaint cabins in the woods. The staff could not have been more accommodating, and the food was decadent. After dinner each night, we went out to the fire pit and watched the stars. We have already made reservations to go back,” writes a guest. Other travelers continue to heap praise on the property’s superb cuisine: “The food was out of this world! …The owner makes his own sausage and it was amazing!”
Woolverton Inn, STOCKTON, NEW JERSEY
According to a guest, “The idyllic estate, with fluttering butterflies, water lilies and frogs in the fountain, sheep grazing and a small garden, created an environment like a fairytale for us. And the breakfast was delicious!” Indeed, this 18th-century inn overlooking the Delaware River Valley, and encircled by landscaped meadows and farmland is a world away from ordinary hustle and bustle. “It’s our favorite getaway to celebrate special occasions and the first place we think of to get away from hectic and stressful times. Our pets looks forward to visiting, and the moment we say ‘Woolverton,’ they are in the car and ready to go! The grounds are so beautiful; it’s hard not to appreciate the beauty of the land and the Manor House,” another guest writes.
The Kenwood Inn SAINT AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA
One reviewer calls the Kenwood Inn “a wonderful little place that will take you back to a simpler time.” This historical property is the oldest B&B in the country’s oldest city—it’s been a working inn since 1886. But don’t expect anything less than 21st-century luxuries. “We had a large room with our own private porch. There was a small kitchen area for guests with coffee, tea, lemonade and cookies all day long. Wine was available in the afternoons. Breakfast was delicious and consisted of several courses served to you in a beautiful courtyard,” reports a guest.
Embrace Calistoga, CALISTOGA, CALIFORNIA
This Napa Valley property offers a unique historical Wine Country escape for travelers. The property, built in 1872, is beautifully decorated and features original hardwood floors, accents and art. “The inn, if you could imagine, is even better than what the photos show online,” writes a guest. “We were so overwhelmed with each and every aspect of our stay. The breakfast was insanely delicious, from the French press Costa Rican coffee down to the freshly squeezed juices and the perfectly poached eggs.” Another guests recommends the afternoon wine reception hosted at the inn: “Wine on the porch at 5 is not to be missed. They serve amazing wines from the area along with a charcuterie tray. This was my favorite time at Luxe, as it is the best social hour in town.”