I am aghast. I tried to book a room at a B&B in Abilene, Kansas a couple years ago. I asked some general questions and decided to book. The owner asked for my name (I told her) and my wife's name (ummmm....there's no wife). I told her the name of the other guest (a man). I was asked if I wanted two rooms (NO). Did I want 2 beds? (NO). I was informed that they will not rent to same-sex couples. I was speechless. Dumbfounded. Really? In this day and age? You would turn down $100/night? She did offer the name of another B&B that allows same-sex couples, but still..... I suppose the inn is as lovely as the photographic depictions on the website. I cannot say for sure, since it was made clear that my partner and I were not welcome. As a result, the local Holiday Inn Express did get my business. It was comfortable, had a pool, was less expensive and such private matters as sexual identity weren't conditions for securing lodging. If you are a same sex couple, know that you are not welcome at this establishment (unless, perhaps, you wish to pay for separate rooms and contribute financially to innkeepers with discriminatory practices). To all others, please avoid Abilene's Victorian Inn. Discrimination is simply unacceptable. Note: Their website does say the following under POLICIES: "Overnight accommodations for singles and traditional couples." Also note that POLICIES is a tiny link at the very bottom of their web pages. It is not listed in the prominent main banner at the top of the pages. When I visited the POLICY page, I was looking for the cancellation policy. I wouldn't think to look for a "who is welcome and who is not" policy.
(1)
meli l.
This place is sweeter than a cake made of pie. A lot of it's been restored to its 1880s style; it's a lovely old home in the middle of a residential neighborhood. We stayed in the Eisenhower room (complete with a giant picture of Ike!) and it was comfortable and well-kept. The balcony is fantastic. One of the owners had fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies ready for us when we checked in (!!!!). Our suite had a (tiny! so tiny) bathroom. We were shown the cabinet full of VHS tapes in case we wanted to watch a movie (ADORABLE). But here's the best part - you know how most B&Bs throw some danish and a cup of coffee at you in the morning? Not this place. They asked my husband when he booked if we had any dietary restrictions and he mentioned that I avoid wheat when I can, but that it's not really a big deal. And when the breakfast part of the B&B experience came around... there was an epically delicious frittata, orange juice, coffee, fresh fruit, and while the other guests had fresh-baked biscuits, I got a big ol' slice of HOMEMADE, gluten-free banana bread. I am not even freaking kidding, you guys. How amazing is that? If we ever have a reason to stay in Abilene again, we'll be staying here.
(4)
Frances W.
Adrien went out of her way to be accommodating, checking for food intolerances, and making us a delicious, gourmet gluten-free breakfast. The decor is lovely and period and the ambiance charming. Our room was large and well-appointed and we had a perfect stay. I highly recommend this inn.
(5)
Ron R.
Stayed there,other than some very minor things wife and I could not expected better. On our way to Denver, will stay there on our way back to Ohio next week if timeallows
(4)
Tim H.
I wanted to share our experience visiting the Victorian Inn. My brother and I wanted to take our 82 year old father out for a boys weekend adventure. It started in Abilene and the first stop was this bed and breakfast. What a way to kick off the trip! My dad had never been to a B&B before and Adrian met us at the door to welcome us. She showed us around the first floor and we were quickly taken with the charm of the home. She really made us feel like family. When Jay, her husband arrived, he grabbed my dads bags and escorted us to our quarters on the third floor. We had the entire thing to ourselves. He pointed out all the details of our room. The deck off the master room, the temp control, the fridge and then invited us down for home made cookies in the dining room. The beds were spacious and comfortable. We lounged on the back balcony for a visit before grabbing our chocolate chip cookies. Sitting in the parlor we listened to 1930's big band music from the upright vintage radio. My dad was in paradise talking to us about some of his childhood memories! We even took a group picture wearing the parlor hats adorning the sitting room. After a great nights sleep we headed for the dining room. The breakfast was formal as we dined with six other guests. Adrian, who is a Chef, started us with creamy yogurt topped with granola with assorted fruit on the side. Then Walnut Carmel French toast, crisp bacon just the way I like it, coffee and juice. After a breakfast like this we we ready for the day! Thank you Adrianne and Jay for making this family event one we will never forget!
(5)
Blair D.
I have stayed at several B&B's over the years and totally enjoyed my 2 night stay. We were given a personal tour of the home and the unique items and history of the home by Adrian. My niece graduated from high school so I asked my sister what she would recommend as a place to stay, and she said that the local people enjoy having their friends and family stay at the Victorian Inn - and she was right. After the graduation we all went back to the Victorian Inn and sat in the main living room and talked, it was so warm and private and worked out very well for us... and grabbing a free refreshment was perfect. The history and decoration of this home made our stay very special, and it was worth the stay just to have the amazing breakfast that Adrian prepares - you will love the Quiche, or the French toast, if you are lucky enough to have those as your yummy breakfast. Adrian and Jay are very warm and giving people, and they make you feel appreciated and welcome in their home. Thanks for the great stay, and next time I come back I will book with you!
(5)
Kenya D.
To begin, the property, itself, is fine. While the decor seems strangely organized, the B&B is clean overall (it reminded me of visiting my grandmother's home). I needed to visit Abilene in order to conduct research at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and while making reservations with the caretaker, "Doc," he offered to pick me up from the Wichita Airport. In his words, he would pick me up "for a fee of $60 or $70 whatever you feel comfortable with." Coming from Los Angeles, I had little idea how far Wichita was from Abilene and felt his offer was excellent--I could save money and not worry about the hassle of finding a small Kansas town late at night. When my plan arrived, "Doc" was prompt and the rest of my stay was charming. On my last evening, I received a bill $60 higher than expected and was told by "Doc" that his picking me up was more taxing than he expected and therefore in that moment, his shuttle fee has gone from $70 to $130 he then went on to try to convince me that I came out ahead regardless because I didn't have to drive myself. In short, I caution visitors to possibly avoid any offers of "extras" at the Abilene Bed and Breakfast. Prices are apparently fluid and subject to radical change at any moment.
Matthew G.
I am aghast. I tried to book a room at a B&B in Abilene, Kansas a couple years ago. I asked some general questions and decided to book. The owner asked for my name (I told her) and my wife's name (ummmm....there's no wife). I told her the name of the other guest (a man). I was asked if I wanted two rooms (NO). Did I want 2 beds? (NO). I was informed that they will not rent to same-sex couples. I was speechless. Dumbfounded. Really? In this day and age? You would turn down $100/night? She did offer the name of another B&B that allows same-sex couples, but still..... I suppose the inn is as lovely as the photographic depictions on the website. I cannot say for sure, since it was made clear that my partner and I were not welcome. As a result, the local Holiday Inn Express did get my business. It was comfortable, had a pool, was less expensive and such private matters as sexual identity weren't conditions for securing lodging. If you are a same sex couple, know that you are not welcome at this establishment (unless, perhaps, you wish to pay for separate rooms and contribute financially to innkeepers with discriminatory practices). To all others, please avoid Abilene's Victorian Inn. Discrimination is simply unacceptable. Note: Their website does say the following under POLICIES: "Overnight accommodations for singles and traditional couples." Also note that POLICIES is a tiny link at the very bottom of their web pages. It is not listed in the prominent main banner at the top of the pages. When I visited the POLICY page, I was looking for the cancellation policy. I wouldn't think to look for a "who is welcome and who is not" policy.
(1)meli l.
This place is sweeter than a cake made of pie. A lot of it's been restored to its 1880s style; it's a lovely old home in the middle of a residential neighborhood. We stayed in the Eisenhower room (complete with a giant picture of Ike!) and it was comfortable and well-kept. The balcony is fantastic. One of the owners had fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies ready for us when we checked in (!!!!). Our suite had a (tiny! so tiny) bathroom. We were shown the cabinet full of VHS tapes in case we wanted to watch a movie (ADORABLE). But here's the best part - you know how most B&Bs throw some danish and a cup of coffee at you in the morning? Not this place. They asked my husband when he booked if we had any dietary restrictions and he mentioned that I avoid wheat when I can, but that it's not really a big deal. And when the breakfast part of the B&B experience came around... there was an epically delicious frittata, orange juice, coffee, fresh fruit, and while the other guests had fresh-baked biscuits, I got a big ol' slice of HOMEMADE, gluten-free banana bread. I am not even freaking kidding, you guys. How amazing is that? If we ever have a reason to stay in Abilene again, we'll be staying here.
(4)Frances W.
Adrien went out of her way to be accommodating, checking for food intolerances, and making us a delicious, gourmet gluten-free breakfast. The decor is lovely and period and the ambiance charming. Our room was large and well-appointed and we had a perfect stay. I highly recommend this inn.
(5)Ron R.
Stayed there,other than some very minor things wife and I could not expected better. On our way to Denver, will stay there on our way back to Ohio next week if timeallows
(4)Tim H.
I wanted to share our experience visiting the Victorian Inn. My brother and I wanted to take our 82 year old father out for a boys weekend adventure. It started in Abilene and the first stop was this bed and breakfast. What a way to kick off the trip! My dad had never been to a B&B before and Adrian met us at the door to welcome us. She showed us around the first floor and we were quickly taken with the charm of the home. She really made us feel like family. When Jay, her husband arrived, he grabbed my dads bags and escorted us to our quarters on the third floor. We had the entire thing to ourselves. He pointed out all the details of our room. The deck off the master room, the temp control, the fridge and then invited us down for home made cookies in the dining room. The beds were spacious and comfortable. We lounged on the back balcony for a visit before grabbing our chocolate chip cookies. Sitting in the parlor we listened to 1930's big band music from the upright vintage radio. My dad was in paradise talking to us about some of his childhood memories! We even took a group picture wearing the parlor hats adorning the sitting room. After a great nights sleep we headed for the dining room. The breakfast was formal as we dined with six other guests. Adrian, who is a Chef, started us with creamy yogurt topped with granola with assorted fruit on the side. Then Walnut Carmel French toast, crisp bacon just the way I like it, coffee and juice. After a breakfast like this we we ready for the day! Thank you Adrianne and Jay for making this family event one we will never forget!
(5)Blair D.
I have stayed at several B&B's over the years and totally enjoyed my 2 night stay. We were given a personal tour of the home and the unique items and history of the home by Adrian. My niece graduated from high school so I asked my sister what she would recommend as a place to stay, and she said that the local people enjoy having their friends and family stay at the Victorian Inn - and she was right. After the graduation we all went back to the Victorian Inn and sat in the main living room and talked, it was so warm and private and worked out very well for us... and grabbing a free refreshment was perfect. The history and decoration of this home made our stay very special, and it was worth the stay just to have the amazing breakfast that Adrian prepares - you will love the Quiche, or the French toast, if you are lucky enough to have those as your yummy breakfast. Adrian and Jay are very warm and giving people, and they make you feel appreciated and welcome in their home. Thanks for the great stay, and next time I come back I will book with you!
(5)Kenya D.
To begin, the property, itself, is fine. While the decor seems strangely organized, the B&B is clean overall (it reminded me of visiting my grandmother's home). I needed to visit Abilene in order to conduct research at the Eisenhower Presidential Library and while making reservations with the caretaker, "Doc," he offered to pick me up from the Wichita Airport. In his words, he would pick me up "for a fee of $60 or $70 whatever you feel comfortable with." Coming from Los Angeles, I had little idea how far Wichita was from Abilene and felt his offer was excellent--I could save money and not worry about the hassle of finding a small Kansas town late at night. When my plan arrived, "Doc" was prompt and the rest of my stay was charming. On my last evening, I received a bill $60 higher than expected and was told by "Doc" that his picking me up was more taxing than he expected and therefore in that moment, his shuttle fee has gone from $70 to $130 he then went on to try to convince me that I came out ahead regardless because I didn't have to drive myself. In short, I caution visitors to possibly avoid any offers of "extras" at the Abilene Bed and Breakfast. Prices are apparently fluid and subject to radical change at any moment.
(2)