I stayed at the Brightwood Inn over the Christmas holiday while visiting family. It was a wonderful experience, it felt like home. The breakfasts were marvelous and the hosts were extremely accommodating. Staying here is a definite must for anyone ...

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We have been going to the Brightwood Inn since 2001 and have stayed in every room. We love this place! Only 90 miles from Chicago so we can even make a one night stay work. The inn is so clean! Six of the rooms have whirlpools and the other two...

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I love this place! I love to see the billion stars lighting up the sky. Living in the city you rarely get to see the brilliance of them. I love how it is so quiet outside the Inn and inside you feel like you have to tiptoe everywhere so you don't ...

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Travelling solo I appreciate friendly hosts when I stay in a B&B and have to say that the hosts here were very pleasant. I found the room to be a little better than average, needed new carpet and bathtub was stained. But I enjoyed the evening meal and felt it was fairly priced as it included wine with dinner and also a cocktail hour before the meal. Also I found the hosts to be very accommodating in responding to special requests from guests. I wouldn't go out of my way to return here, but it was very pleasant for a one night visit.

The Brightwood is an outstanding property in a quiet country setting. The common areas of the inn are tastefully decorated, and the grounds and surrounding areas are idyllic. The room we had (like most there) had all my wife and I look for in a get-away spot: jacuzzi, fireplace, DVD/VCR, upscale decorating.)

However, upon our arrival on Friday (after we both worked all day and were looking forward to a hot shower) we were informed during our briefing (as opposed to a "welcome") that they were having problems with their water supply, that the contractor was supposed to come Monday but didn't until that day, and had just finished drilling and ugrading the well. We were advised that the water might not be suitable for bathing that night, but that it should be better by the following day. After running the water in the tub for about three hours, it was still dark and rusty. No shower that night. By noon the next day, water was fine.

Breakfast was average: unremarkable french toast, two sausage patties, fruit, juice, coffee cake. Have had better at motels charging under $100 per night.

Saturday in the early evening, our A/C was not functioning because, we were informed later, the On/Off switch on the thermostat in the room next door controlled our A/C, and those guests had turned it off. Our room was about 80 degrees. The office was closed for the night, and calls to the innkeepers' home extension were not answered, so we left a note on their door. When we returned 2 hours later, the A/C was working.

When we checked out, we were told that they have actually had water trouble since April. We wonder how many other guests have had red water. Also, at what point should the management call future guests and tell them they might not be able to bathe and give them a chance to cancel or postpone their visit?

At the prices charged, I think they need to turn their customer service skills up a notch, and make it equal to the quality of the property.

The Lander's House in Utica is worth considering if you are interested in visiting the area. Try the cottages.

For $180 a day, I expected much more. What I received was yellow slimy water from the faucet, mandatory dining at the BB, a one item breakfast which the host commented "take it or leave it", dinner entrees ranged from $18-24 which is way too pricy for farm country.

Overall, the Brightwood Inn charged big city prices for farm country quality, overpriced, restrictive dining options, poor water quality, and their unfriendly service will keep me away from this BB.