If you want to feel awkward, uncomfortable, and be accused of stealing kitchen utensils then this is definitely the B&B for you! I recently got married at the Hatfield Inn and it was the worst experience of my life. The innkeeper which is the son of the owners called my mother and I liars straight to our faces after only  being there for an hour. We had previously checked to make sure children were allowed to stay at the inn since they were in the wedding. After the son or "innkeeper" said it was ok we did not think twice about it. Once we arrived with children in tow he took us aside and reprimanded us stating that "we needed to keep those children under control at all times" like they were crazed wild animals! He accused us of lieing when we said we had previously checked to make sure it was ok. That was only the beginning. We had previously asked what rain options there were since the wedding would be held outside. He explained we could use a barn they had or if worse came to worse we could even hold the wedding in his parents house (which I am sure he would deny now). When the day before the wedding came and it was raining we decided to hold it in the barn. He acted like we came up with the idea ourselves, again calling us liars, and then said he would have to charge us for the "extra rental." On the day of the wedding the inkeeper and his family decided to hold a BBQ party of their own right in the middle of my reception. When later asked why they chose to do that he loudly explained, "This is our house!" So don't expect to pay thousands for the rental and actually get to use all of the space. We were also denied keys to our own rooms during the wedding, until we made it blatantly clear that the bride, groom, and wedding party would have to get inside after the ceremony. It was a very uncomfortable situation, constantly feeling like you were putting them out by being there, and a creepy feeling of always being watched. When we went to check out the following morning the innkeeper accused us of stealing his kitchen whisk and other utensils, which was definitely a wonderful welcome to wake up to. For weeks after the wedding we kept hearing stories from our guests about how the innkeeper was rude to them, for example not letting a 3 year old inside to use the restroom. My mother recommened that they draw up a contract for future events as we were checking out and she was treated very rudely for even mentioning it. I suggest not getting involved with any aspect of the Hatfield Inn because you will be accused of being a liar or thief. This is just a touch of what we went through in our weekend stay. In simple the innkeeper made a lot of empty promises, then when we confronted him about our "options" he would deny ever saying anything and tell us we were making things up.

I was sorry to read about your experiences and so that this doesn't happen to others, would like everyone to be aware that any event booked at any venue, including Bed and Breakfasts, should include a signed contract detailing what is and is not included in the rental rates.  An event of this importance needs confirmation of any agreements that were made or promised.

I wish you and your spouse a long and happy marriage.  All the best,

Rose

 

---

Rose Ciccone
Mail To: roseciccone@verizon.net
Associate Editor - BedandBreakfast.com
http://blog.bedandbreakfast.com

Fully agree with Rose's comments about the importance of having a contract to protect both supplier and customers. If you talk to innkeepers about hosting a wedding and they DON'T use a contract, consider approaching a more experienced innkeeper instead. For an interesting article on hosting weddings from an innkeepers point of view, click here: http://forums.bedandbreakfast.com/3527/ShowThread.aspx#3527

---

Sandy Soule
BedandBreakfast.com
Sandy@BedandBreakfast.com