A luxury State College inn for business or pleasure

Well-positioned in the heart of Bellefonte's National Historic District, the Reynolds Mansion Bed & Breakfast (built in 1885) treated me to a rare luxury during a recent business trip to the State College area of Pennsylvania. I normally shy away from this type of accommodation when traveling for business – chain hotels are easy when you’re rushed and just need the basics. But the Reynold’s Mansion may have reformed my way of thinking.

On the night of my visit, I arrived after 5 pm but Tricia and Mike greeted me as if I was an old friend. They offered me a taste of brandy in the Snuggery followed by a tour of the inn. I was tired enough to appreciate the brandy and intrigued enough by the inn to welcome the tour. The woodwork at the entrance was breathtaking – what other treasures was this late Victorian masterpiece hiding.

Mike, a retired police officer and artisan woodworker, is clearly at home in this eclectic wonderland of wood that draws inspiration from Gothic, Italianate and Queen Anne periods. The paneled ceiling and staircase are made from rich, hand-carved walnut while the dining room features a lighter and warmer chestnut floor. Although there are only 8 rooms in the inn, there are 13 fireplaces throughout, all adorned with original, ornate, hand-carved tiles. The second floor rooms are spacious with hardwood floors – no two floors (or rooms) are the same. Third floor rooms are cozier rooms with carpeted flooring and vaulted ceilings.

Lux bedrooms with antique beds

I stayed in the Woodlands room (third floor) with a Jacuzzi tub tucked into a nook in the main room – with windows overlooking a 150-year-old sycamore tree. A loveseat in the opposite corner of the room offers a view of picturesque Bellefonte. Not wanting to leave the inn for dinner after my long travel day, Mike and Tricia offered me a bottle of wine and suggested I call Pizza Mia for delivery of the best pizza Bellefonte has to offer. I latched onto their suggestion, lit some tea light candles and poured myself a bath. While it stormed outside, I snuggled into the warmth of the inn – there was a fireplace in my room as well.

The next morning, I was on the road again after a delicious (and surprisingly light) 3 course breakfast, included in the cost of my stay. While I was only able to enjoy the Reynold’s Mansion for one night, they definitely whet my appetite for a future visit – maybe next time with my husband.

If the State College area of Pennsylvania is on your travel list, save a night for a visit to Reynold’s Mansion and tell them GoGirlfriend sent you. Here’s where to find them online.

• ReynoldsMansion.com
• Reynold’s Mansion on Facebook
• Reynold’s Mansion on TripAdvisor
• Reynold’s Mansion on Pinterest

Ever been to Reynold’s Mansion in Pennsylvania? Share your review with us in the comments below or follow us on Twitter or Facebook and let’s talk!