Palmer House Inn, Falmouth MA Review
In a field of contenders, the Gothic-Victorian “shingle-style” Palmer House Inn, in Falmouth MA is a standout. Sure, it’s that Classic comfy, cozy, rocking-chair on the porch, weathered Cape Cod home that you imagine in your New England fantasies.
But this one, with incredibly friendly and accomodating owners, is on the Select Registry. So, expect an upscale and happy experience.
In a world where ” Victorian” means cluttered and messy, the amiable, welcoming owners, Tom VonZabern and Billy Brown, have created an “of the time” property sprinkled with Federal, Gilded Age, and Traditional furnishings, but with a less fusty, more modern convenience, aesthetic. To whit – they found a 100+ year-old Victrola, “which still works,” and placed its handsome cabinet in the dining room. (They are happy to play it for guests).
Tom, a Real Estate Broker and Architect Consultant, and Billy, a Registered Nurse and former Nursing Home Manager, left Cambridge MA in 2018, when it became too crowded and busy. They chose the less frenetic (at least in the off-season) Cape Cod to launch their second career together – that of innkeepers.
After purchasing this already operating B&B on a quaint street within a short walk of town,and next door to the Falmouth Historical Society’s Museums, the couple quickly set about updating systems: installing central air, functional wi-fi, and flat screen TV’s in all the rooms. And, they purchased new traditional furniture and bedding.
First Impressions of Palmer House Inn
While Billy or Tom checks you in, at a small counter by the side door (closest to the parking area), you might meet Zeus – more bear than dog – the resident canine. Yes, the Palmer House Inn is pet friendly for well-behaved dogs (no weight limit), with several dedicated rooms for your own Fido. There’s even a grassy dog run out back.
I took note of the basket of beach towels by the door, which you’re encouraged to borrow for your seaside excursions. (There’s a mindblowing 68 miles of coastline in Falmouth – 12 miles of public beaches – and the reason that many people visit here).
After a tour of the place, you’re welcome to tea, coffee, or water, and one of Billy’s baked treats, awaiting you on the indoor dining table, which you can enjoy in a comfy yet elegant living room, or on one of the half dozen rocking chairs on the front porch.
Guest Rooms at Palmer House Inn
All 12 nop-notch guest rooms in the Main house, and four in the carriage house, are named for Massachusetts poets and authors: from James Fenimore Cooper to Edith Wharton. Every room is a stately take on late 1800’s, early 1900’s decor, with sturdy beds and chairs purchased new from Ethan Allan.
Honeymooners generally book the Henry James room (No. 11), with its cathedral-ceiling skylights streaming sunlight or moonglow onto a two-person Jacuzzi. In the bedroom, at the foot of a royally high King bed, the jetted tub (and a double shower in the bathroom), renders this the sexiest, most titillating bedchamber in the place.
Mine, the Emily Dickinson Room, was neither too cluttered or too minimalist, but nicely decorated in what Goldilocks would say is “just right. My guest room featured a four-poster bed so lofty, it required a stepstool to access. Once there, however – inside its brocaded, decorative pillowed, soft-sheeted snugginess – I never wanted to leap off.
(The sheets are so soft, in fact, I asked where I could buy a few sets. Tom informed me that they get this way by repeated washings without harsh chemicals in their industrial washing machine on site.)
But leap off I did – to nibble on the Cape Cod Potato Chips and White Chocolate Covered Cranberries gratis for each guest – sitting temptingly on top of the dresser.
I could have turned on the gas fireplace, or settled into the Jacuzzi tub, if it had been cooler outside. Or I might have watched something on the flat screen TV, if there wasn’t so much to do in Falmouth and nearby Woods Hole. (For example – the Museums at the Falmouth Historical Society next door).
Breakfast at Palmer House Inn
A full breakfast is served in a dedicated breakfast room with six small tables, and begins with a dish of cut fruit, coffee, and juice of your choice. This is followed by either classic New England Johnnycakes, or “Eggs Your Way” with maple bacon and toast. The meal comes with a big heap of friendly service; much appreciated in these oft disconnected times.
Elopement Packages at Palmer House Inn
How romantic is the Palmer House Inn? So romantic, it offers two reasonably priced Elopement Packages: One for the couple, plus 2 guest (at $1200 + lodging cost for 2 nights), which includes many of the perks below; and another for a couple and 10 guests (for $2400, + lodging cost for 3 nights) which includes all of the perks seen below.
- Choice of location on the first floor or our inn or on the grounds for your special day
- Bouquet and boutonniere, or two bouquets or two boutonnieres in a mixed arrangement of white flowers
- Champagne for you and your guests for your wedding toast
- A delicious 8″ or 10″ cake from one of our fine Falmouth bakeries, (choose your flavor: vanilla, chocolate, strawberry or lemon)
- Your experienced officiant’s service fees
- Champagne and cake reception setup in the inn, on one of the porches, or on our beautiful grounds
- Large table bouquet of flowers for the reception, (carnations, lilies, asters, hydrangeas, spring or fall flowers) depending on season availability, your choice of red, white, yellow, or mixed colors
- Two round-trip tickets to Martha’s Vineyard, the perfect mini-honeymoon island!
- $100 gift certificate to the Falmouth Village restaurant of your choice
- Experienced in-house wedding photography included
- A romantic massage for two at the studio of one of Falmouth’s two premier masseuses
- $150 voucher for your 1st-anniversary stay
- The Palmer House Inn is open year round. Check website for room rates, and packages, which include Proposal Package, BabyMoon Package, Martha’s Vineyard Picnic Package, and much more.
