Grape Arbor Bed and Breakfast

Jeff Smallwood

This is really a 4½ star place, but I can't do that so I'm giving the benefit of the doubt and rounding-up with the hope you'll read on to see why. Being a bed and breakfast, let's start with those two topics: Bed/Rooms: They are beautiful, well cared for, welcoming, open and spacious. We stayed in 2 rooms over covid time-frame and everything was well handled and room cleanliness was good. Some of the furniture shows a little wear but nothing out of the ordinary, the typical lived-in type of wearing in on couches, chairs, etc. The Merlot suite was especially nice with a full sized fridge/freezer, separate "parlor" room, and plenty of space to gather and sit in private if your group is more than 2. The Concord suite was our other room which was equally welcoming. The only negatives to the rooms (which I'd dock ½ star if I could) would be the sound and few minor things...the rooms aren't as sound proof as I prefer...just a touch too much sound can echo through walls on occasion, but that's partly what you expect in an older place like this. Plus very little things like the bathroom ceiling light was partially out and the ice trays in the freezer were overlooked from the previous guest, plus the coffee table screws needed to be tightened...the folding leaves were a bit loose. Little things like that make it feel like some extra attention could be paid to the finer details, but it wasn't like little things like that impact the overall stay. The rest of the public rooms are also great, plenty of room to sit, talk, read, whatever. There are plenty of books and board games if that's your thing. And the hosts seasonally decorated all the rooms...we were there in early Oct and all the Halloween & Fall decorations were a beautifully appropriate touch. Breakfast: Enjoyed 4 breakfasts and every one was unique and delicious. The starter baked goods were an especially nice bonus, followed by an additional homemade bread, fruits, then main courses ranging from creative egg dishes to unique variations on French toast, waffles, and pancakes I'd never had before. Each breakfast included two options for the main course and the staff accommodated our dietary needs perfectly (some were vegetarian) Beyond the B&B part, the staff was wonderful. Both Peggy and Liz were attentive, flexible in scheduling breakfast time when possible, and extremely responsive when we had questions. Plus you get delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies when you check-in! The location is very convenient to all the places around North East, although a touch longer to Erie if you're planning multiple outings to there (~25-40 minutes one-way depending on where in Erie you're going). So you're probably not going back and forth from Erie to North East multiple times a day. However, if you're looking to split time between Erie and locations in NY, staying in North East seems like a perfect middle-ground. Super easy drive to Presque Isle state park and plenty of nice wineries in the local area too. If you accept all that and it works for your intended stay, the only negative for the location is a little bit of noise. North East (as with many locations along the towns on the lakes) has a lot of train traffic. If you are a very light sleeper it is possible you may awake to the sounds of trains at any hour of the night, but the hosts provide ear plugs on the nightstand in your room in case that's something you benefit from. If you are a medium to heavy sleeper you may never notice the trains but it is worth knowing about. For the rooms facing the street, same deal, as the B&B is located on the main road through town...North East certainly isn't a bustling city or anything, but it's also not the same as a quiet, quaint residential road either. The traffic certainly wasn't a bother but the Grape Arbor isn't a completely isolated, country-quiet B&B. But don't let those minor downsides steer you wrong, this is a wonderful place, beautiful, plenty of room, awesome food, and friendly hosts...can't barely go wrong.

Julie Brace

We had a delightful weekend at Grape Arbor. Liz and Peggy are very gracious and kind hosts. The breakfasts are amazing! The food is homemade and delicious and served on beautiful dishes. The building is charming and the gardens are lovely. We truly enjoyed our weekend.

Kelly Calderone-Davis

Beautiful rooms! This enchanting B&B boasts spacious, comfy, quaintly decorated suites complete with basic amenities and homemade chocolate chip cookies. The innkeeper kindly allowed us to pick up our wine tasting pass early since we were in town a little earlier than expected. She also accommodated my lactose intolerance at breakfast. Breakfast, by the way, was top notch. We were there for 3 breakfasts and got a choice of either a meat/egg casserole-type of dish, or a carb-type of dish (usually some kind of pancakes or French toast). We also received different daily assortments of homemade breads/rolls/muffins, and a fresh fruit course. I would book this B&B again. The central location makes it perfect if you're looking for a Lake Erie Wine Region vacation.

Lynn Mein

Absolutely amazing stay. Between the polite staff who were very helpful and hospitable to the coziness of the layout of the rooms and sitting areas , just amazing. The home made cookies and superb breakfast offered were above and beyond. We will be recommending to everyone traveling the area and will be returning again !