Chinaberry Hill Bed and Breakfast

Chinaberry Hill is a bed and breakfast in a historic Victorian home, and it is the kind of place that couples choose for anniversaries and quiet getaways. The house is a grand wood-framed mansion from the late nineteenth century, with turrets, porches and gardens, set on a hillside neighbourhood near downtown Tacoma. It trades the glass-and-steel feel of a city hotel for creaking staircases, period details and a host who knows the house and the town. Rooms are individually decorated, usually with antique furniture, rich fabrics and private bathrooms, and some have fireplaces or views over the garden or the water. The mood is intimate rather than formal, and the scale is small, with only a handful of rooms. A full breakfast is served each morning, often in the dining room or on the porch, and is one of the main pleasures of the stay. Hosts can recommend restaurants, walks and attractions, and often help with reservations. The neighbourhood is residential and quiet, but downtown, the Pacific Avenue museums and the Stadium District are a short drive away. Many guests combine a stay here with a day at the Museum of Glass, an afternoon in Wright Park and a sunset on Ruston Way, then return to a calm house and a comfortable chair on the porch.

Bed and breakfasts have particular rules and rhythms. Check-in is often within a set window, so tell the hosts your arrival time. Many have minimum stays on weekends, children policies and cancellation terms that differ from big hotels. Ask about parking, which is usually on the street or in a small lot, and about accessibility, as older homes have stairs and narrow doorways.

The best way to enjoy a stay here is to slow down. Spend an hour in the garden, have a second cup of tea at breakfast and talk with the hosts about local history. Evenings can be spent walking to nearby restaurants or driving to dinner on the waterfront. Photographers and architecture fans will find plenty of details to enjoy, from woodwork to stained glass, and the porch is a good place to read.

This is not the right choice for travellers who want a pool, a gym and 24-hour service. It is the right choice if you value atmosphere, privacy and personal attention. Book early for weekends in summer and autumn, and read the property's description of each room to choose the one that suits you. Check the property's site for current details about breakfast times, quiet hours and any special packages.