When I stepped inside, I thought: this is where you go when you die and go to heaven. The tree-lined alley, the water view from Room 10, the lawn with seating and a deck where you can jump straight into the water, a genuinely stunning setting.
The details are right, too. Excellent linens and mattress, good coffee, spotless housekeeping, and warm, friendly staff. Breakfast was generous and delicious, though as someone who only eats bread and jam, it was a bit wasted on me.
So why three stars? Three reasons.
First, the noise. Room 10 sits directly above the terrace, and from about 2:30 PM until 11:30 PM the sound travels straight into the room. After a long travel day, rest was impossible. Staff turned off the music right away when I asked at 11pm, which I appreciated, but the talking and laughter carried late into the night. Music off by 10 PM as a house rule would help.
Second, the price. About $650 for two nights, for a very small, and very loud, room. The setting promises tranquility. The room didn't deliver it.
Third, and this nearly made it two stars, a $30 credit card fee on checkout, bringing the total to about $680. What else is a traveler supposed to pay with? A $30 card fee on an already expensive room is absurd. I really wanted to love this place.