After a frustratingly sluggish journey due to holiday weekend traffic, we were very happy to be greeted by Archie's warmth and hospitality. He gave us a thorough tour of the Inn, helped us with our baggage, and instructed us on how to access all of the various amenities offered (including their nifty round-the-clock coffee/tea/hot chocolate machine). Our room, "Amy's Room" (#4), was lovely, with a cheery yellow and blue theme. We were pleasantly surprised to find a quaint corner gas fireplace, which could be used for heat or just for ambiance, and a flat-panel television and DVD player. We also enjoyed using the second-floor porch just outside of our room---this was open to all guests between 9:30 AM and 10:30 PM but available for our exclusive use during all other hours. The only down side to the location of our room was that the coffee/tea/hot chocolate machine was located right outside of it, and the guests who used it in the early morning hours were either very inconsiderate or perhaps just oblivious to the fact that people were sleeping in the room right there.

Stephanie's breakfasts were quite tasty---the first morning featured cranberry scones, blueberry strata, sausage patties, and poached pears; the next banana-walnut bread, sticky buns, a vegetable egg casserole, ham slices, and cantaloupe; and the last zucchini-walnut bread, "decadent french toast," pepper-encrusted bacon, and fruit salad. In addition, two types of breakfast juices and a few types of coffee were offered each day, and assorted cereals were available. The afternoon refreshments were also very enjoyable and included cookies (patriotic themed for the 4th of July), chips and mango salsa, lemonade, and sweet tea one day and chocolate-covered strawberries and coconut-filled fudge macaroons along with lemonade plus two types of wine (one from the local Cape May Winery) and a cheese and fruit platter on Saturday (the day that they feature wine in addition to the usual goodies).

The Inn is located just a block from the beach and very close to miniature golf, bike and surrey rentals, an arcade, the Beach Theatre, and various shops and restaurants. It is a bit of a walk to the Washington Street Mall and the restaurants around there but not bad at all, and we always enjoy strolling past the lovely Victorian homes along Columbia Avenue and the other streets around there. Beach chairs and towels are available at the Inn, and Archie and Stephanie also allow guests to continue to make use of their facilities, including the powder room off of the dining room, the outdoor showers, and the front porch, after checkout, which is always appreciated.

All in all, we highly recommend the Bedford Inn---you won't be disappointed!