The Old Reynold's Mansion, Asheville, NC, is not, as advertised, the peaceful retreat with glorious mountain views. Not only is Interstate 40 quite audible 24 hours per day, the nearest hillside has been demolished, taking with it the primary view. Deafening earthmovers, beeping and operating at decible levels well above the comfort level spew clouds of dust into the air during daylight hours making way for a new housing project. When, upon arrival, we immediately voiced our concern, longtime employee, Susie, said, "we probably should say something, but if we told people about the construction, they probably wouldn't want to stay here." No kidding! The stale crackers and cookies hardly constituted an "afternoon tea". Breakfast was not much of an improvement. We found it most peculiar to have to sign up for breakfast at a bed and "breakfast" rather than showing up at the appointed hour. Though one must sign up with a specific time to receive a "hot entree", said menu item was a rather nasty, rubbery jalapeno flavored crustless quiche, self-served and kept warm under a heatlamp. Many lower priced motels offer comparable continental buffets which made up the remainder of the offerings. While Helen, the owner, clearly displeased, retorted "most people are not bothered by the construction" when told we did not wish to stay the full number of nights booked. We could understand she did not want to interact further with us, but she made no attempts at conversation with the other guests, who quickly finished their repast and departed the dining room.

Noise, dust, and unfriendly owner were compounded with numerous printed reminders about how to behave appropriately as a guest; a lack of Half-and-half for one's beverages, a disconnected VCR and no videotapes. In Swan Cottage, we found chipped crockery and ancient bed linens, a tub in serious need of maintenance with drainage problems and mildewed caulk. The lumpy, yellowed pillows airing on an outdoor clothesline should have been an adequate indicator that our innkeeper was more interested in frugality than guest comfort.

We could certainly appreciate the amount of time, effort and money it took the owners to restore the main house and garden. Perhaps, as Susie aptly said, "this used to be so nice."