My wife and I stayed at the Tucker House during our first trip to San Juan Island in July. We probably have a unique perspective because we moved from one room to another in the middle of our several-day stay.

Firstly, let me say that our overall experience was an enjoyable one -- though not perfect.

The positives:
1) Location, Location, Location.
The property is on a hill just 2 blocks from the docks of Friday Harbor. (Be aware that it is a climb uphill for those 2 blocks if you are coming off a yacht or ferry.) We enjoyed the fact that it was fairly close to shops, restaurants and the Harbor itself.

2) Our room in the main part of the House.
We stayed in the "Evening Star" which was a wonderful room. It was nicely decorated with antique charm and ambiance. The hardwood floor looked new and the room was clean and fresh-smelling. The bathroom included a 2-person Jacuzzi tub that we enjoyed.

3) The Innkeeper and Staff.
Anna Maria, the Innkeeper, is a wonderful host. I left with the feeling that she and her staff/family, went above and beyond to ensure the comfort of their guests. We were given personal service and assistance even in the midst of perhaps the busiest time of year.

4) The Breakfasts.
I was somewhat concerned after reading a few negative remarks regarding breakfast at this property (which actually consists of several Houses and cottages including the Harrison House Suites). The breakfast is served at the dining room in the Harrison House which is the House next-door to the Tucker House. However, I cannot understand why there would be any complaints with the breakfast. Each day we were served a delightful 3-course gourmet breakfast started off with a wonderful home-made granola that was fabulous! I should also add that when this property was booked for us, our agent failed to mention food allergies that I have. When we shared this with Anna Marie -- just before our first breakfast -- she didn't miss a beat graciously accommodating our needs.

The Negative:
We also stayed in one of the rooms in "Victoria's Flower Garden."
It was certainly at least a step beneath the accommodations of the main Tucker House. The worst part was the bathroom. The vinyl flooring could/should use replacement and the water pressure in the shower was almost non-existent. These are a couple of areas that need attention.

Let me add that the property was being worked-on during our stay. It is obvious that the owners have made improvements and are continuing to upgrade the facilities. This is another positive sign.

Summary:
All in all, our first visit to San Juan Island and the Tucker House was a positive experience. We would (and probably will) return here again -- just be more selective with our room. Overall, It was an enjoyable stay in a beautiful place with pleasant and helpful hosts. I would not hesitate to recommend this B & B.

This inn disappointed on many levels. Our $300 room was filled with a hodgepodge of mismatched furniture topped with an abundance of doilies and runners. (It looked as though an elderly Midwestern granny had decorated the place.) No closet in the room. The bathroom was minuscule with no shelf for toiletries, and a tiny shower with an unattached drain cover, a definite safety issue.

Breakfast was an uncomfortable affair. Upon check-in, we were told our breakfast seating was at 9:30am, a time which did not work with our planned activities. Dave, the innkeeper, simply shrugged off our concerns. Food was okay, but portions were skimpy. Anna Marie, the owner and cook, seemed overwhelmed with the production of trying to serve a formal, multi-course sit-down breakfast. A breakfast served buffet-style would make more sense.

Overall, it was the management's lack of attention to detail that defines this inn. No wastebasket in our room. Windows painted shut and inoperable. Tattered 2004 hand-me-down magazines in the room. No morning papers. Dead potted plants and unkempt lawns. Dirty lawn furniture. Lack of lighting for uneven outdoor stone stairs. Coffee and tea available in the communal kitchen, but no cream or milk provided.

The inn is close to the ferry, but location is not enough of a reason to recommend staying here.

I am a frequent B & Ber, so I have a decent base of comparison, i would rate this B & B overall as slightly above average...with explanation. This was my first trip to the San Juans, understanding of their laid back lifestyle...I come fron the East Coast and live on the beach, so I completely have ingrained in me the beach type/outdoorsy lifestyle. We stayed in the Goose on the Pond Cottage - it was quaint, and roomy and had all the conviences of a home away from home. Full kitchen,decent size bedroom, small bath. It was a bit "rough", for a B & B with island pricing, it should have been less musty, not had tattered bath rugs and an old worn, stained shower curtain (in a very small shower only, anyone larger than 5'7 and a large frame would have an uncomfortable time taking a shower - very small and narrow.) I understood the rustic theme, still, old, weathered and time to sweat the details update is needed. The website and brochures show several hot tubs, but it seems things have been changed around and now there is only one - so the only hot tub was at the sister property (now seemingly being connected via walkways and stairs to this lower property) The problem is, it is on an elevated deck next to someones suite - right outside their bedroom window (I believe could have been part of their suite at one time, but is now used by all) and not wanting to be rude and rev up the hot tub at 9pm at night on these poor people, we unfortunatly passed on what we thought would be a great relaxer after the great outdoors all day. Breakfasts were okay - I certainly wouldn't call them outstanding in comparison to many B & B's I've been through throughout California and the East Coast. Not to be wasteful, I also think it's a good idea for them to check to see if you'll eat raw fish, so we wouldn't have wasted the raw salmon and eggs that were served one morning - I certainly felt bad about that. Overall, this B & B is clean, and the location is outstanding. I guess the impression left with me is that you are paying for location, because the accomodation and amenities are just above average...I would certainly stay here again, the hosts were nice, again you can't beat the location; maybe another room(?) or the Harrison Suites (the newer sister property) would justify the rate, I guess I just expected to to be a bit nicer all the way around....

My wife and I had a wonderful stay at Tucker House. Anna Marie and Staff spoiled us with creative, and excellent home cooked meals and an immaculent room. The room was very rustic and serene. We felt like it was a home coming just for us.