Around the Corner Bed & Breakfast

My high school-​roommate and I stayed here for our 10-​year reunion weekend and could not have had a more wonderful experience. Most of our class was staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites down the road, but I opted out of the brand and into Around the Corner and boy, am I glad I did. Here are the highlights:
The Proprietors: Rita was so accommodating and caring throughout the weekend. I already knew that she was a great hostess when she greeted us so warmly at check-​in, but she really did go above and beyond to make our stay comfortable. When we came back late one night and had a little hiccup with the house key (faulty key copy), she was there to make sure we were back safe and sound. When we were 30 minutes late for breakfast then next morning, she had only smiles and stories for us. (That’s not true everywhere!) And on Sunday, when we were recovering from the festivities she made sure we weren’t disturbed — even though we stayed in the room way past check-​out!
The Setting: Who needs to be on that ugly strip of commercial development on the way to the 101 when you can be in the beautiful backdrop of small-​town Exeter! The location was perfect for us. We could easily walk to PEA campus, quaint downtown Exeter, and the commercial district in 10 to 15 minutes. It was so convenient that I didn’t move my car all weekend. If you’re a runner, there’s a short-​cut to PEA’s athletic fields and you can hit the cross-​country trails in less than 2 minutes out the door. (Rita will show you where that is!)
The Breakfast: Oh my goodness. So yummy! Plenty of tasty coffee (for those of us who are addicted) and both sweet and savory goodies for your taste buds!
Now, like every B&B there are particulars that you should be aware of. First, while the rooms are very reasonably priced, remember that you will be sharing a bathroom with other guests. If you want the luxury of high-​end New England B&B’s, there are other options in Exeter. Second, since my friend and I were two non-​couple individuals, the Homer room was perfect for us, but if you only sleep spread eagle you’ll wish you had queens rather than two twins. And if you’re looking for «just a place to stay» with a bit of anonymity, you could probably opt for one of the mainstream hotels in town. But if you want to feel like you’re home, book Around the Corner.
All in all, it was truly a great stay. My parents would have loved this place, if it had existed when I was a student. And I cannot wait to return. If only we had reunions every year!

Wonderful experience staying here. Comfortable bed, delicious breakfast and beyond acclimating. We needed a sitter for our toddler both nights and Tita was able to book us one both nights. It was a relaxing weekend with our little one.

My son had a soccer tournament in the area last weekend, and since we like B&Bs, we decided to try Around the Corner. As it turned out, we have found a wonderful new home away from home that we intend to visit often.
This was our first time to Essex and we were pleased to discover such a quaint yet sophisticated little town. The inn is a pleasant seven-​minute walk from the center. The house is tremendous, and quite beautiful inside and out, and is impeccably decorated.
Everything was perfect, from the gourmet breakfasts served on exquisite china atop a rose-​petal-​strewn, antique, embroidered tablecloth, to the most comfortable mattress I’ve ever slept on, to the fireplace in the living room, to the big TV room, and the Monet on the walls, and the 24-​hour cookies and milk, and on and on.
But what really sets this place apart are the proprietors, Rita and Peter Russell, who are two of the nicest people I have ever met. They made us feel welcome in a special way; It was as if we had known them for years, like we were great friends, and that we were visiting for a few days. Rita was very attentive and magically appeared when we needed something, and then disappeared, giving us privacy. That’s what was exceptional about the experience; it’s intimate and professional at the same time. We can’t wait to go back.