The Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant

We were excited to stay at the Reluctant Panther Inn for a night but were very disappointed. We had booked a Junior Suite. The suite was spacious, but very rundown. There was an unpleasant unclean odor in the room, possibly emanating from rugs that had not been cleaned in years. Paint peeling off both door and window frames, paint peeling off the furniture. One door to the outside had a large gap under the door. There was a continuous whining noise that went on all night and we think it may have been an uncleaned gas fireplace nozzle. We were looking forward to breakfast on the terrace overlooking the garden, but no peace there either because the staff decided to use the weed whacker at the same time as people were having breakfast. We were given a break on the room price but it was not worth it. Never again!!!

We had our wedding rehearsal dinner in the private room downstairs. It was perfect, Tom our server was personable and very attentive. The food was an amazing and the atmosphere was really cool. We didn’t stay at the inn this time but we were right next door so it was a short walk. Morgan who helped us set everything up was so helpful. We can’t wait to go back and stay the next time we are in Manchester.

This gem of a boutique hotel is Vermont charm at its finest! Conveniently located, its atmosphere is one of subtle elegance, rather than an in-your-face trendiness or a standardized, impersonal corporate look. The rooms are showpieces; the worst room here (not that there is even a "worst" room) is better than the best room anywhere else, with comfortable mattresses and many thoughtful touches throughout. (And there is a pleasant quirkiness in placing lovely antique furnishings, having just a kiss of weathering, in an immaculate setting). The staff make you feel right at home, and are a wealth of knowledge about local goings-on. And Chef Sigal works magic that truly must be experienced to be believed! The grounds are beautifully landscaped and are a delight. This has quickly become our favorite place to stay in the area (possessing, as it does, that indefinable something called "taste").

Rooms are described as 'suites' - I think this is a stretch. A suite to me has a separate seating area. On the positive, the bathroom was huge with a whirlpool bath. The patio and garden are lovely. Breakfast was a little disappointing. It was beautifully presented in a basket but the breakfast sandwiches were past their best.

The Reluctant Panther is an adorable boutique inn located in the heart of Manchester, VT; we stayed for two nights and loved our suite and the place itself. The bathroom was huge (as was the bed!), the outdoor seating area was serene and peaceful, and while the restaurant was fairly pricey it was on par with other estabilishments in the local area. You are given a few options for breakfast every day and what you order arrives in a picnic basket - I thought that was a great touch. You aren't going to get an omelet with a side of toast but you are given both fruit and a pastry along with either a bagel/cream cheese, yogurt with granola or a breakfast sandwich (those were the options when we stayed there). Another lovely gesture was the homemade cookies delivered to our door and left out in the lobby! There is plenty of parking, the staff were all pleasant and helpful, and the location couldn't have been better. If we return to Manchester we'll be back!