The Reluctant Panther Inn and Restaurant

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!

We've been to the inn prior which was nice. Now, simply put, it's in need of a great deal of TLC and updating. And it's very overpriced for the quality of the room. Also, they did not explain that the "breakfast in the dining room" would be a basket of food" on a single table in a room with a sea of tables without a single person in sight. When we complained in the morning, the front desk person's comment was that they're sorry our stay did not meet our expectations - said in a condescending manner. We won't be back.

Each room in the Inn is beautifully appointed with lovely linens and antique furniture. The gardens are lovely and the staff couldn’t be nicer or more accommodating. The restaurant serves fabulous meals, and the breakfast in the picnic basket was by far the best we’ve ever had delivered to a room. Would highly recommend this inn to anyone visiting Manchester, Vermont.