Step Back in Time: Uncover the Secrets of Solomon's Victorian Inn!
Step Back in Time: Solomon's Victorian Inn – A Review That's More "Real" Than "Regal" (and Why You Should Go!)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (Earl Grey, probably, knowing this place) on Step Back in Time: Uncover the Secrets of Solomon's Victorian Inn! This isn't your glossy, perfectly-edited hotel review. This is the real deal. Think less Downton Abbey, more… well, I'll get to that in a sec. This is the kinda review that’ll make you want to pack your bags (and maybe your best tweed jacket).
First Impressions: Victorian Charm Meets… Questionable Carpet Choices?
Okay, so the name's spot-on. You do step back in time. The architecture is genuinely stunning – the gables, the stained glass, the… okay, let’s be honest, the slightly peculiar carpet in the hallways. It's a look. Let's just say it screams "Victorian Era" with a side of "Grandma's Basement." But hey, character, right? And the charm is undeniable.
Accessibility: Trying Their Best (with a few hiccups)
Now, I'm not a wheelchair user, so I can't give a firsthand experience on everything. But I did poke around, and here's the deal: Wheelchair accessibility is considered a priority, but the older architecture presents some challenges. There's an elevator (hooray!), and they seem to have ramps where possible. I spotted accessible restrooms (though, again, the carpet…). It's not perfect, but they're trying. The staff seems genuinely helpful, which is a massive plus. They seem to be striving for perfection, but there will be some minor drawbacks.
On-Site Feast or Famine (Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Oh My!)
- Restaurants: There are restaurants! (Bless.) And good ones, for that matter. The main dining room is a proper experience: a la carte is available, international cuisine (they do a killer Beef Wellington) and even a vegetarian restaurant. There will be a breakfast buffet offering Asian cuisine, Western breakfast, etc.
- Bar: Oh yes, there's a bar. And it's a good one. Happy hour! The drinks are well-made, and the atmosphere is just right for sinking into a comfy chair and pretending you're in a period drama.
- Coffee Shop: Ah, the coffee shop, it's something! You can get a coffee/ tea in the restaurant, which is a great option.
- Poolside Bar: I didn't go to the pool (bad critic, I know!), but it’s there, and it's got a bar (I'm guessing).
- Snack Bar: Need a nibble? They’ve got you covered.
- Room Service: 24-hour room service! This is a HUGE win, people. Especially after a long day of… well, Victorian-ing.
The Food (A Moment of Truth)
Okay, let's get real about the food. It's decent. Solid. Not life-changing, necessarily, but definitely good. I had the soup, which was delicious. The salad was fresh (and a welcome break from the heartier fare). The desserts… well, let's just say I may have devoured a slice of something involving chocolate and a generous amount of whipped cream. The kitchen/tableware is sanitized, which is great.
Ways to Relax (Spa, Sauna, and Soul-Soothing Bliss)
This is where Solomon's REALLY shines. And here's a confession: I’m not usually a spa person. I’m more of a "Netflix and sweatpants" kind of gal. But the spa? It was… transformative.
- The Spa Experience: The facilities are top-notch, particularly the spa/sauna combination.
- Massages: I succumbed. I mean, come on, I was there. It was divine. Truly. The massage therapist was a wizard, kneading out all the stress I didn't even know I had. I was basically catatonic with bliss.
- Pool The water's so clear the entire view is great.
- Sauna: The sauna, the steamroom…pure relaxation.
- Body Scrubs/Wraps These sounded luxurious, I might add!
- Gym/Fitness Center: Yes, there's a gym. I… didn't go. Don't judge me.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Secure in These Uncertain Times
Listen, this is a major concern these days. And Solomon's takes it seriously. They've got all the protocols:
- Anti-viral Cleaning Products
- Daily Disinfection in Common Areas
- Hand Sanitizer
- Professional-Grade Sanitizing Services
- Rooms Sanitized Between Stays
- Room sanitization opt-out available
- Staff trained in safety protocol
- Safe dining setup
- The kitchen and tableware items are sanitized
- Individually-wrapped food options
- Cashless payment service
They do offer safe dining setups. I felt absolutely safe, and that's a huge relief.
Things To Do (Beyond Wearing a Corset)
Honestly, within the immediate confines of the inn, there were a lot of things you could do. But if you want to get into more Victorian times, it will require more time, effort, and maybe a time machine. They don't have that yet.
- Fitness Center: The gym is available to those interested in exercising.
Rooms – A Victorian Embrace (With Modern Perks)
Okay, the rooms. They are classic. Not just in the sense of a hotel room, but classics. There are a few hiccups, as you can expect, you will be stepping back in time after all. So let’s get into the juicy stuff:
- Air conditioning: Needed!
- Blackout curtains: Great for sleep
- Bathrobes & Slippers: So comfy!
- Coffee/Tea maker: Essential.
- Shower/Bathtub: I'm a "bathtub" person, so this was a plus.
- Free Wi-Fi Yep. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms.
- In-Room Safe Box: Always a plus!
- Mini-bar: They didn't have snacks, but they had enough water.
- Non-smoking rooms: They have them, you just have to ask.
- Safe/Security Feature: They have them!
- Soundproof Rooms: A necessity!
- Wake-up Service: They've got it!
- Window that opens: A bit of fresh air is always nice. You just have to be in the right room.
Services and Conveniences: Beyond the Baubles
They offer a lot.
- 24-hour front desk
- Business facilities (Meeting/banquet facilities, etc.)
- Concierge
- Daily housekeeping
- Elevator
- Ironing service
- Luggage storage
- Non-smoking rooms
- Safety deposit boxes
- Doorman
- Laundry service
For the Kids (Mini-Victorian Explorers Welcome)
- Babysitting service
- Family/child friendly
- Kids meal
Getting Around:
- Airport transfer
- Car park [free of charge]
- Taxi service
The Quirks, The Imperfections, and The Unexpected Charm
Okay, here's where I get real, because frankly, that's what makes a place memorable. Nothing's perfect, and Solomon's is no exception:
- The Carpet: I've mentioned it before. It's… a choice. Embrace the boldness (or bring your own slippers).
- The Occasional Hiccup: Things are not always perfect. They don't have something that you necessarily need but might have. This is a real part of life, this will surely have a positive impact on your experience.
- The Staff's Enthusiasm: The staff, bless their hearts, are trying. And they're genuinely lovely. A little bit of patience goes a long way.
So, Should You Go to Step Back in Time? (The Honest Verdict)
Yes. Absolutely, yes.
Why? Because:
- It's Unique: It's a genuine experience. It's not a cookie-cutter hotel.
- The Spa is Worth the Trip Alone: I've never felt so relaxed.
- It's Got Charm (Even with the Carpet): It's the kind of place that sticks with you.
- It's Trying: They're working hard.
**My
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Solomons Victorian Inn: A Whirlwind of Charm (and a Few Unexpected Hiccups) - Diary of a Disaster-Prone Tourist
Okay, okay… deep breath. This is it. My escape from… well, everything. A three-day jaunt to the Solomons Victorian Inn. Sounds idyllic, right? Right? We'll see. My expectations are probably sky-high, fueled by way too many Pinterest boards and romantic novels. Pray for me.
Day 1: Arrival, Awkward Introductions, and a Very Fluffy Cat
1:00 PM - Arrival & Initial Assessment (and Mild Panic): Pulled up to this place, and BAM! Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. The kind of gorgeous that makes you feel instantly underdressed. I'm pretty sure a squirrel gave me the side-eye as I wrestled with my suitcase. The Inn is a riot of gingerbread trim and vibrant colors. Sigh I already feel calmer. Except… they seem to have misplaced my reservation. Cue internal freakout. Thankfully, they found it (after much panicked rifling through a suspiciously cluttered desk). Apparently, my name is very difficult to pronounce. I, of course, was mortified and insisted I was "used to it". (Inside, I wanted to run and hide in a cupboard).
1:30 PM - Room Reconnaissance (and Squeals of Delight): They put me in a room called "The Captain's Quarters". SO. MUCH. CHERUB. And a clawfoot tub! My inner child is doing cartwheels. The view? Trees. Lots of trees. Perfect. The only downside? The slightly musty smell. Which, honestly, is part of the charm, right? It's an old house, after all. I've packed some vanilla scented candles in case the mustiness gets the best of me.
3:00 PM - Afternoon Tea (and the Great Scone Fiasco): Oh boy. High tea. This was my moment. I envisioned myself gracefully sipping from delicate china, perfectly poised amongst dainty sandwiches. Reality? I’m pretty sure I choked on a crumb of the first scone trying to eat a bite too big. Dropped my tea cup, narrowly missed a small child with my elbow, and definitely got a strange look from the elderly woman sitting next to me. The jam, though? Sublime. I may or may not have snuck a second (or third) scone. Worth it.
4:30 PM - Meeting Princess (and the Cat's Verdict on Humanity): The Inn's cat, Princess, is a fluffy, majestic being. She is also apparently, the Queen of Everything. She judged my shoes. She assessed my personality. And then she deigned to allow me to pet her for a whole 2 minutes before flouncing off to nap on a velvet chaise lounge. I think she hates me. I love her.
7:00 PM - Dinner at the Inn's Restaurant (Hope and Despair): The food was fantastic. Absolutely fantastic. I got the crab cakes, and they brought tears to my eyes. Good tears, not the scone-induced ones. The company? Less fantastic. An overly enthusiastic couple on a honeymoon were seated next to me and proceeded to describe their entire relationship in excruciating detail. I feigned interest, while silently wishing I was back in my room with Princess.
9:00 PM - Attempted Reading & Early Bedtime (and the Haunted House Feeling): Tried to curl up with a book in the Captain's Quarters. But the floorboards creaked, the wind howled, and the shadows played tricks on my mind. Is there a ghost? Probably. I'm easily spooked, which, combined with the creaks and the wind, made for an early bedtime. The musty smell is getting to me. I lit my vanilla candle. Much better.
Day 2: Boats, Bites, and a Bloody Mary That Nearly Broke Me
8:00 AM - Breakfast & the Morning-After Regrets: Woke up feeling slightly fragile. Perhaps the crab cakes and the silent screams for "GET ME OUT OF HERE" from the honeymooners are to blame. Had breakfast downstairs. More scones. (No regrets).
9:30 AM - The Boat Tour (and the Sea's Unforgiving Stomach): Signed up for a boat tour. Thought it would be relaxing. Wrong. The sea was choppy. I may or may not have spent a significant portion of the tour hugging the railing and battling nausea. The scenery was beautiful, though. I caught glimpses of the lighthouse and some adorable seals. Mostly, I was focused on not throwing up.
12:00 PM - Lunch (and the Bloody Mary Incident): Decided I needed to fortify myself with a "hair of the dog" approach after my nautical adventures. The Bloody Mary, however, was intense. Like, volcanic levels of spice. I took a sip. My face went numb. My eyes watered. I think I might have actually levitated. The food was delicious though.
2:00 PM - Walking Around the Harbor (and the Unexpected Charm): Recovering from the Bloody Mary, I decided to wander around the harbor. The sun was finally shining, and the little shops and restaurants were buzzing. I found a quirky little store selling nautical trinkets and bought a ridiculously oversized anchor-shaped bottle opener. No regrets.
4:00 PM - The Museum (and a Moment of Peace): Spent an hour at the local Maritime Museum. It was surprisingly fascinating. Learned about the history of the area, saw some amazing old boats, and felt a genuine sense of calm for the first time today. A welcome respite from the chaos.
7:00 PM - Dinner (and the Honeymooners' Revenge): Ended up back at the Inn's restaurant. Guess who was there? You guessed it. The honeymooners. This time, they were holding hands and singing karaoke. I'm pretty sure I lost a few years off my life. I requested a table far, far away. And copious amounts of wine.
9:00 PM - Attempted Stargazing (and the Great Mosquito Attack): Tried to go outside and look at the stars. Brilliant idea. Until I was swarmed by mosquitoes. Ran back inside shrieking. Defeated.
Day 3: Farewell, Fluffballs, and a Promise to Return (Maybe)
9:00 AM - Breakfast (and the Final Scone): One last breakfast. One last scone. Said goodbye to the lovely staff (who probably think I'm a complete weirdo by now).
10:00 AM - More Boat Tour (and Finally Appreciating the View): Decided to try one last boat tour. Not as dramatic! I actually enjoyed the sights and sounds of the harbor.
12:00 PM - Checkout (and the bittersweet goodbye): Checking out, made a point about how I enjoyed my stay, however, forgot to leave a tip.
In Conclusion:
Solomons Victorian Inn. Chaos. Charm. Princess the Cat. The honeymooners. The crab cakes. The scone. The Bloody Mary. The mosquitoes. It was a whirlwind of experiences, both good and bad. A mix of beauty and some genuine moments of disaster. Would I return? Maybe. With a hazmat suit and a stronger constitution. And perhaps a plan to kidnap Princess.
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So, what *is* this "Step Back in Time" thing, exactly? Sounds a bit...vague.
Alright, alright, hold your horses. Basically, it's supposed to be a fancy escape room/interactive theater experience, set in this Victorian Inn, Solomon's, you know? Theoretically, you're supposed to become a detective, sniffing out clues to solve some age-old mystery. Think gaslights, cryptic letters, and maybe, just maybe, a ghost or two. (I'm calling dibs on the ghost, by the way. I'm a sucker for the paranormal, even if it's just *pretend* paranormal.)
But...and this is a big but...it's also *much more* a reflection of the people running the thing, and the little hiccups in the design. I'll get to that. Let's just say it's not all smooth sailing. More like choppy waters with a leaky rowboat.
Okay, mysteries. Spooky. Give me the lowdown! What's the *actual* mystery, in a nutshell?
Right, the *official* line is that you're investigating the disappearance of a guest, a Mr. Abernathy, back in, I believe, 1895. They say he vanished into thin air! Poof! Gone! Now, the *actual* mystery? Well, I think that's a bit more complicated, and it's not necessarily about the missing guest. It’s about the whole damn operation, okay?
You will encounter a lot of red herrings, and in my experience, the "real" mystery is always the one the actors themselves are struggling with. There's a lovely older actress who, bless her heart, seems to forget her lines…almost every time. It's endearing, but it also throws you off the scent a little. You're trying to solve a murder, and she's trying to remember what she had for breakfast. It adds *character*, I guess? Is that the right word? Maybe "complete and utter chaos" is more appropriate.
Sounds intricate! Are the actors any good? Are they, you know, *convincing*?
Oh, this one's a mixed bag, and it's where things get juicy. The main actor, the one playing the Innkeeper, Solomon, is... well, he's *trying*. He's got the Victorian look down pat, the accent's there, but sometimes the emotion feels a little *forced*, you know? Like he's reciting lines, not *living* them. And I swear, the poor guy's always tweaking his mustache. Constantly. It's mesmerizing and distracting at the same time.
Then there’s the other actors! I had a particularly…memorable interaction with the maid. Let's just say, she was *enthusiastic*. Maybe a little *too* enthusiastic. She kept getting right up in my face, practically screaming her lines. I almost spilled my tea in surprise. The whole thing reeked of amateur dramatics... and cheap perfume.
But here's the thing: even with the flaws, you end up caring about these characters, in their own way. They're not perfect, by any stretch. They mess up, they stumble, and they make you laugh (sometimes on purpose, sometimes not). That's part of the charm, I reckon. Or maybe I'm just a soft touch, and I like seeing people chase their dreams. I don't know.
Alright, so, what about the puzzles? Are they challenging?
Oh boy. Puzzles. That's where the "Step Back in Time" experience gets…interesting. Some are clever, I'll give them that. You'll be deciphering codes, reading old letters, and searching for hidden objects. Some are pretty straightforward. Others? Well…let's just say they're a bit *obscure*.
I spent a good 20 minutes staring at a grandfather clock, trying to figure out how to open a secret compartment. Turns out, you had to…well, I won't ruin it, but it involved a specific time and *a very specific button*. Let's just say, I was relying on the hints after that, and the hints were very inconsistent. One of the actors had to point me toward the solution when my brain apparently went on vacation. They might be a tad too difficult for the inexperienced, or at least, a tad obscure. It honestly feels like they were designed by someone who *really* loves riddles.
Did you *actually* enjoy it? Or are you just being polite?
Look, I'm not going to lie. I went in with high expectations, and they weren't exactly met. There were moments of frustration, moments of confusion, and moments where I just wanted to throw my hands up and yell, "Just tell me the damn secret, already!"
But…here's the kicker. Despite all the imperfections, all the messiness, I *did* enjoy it. It’s… well, it’s unforgettable. It’s an experience. It's the kind of thing you'll be telling stories about for ages. And I’d go back, even though I'd probably get lost in the maze of a puzzle again. It's like a train wreck in the best possible way.
I think it's a good time, but I'd advise setting your expectations down a notch or two, and just being prepared for a few laughs (and maybe the occasional facepalm). Don't go expecting a meticulously crafted masterpiece. Go expecting a wild, slightly wonky, and utterly memorable adventure. And if you get the chance, pester the maid. She's a riot.
What should I bring with me? Any pro-tips?
Okay, listen up, because this is crucial. First, bring your sense of humor – you're going to need it. Secondly, pack a healthy dose of patience. Things don't always run smoothly at Solomon's Inn (surprise!). Also, bring…a snack. And maybe another snack. Because when you're stuck on a puzzle, the rumbling stomach can really impact your detective work. Oh, and maybe a flashlight, even if it's Victorian-themed, because lighting is *dim*. Very dim. You'll be fumbling around in the dark more than you expect.
And lastly, my *biggest* tip. Don't be afraid to get involved! Ask questions, act like a nosy parker, and don't be shy about (gently) ribbing the actors. The more you throw yourself into it, the more you'll enjoy the experience. They appreciate it, I promise. The maid, she'll especially appreciate it. She's probably the best part of the whole damn thing, to be honest.
