Lianne K.
Yelp
I could have sworn that I had reviewed my beloved Apple Farm in the past. Prior to the pandemic, I had stayed here many dozens of times. I even have the red wooden apples to prove it! And the rating would always be 4.5 to 5 stars! Those stays were largely in another lifetime, but after a time, I was able to introduce Dear Hubby, and we inducted Adored Grandson to staying at Apple Farm.
Sadly, the saying, "You can never go home again," is the feeling I'm experiencing on this new visit. Realizing that they must have taken a HUGE financial hit during the height of COVID-19 times, the evidence of cutbacks is too evident to long-timers like us.
The once luxurious, vibrant gardens now have spent / dead flowers and foliage, crying out for TLC from knowledgeable gardeners to tend to them properly. Much color is missing in key spots. Gorgeous containers that used to highlight seasonal plantings are missing. The overall vibe is poorer for it.
In the lobby, evidence of redecorating is present, with the once-signature floral wallpaper replaced with a more modern style. I don't begrudge that, but I do miss the central table bedecked with fresh floral arrangements and seasonal decor enhancements.
The substitution of faux roses nestled in several bowls in the lobby just don't do it for me. At all. I can understand foregoing the big real arrangements, but a few small vases with real roses surely wouldn't break the present budget, yet elevate the look and feel of a gathering space.
I noted, looking down at the pool area from the lobby above, that there were various used towels lying around. That seemed out of character from the past, when order was kept up, if not by the guests returning towels to a container, then to a staff member tidying up public spaces. These may be picky observations, but I share them so that perhaps management can see what a long-time guest observes after a while away. In the past, they were always anxious for feedback and looking to make improvements.
One more quick observation, and this one really, really saddens me. The hallways in the main inn used to be glorious extensions of the overall Apple Farm's gracious character. They had many pieces of antique reproduction furniture adorned with displayed art, floral creations, and cute gift items. All would be discretely for sale. They added color, texture, and richness to the spaces.
All gone now; only a few wooden benches remain. It's very generic now, and I don't care for that at all. I used to so look forward to visiting the Apple Farm Inn for decor inspiration. Some of that has faded into memory now with the changes they've chosen to make.
On the plus side, we received a warm welcome upon check-in, plus freshly baked cookies. The warm apple cider, plus coffee, are still available in the lobby. Our room in the Trellis Court is cute and cozy warmed by an in-room fireplace for charm and heat.
We will surely return, and will hope for some revisiting by management of attention to the smaller details that add up to a more perfect experience. As DH said, "At present, the magic is missing."