Oh, how I'd love to write a stellar review for the Sally Webster. But alas, I can't. It feels like a passion project for its owners who have another Rockport B&B-love has clearly gone into it. And the sister property is truly amazing. But some aspects at Sally really left us feeling underwhelmed. But first the positives: good location, well within easy walking distance of Dock Square, Bearskin Neck, etcetera. (Make sure you don't mind walking up a fairly steep hill on your way to the inn-we didn't mind it at all, but some might.) Nice stroll nearby down Atlantic Avenue takes you by Old Garden Beach and the Headlands. The decor is attractive and the bed/bedding some of the coziest ever. The room is sparkling clean. Their method of handling breakfast-a door card that you fill out and place on your door the night before is convenient and full of choices. Breakfast food is bagged and available for pickup at 0830, simple but good, accompanied by small coffee/teapots. Now for the down side-there is no one in residence or even on duty at the building, which gives an odd feel. Our bathroom/shower very small (not unexpected for an older home-but shower closet small) and no hot water. My shower barely edged from really cold to tepid-not great in December-with water pressure so strong it was literally uncomfortable. Oddly, there is no trash can in the bathroom-so if you use a Kleenex or a q tip for makeup, you've got to leave the bathroom, cross the room to discard it. Our room had no bedside tables or chargers-just a small metal plate screwed to the wall on which you could place your cell, with the sole charging bank in the room secured to the fridge a small distance away. No instructions in the room (key codes and internet access were texted) for the limited cable service or anything else. If you are expecting typical B&B amenities (snacks/baked goods, toiletries if you're missing something, live advice on anything Rockport) you will not find them here. There is only one very small common living room and no dining space. When we stayed, a second group comprising the rest of the guests that weekend complained it was difficult for them to breakfast together-required rearranging what little eligible area was in this main room. One guest remarked on the lack of board games, etcetera in the common space. This also impacts a pleasant aspect of staying in this type of lodging-the option of meeting/chatting with other guests, often at breakfast. Perhaps in the future the owners might open up what seems to be a room behind the living room-there are two doorways, one clearly a door, a second a "bookcase" but framed like a door-to provide more common space or a dining area for guests. Parking is available behind the building-tight but well-marked and adequate. Would we return? probably not in its current iteration. But knowing how well run and comfortable the sister property is, I'm in great hopes that the owners can bring the Sally Webster up to speed in a way that would change our minds.
Madison Shoemaker
Google
This is one of the best places I’ve ever stayed! All of the basic stuff was convenient and great, but most of all I loved the design, comfort, and customer service. The bed and bedding was decadent, the breakfast delivered at 8 am sharp was so convenient, and Marshall was so quick to respond and help with anything. 10/10!
Barun C
Google
The room was very comfortable, everything worked well. The breakfast at 8am was very nice, as was the Keurig-style coffeemaker in the room. The location is great, about a 10-minute walk to the shops/beaches/restaurants. Having reserved parking right next to the Inn is very convenient. Marshall was very helpful. We were in the Anne Bonny room which is on the 1st floor (no having to climb stairs!), but it looks into the street so we kept our curtains closed. We will be back to Sally Webster on our next trip to Rockport.
Fred M
Google
Certainly a beautiful building, lovely rooms and very conveniently located, but if you're looking for the classic, hosted Bed and Breakfast experience, this is not it. The bed was comfortable and everything was clean, but:|- There are no people there. It's self check-in and you are given a phone number to text if you have any questions, but the response to our questions after we settled in came 8 hours later.|- There were no instructions in the room on how to use the heat, the TV, the unfamiliar coffee maker, or anything else.|- The shower was torturous. A cheap, unadjustable showerhead with very high pressure such that it felt like needles on your body. The (cheap) control handle only adjusted temperature, not volume, and it was a very small stall, so you could not avoid the painful spray.|- On the website they show a picture of a lovely breakfast of fried eggs on a bagel with fresh fruit. The reality is a bag of food left outside your door with tiny boxes of cereal, a cold, hardboiled egg, and no plates or bowls to eat it from.|- This was October, but the window A/C unit was still there. It was in the 40s that night and cold air was pouring in. No thermostat, just a big steam radiator with a handle that did nothing.|We expected so much more, based on the web site.
Maxdellavia
Google
Impersonal and poor communication||We didn’t see or speak to anyone from the management at the Sally Webster Inn. Communication was supposed to be via SMS, more on that later.||After some figuring out, we managed to get in using the door codes. We saw other guests really struggling with this.||The room: a good bed, which is important, but a shower the size of a pack of cigarettes. The fixed showerhead couldn’t be adjusted below chest height, and that’s no fun in the smallest shower we’ve experienced in the U.S.||Breakfast was supposed to be left outside the room in a bag, but on the second morning, it wasn’t there.||We sent a text about it, but aside from being asked whether the bag wasn’t outside the door, we received no further response to our questions. So, at around 9:30, we left for our next vacation destination without breakfast.||A frustrating, mood-killing experience. Awful
Charlene E
Google
We stayed for four nights and had a wonderful time! Gorgeous|redesigned inn with so much comfort and style! Loved the look, location, comfort and easy check in. The room was beautiful and spotless, amazing bed, spacious tiled bathroom and the breakfasts delivered each morning were yummy! Enjoyed listening to a vintage album in the stylish living room.|Perfect location so we walked to Bearskin Neck, Motif #1, Old Orchard Beach walk and drove all over exploring Rockport, Gloucester and Essex. So much history, architecture and roads that all lead to stunning views and gorgeous photography!
Heather Lewis
Google
Nestled in the picturesque town of Rockport, the inn is located within walking distance to the shops, restaurants, and the iconic Bearskin Neck. The hospitable and communicative hosts are extremely knowledgeable about the area. Their insights into the best local spots and hidden treasures of Rockport greatly enhance the visitor experience. The inn is thoughtfully designed and beautifully appointed. The rooms are charming, clean and offer a tranquil retreat after a day of adventure. My stay at the Sally Webster was perfect. My room was so comfortable and lovely. Breakfast was delivered outside my room daily. The thoughtful attention to detail provided by the hosts made me feel at home. Although I’d be lying if I said they treated me like family, I was treated much better. I can’t wait to go back!
Sharyn A
Google
Loved loved loved our stay and experience!! Everything was perfect from booking our reservation all the way through checkout. Marshall was extremely helpful and responded quickly to my questions. We stayed in the Mary Reade room and it was adorable, clean, and super comfy (bedding is amazingly soft!!). The breakfast selections to choose from have great variety and were delicious and fresh. I loved the contactless delivery and our food was waiting outside our room each morning with a fresh pot of coffee at 8am prompt. Thank you so much for the hospitality! I only wish we could have stayed in town longer.