Staying at the Rose Manor Inn in Harbour Grace, NL

While I consider myself very familiar with the Baccalieu Trail in Newfoundland, I was shocked to discovered that I’d somehow not known about the existence of a jewel of a B&B in Harbour Grace. So when the Rose Manor Inn invited me to come stay and see what they were all about I had to take them up on it.

Rose Manor Inn is a 4.5 star, five room luxury inn that knows how to turn on the charm. It’s a cozy but stately property that’s well situated for exploring the Baccalieu Trail from tip to tail. The charming oceanside home will make your perfect vacation getaway. And you couldn’t ask for more hospitable hosts. Erika made sure that my every need and comfort was taken care of from the moment I checked in until she waved me goodbye at the end of the weekend. Before long, you start to feel like a long lost friend instead of a guest.

Whether you need a room with two beds, you love to sprawl out on a king, or if you’re celebrating a special occasion with a splurge, there’s a room for you at the Rose Manor Inn. I was treated to a stay in their Rose Suite, which is one of the nicest rooms in all of Newfoundland. Stepping across the threshold of the suite feels like stepping into the pages of a historical romance novel. The twinkling chandeliers, the rich dark woods, and luxe textiles just cry out for grand romantic gestures. It’s really a shame that I seem to be forever single. :P

One of the first things I noticed were the high ceilings and the super high bed. The king bed was so extra I almost needed a step stool (which they have) to climb into it. I also loved the bay window overlooking the bay. Made a great place to do a little work in the evening. And you can never go wrong with a chandelier when you want to feel decadent. The Rose Suite had multiple. In fact, there were so many different kinds of lighting in the room that I needed a little tutorial to learn where all the switches were. Whatever your mood, there was a light for it.

My sleep was wonderful but because I’m predictable I’m going to say that my favourite feature of the whole room was the soaker jet tub. I love baths but my tub at home is on the smaller, more shallow side of standard so it’s hard to have a satisfying soak at home. Which is why I love staying in hotels with soaker tubs. I made sure I was back each night in time to pour myself a G&T with some Newfoundland Distillery gin I picked up on the way to Harbour Grace and make good use of the bath bombs I got in my Christmas stocking. Seriously, my tub at home isn’t bath bomb worthy. The tub in the Rose Suite most surely is.

But there’s more going on at the Rose Manor Inn than their fantastic rooms. They also host a range of different social events and cultural experiences. You can take part in an authentic boil-up on the beach with a Screech In, spend a weekend foraging and learning about holistic health and local folklore, or even spend a day immersed in local pirate lore and legend.

One of their popular events are Saturday night murder mystery dinner parties. Guests get to dress up and act out characters, trying to solve a murder, all while enjoying a three course gourmet meal cooked by Chef Tanner. During my stay we had a 20s themed party and while I managed to pull together a passable costume from items in my closet, the other guests really went all out. Impressive. Everyone was assigned a character and given updated sets of notes as the night progressed. From drinks and introductions to entrees with a side of murder, it was a hoot. Leave your inhibitions at the door and let your fun side out to get the most from the evening. The toughest thing everyone found was trying to stay in character the whole time. We had such a great group we just wanted to chat! It was a really fun way to spend an evening.

The next day was Easter Sunday and I was treated to Rose Manor’s famous Victorian high tea. I got dressed up in my Easter best to join the others in the dining room for my first high tea experience. It did not disappoint. Erika did a tea tasting menu so we got to sample a half dozen of the dozens of different kinds of tea on hand at the inn. She even sent me off at the end of my stay with a little sample of my favourite from that day, the blueberry tea. There were stuffed mushroom caps and finger sandwiches, scones and cupcakes, cookies and squares, and even a duff: a traditional Newfoundland boiled dessert that Chef Tanner is really making his own. Pro tip: arrive with an appetite.

On the morning that I left I’d forgotten to tell anyone what time I’d be down for breakfast and I was getting short on time but they still managed to pull together a delicious breakfast of fresh scones, cream, berries and coffee in no time at all so that I could get on the road. The scones alone are worth a stay.

Whether you’re visiting the province and exploring the Baccalieu Trail or you’re looking for a more local staycation you’ll be doing yourself a favour by booking a room at the Rose Manor Inn. Come for the soaker tub, stay for the scones.