Inn At Pine Terrace

Run by personable innkeepers John and Ruth, the Inn at Pine Terrace was perfect for this weekend’s visit to Oconomowoc. Housed in an impressive mid-​19^th century mansion, the Inn is a short walk to downtown and an equally short drive to German-​American restaurant Schwefel’s. The Inn and Schwefel’s: two fine reasons to visit the «O».

Last minute, my partner and I decided to take a weekend away from the big city and head out to.. . Oconomowoc. Really we just needed to get away and this was a great place to do it. John (the innkeeper) was super accommodating and got us in the day before. It was the off season, so this likely wouldn’t be the case any other time. One can tell that John loves his job which made his home extremely welcoming.
The facilities: For a house that was built in the 1800, I’d say that it was in pretty good shape. There were some rooms that looked like they were in the process of being remodeled. With the exception of some peeling wallpaper, Christmas decoration boxes, and stacked chairs, you can tell that a lot of work has already gone into this place to make it comfortable. As for the boxes and chairs — I’m sure they have to put away sometime and the off season is probably slower than usual.
The bed was comfy. The breakfast was well prepared. Boy can John poach! The egg! The pear! It was all so good.
I would love to have seen this place in full season. There is a pool outside. The landscape from the photos looks amazing.
In general, I’d recommend this place for the welcoming environment and comfortableness. I’m also definitely hoping to go back in the future to see what it looks like in the summer months. However, I do still have one lingering question: What was with the single almond left at the foot of the bed?

We visited Oconomowoc to attend a wedding — had never been before. Our gracious hosts, John and Ruth, provided the perfect place to stay on many levels: location walkable to historic downtown, beautifully maintained historic mansion, and great recommendations for restaurants and local sites. But, if we had to pick the one thing we loved most about the experience, it was BREAKFAST. John’s capability in the kitchen far surpassed our expectations — serving us gourmet offerings both mornings we were there. We highly recommend this venue and will be passing the information along to friends and family. I think their pricing is moderate but I work in Chicago.

Beautiful building. John the owner was very nice and accommodating. The homemade breakfast was excellent! Loved our room’s updated bathroom with whirlpool tub. My only small negative was the wall paper in our room wasn’t very vintage, more 1980 southwest motif. Other than that great place to stay!

I’ve stayed at the Inn a couple times since 2008, and must say that the building itself is incredibly impressive. It’s absolutely breathtaking, and in a perfect location — I recommend that you start your morning with a walk around Fowler Lake… it’ll help you burn off a few calories from breakfast!
So, I’ve stayed in rooms 6, 12, and 14. Of those rooms, 6 is by far the most impressive. It is one of the most expensive rooms, but well worth every penny. Room 14 is on the cheap side, and also worth the money. I honestly can’t say the same for 12… while the bathroom is incredibly beautiful and includes a huge garden tub, the room itself is pretty dark and only has two very small windows. However, that beautiful bathroom is actually inside one of the turrets, so that’s pretty cool, too.
To get a five star review, the staff really needs to step up their game. We stayed for three nights, and towels /​soap /​shampoo /​conditioner were never replaced. Trash was not taken out. Beds were not made. If I’m paying $ 200 a night, I do expect those things to be flawlessly taken care of. If it weren’t for the building itself, this really would be more of a 3 star review.
That being said, the innkeeper was very nice — and we did track anyone down to ask for new towels, etc. So, I certainly can’t say we were refused. My tip to you would be that when you check in, ensure that those things will be taken care of if you require them for your stay.

When we checked in, John explained to us his wife was in the hospital, surgery, now rehab.
He was very helpful getting us settled, but you could tell he has a lot on his plate right now. He is positive and upbeat, looking forward to getting his partner back!
Both breakfasts were freshly cooked and served with beautiful presentation. Janet took care of us the first morning, it was obvious she was helping out and not ‘regular’ but she was very good at making sure we had everything we needed.
The pool is unusual for B&Bs, we enjoyed the swim before dinner while we had our own ‘happy hour’.
Part of staying at a B&B is that it is not a hotel, so I am more forgiving when I see a weed. Everything I could see inside was clean and neat.
Room Tip: My biggest suggestion is be sure you pay attention what floor your room is on. We chose a third floor room and are not used to climbing stairs, what with the high ceilings, the climb was equal to prob 4 floors, we had to plan our trips up and down efficiently as it was not easy to just ‘run back to the room’.

We stayed at the Inn for our 8 year wedding anniversary through a deal that we found online. When I saw the Inn online, I was intrigued by it’s architecture, and when I saw it in person, I fell in love. Every inch of the Inn is adorned in antiques (but not in a cluttery way, because I would hate that). The mesh of modern day amenities and old world charm is simply perfect in every way.
The owner greeted us at the door, and made every possible effort to make sure that we were comfortable and happy. He provided us with a map of the area, a code to the front door, and a little information about what we could do while we were there. He then let us be to explore on our own.
The hubby and I spent the first evening at the local Irish Pub aptly named «The Pub». We met some really great people there and chatted the night away with the locals. The next morning breakfast was fantastic. I can’t recall exactly what we had, but I do remember that it was healthy, fresh, and light– but also filling and that it had walnuts, which I love. The owner took great care with the presentation (we eat with our eyes first, no?) and I remember feeling very pleased.
We stayed in The Captain Fred Pabst Room (#16) and I’m not sure I would have chosen another if given the chance. Our room was quite perfect for us. It provided a nice soaking tub, plenty of bathroom space, a sitting area that we sat, dran wine, and played cards at until the wee hours, and nice windows that gave an open feel.
Our last night there was by far the best. A storm rolled in, and we sat on the big front porch with candles lit, sipping wine and watching the rain. Rarely have I felt so at ease.
I have never stayed at a B&B before, and I always thought that it would be a bit awkward, but this experience completely changed my mind. The Innkeeper (John) was perfectly accomodating. He gave us our space, but had an innate ability to be there when you needed him. This is not something that can be taught, and I know a few 5 star hotels that could learn a thing or two from John and his wife.
Service, amenities, and food was first rate. I will definitely be back, and look forward to another relaxing stay!

John, the host, is a VERY kind man. Very polite and pleasant to converse with. At breakfast we were served peach yogurt, Greek style, with granola. We then were served a portion of a pistachio muffin, a peeled, halved Bartlett pear sprinkled with brown sugar and pecans, and a slice of quiche Lorraine that was delicious! We’ll definitely visit again!

My husband and I spent our first «dating» anniversary here, for a long weekend getaway (albeit, a local getaway). The Inn at Pine Terrace is beautiful and very romantic. The service was exceptional and the room we stayed in (Fredrick Pabst’s room) was fantastic. Be warned: it’s not exactly cheap, but it’s worth it.
Our weekend stay was in July, and there is a small pool in the back. It’s a nice area, and private — off from the view of Lisbon Road and the neighbors next door.
The owners provided a delicious breakfast for us, which included fresh fruit, quiche, and some sort of potato-​y dish that was very tasty. It was very relaxing and the owners were very nice — they were happy to accommodate with anything we needed.
As an extra added bonus I’ve heard Charlotte Rae (Mrs. Garrett from the Facts of Life) likes to stay here. Local rumor or fact? Inquiring minds want to know! How cool would it be to run into Mrs. Garrett during your stay here? The 80’s geek in me would freak.
We will definitely come back to stay a few more days.

I loved it here. Just wish I could’ve stayed longer. The historical rooms, décor, and ambience made it feel like I stepped back through time and lived in this rich palace. It’ll make you feel like you’ve traveled back to an era without cellphones, television, or modern stresses.
We stayed in the room with the bay tower windows, which gives it major points in book, I believe it was called Minnie Anhueser room. It was wonderful. If I can save up, I’d splurge again at this lovely B&B.

Boo to the snarky owners who take no opportunity to create goodwill in a guest who could not, for weather-​related emergencies, make it up to a reservation. No refund was requested, but a query into a possibility of any type of credit towards a next trip. The response read as an accusation that the guest was lying and/​or asking too much.
I will remember this when we book our next weekend trip and never come here, that’s for sure.