The Augustus T. Zevely Inn

Locale is nice, room is large, bed was comfy, innkeeper was pleasant. But, these should be givens, yes?
Bath was wretchedly small (in ours, and in several other rooms we inspected). Plumbing was reversed (hot/​cold) in shower and staff initially refused to inspect («we suggest you… blah blah blah»). Toilet and sink plumbing all needed immediate attention and repair. TV MUCH too small for location. Food selection often unhealthy, and basically unchanged four mornings running. Coffee was supermarket grade. No access to refrigerator on the floor («WE are a BnB» was the explanation). Surly staff, four mornings running. A/​C controls date from the ‘50s, it is either off on on; very nearly freeze or fry.
The best feature probably is, the Tavern (five stars) directly across the street. Good thing, it’s a 20 minute walk to any place else to eat.

I chose this Inn because it was on my route from Asheville to Richmond, VA. The first inn keeper Linda was very nice and gracious. So we had a positive first impression. The town was charming & we loved walking around. The Tavern restaurant across the street was a decent place to dine & have a drink. When we got back from dinner however, the second inn keeper who takes over the night & early morning shift was the complete opposite of Linda. Cherie (spelling?) was not the least bit welcoming. She completely changed the feel of the place for us.
The room we were in was very old with a tiny bathroom. Okay, I guess understandable going to an old town like Old Salem. We would have been ok if the AC was on. Apparently, the AC/​heat is controlled by one thermostat. It had been cold the previous week, but by the time we got to the inn it was about 70 degrees. So while the heat was off, the AC was not turned on either. That unfortunately is a problem for my husband & I. After midnight it did finally cool off in the room with the windows open & we did end up sleeping ok, but the hours prior to that (between the heat & Cherie) put us off to our stay there. Especially after spending the 2 nights before at the beautiful Biltmore Inn in Asheville, NC.
Complimentary breakfast was pretty good. (I would have liked it better if I didn’t feel like an unwanted guest)
So if you’re staying here & like it cool in your room, make sure you inquire about the thermostat first. AND don’t let Cherie ruin your mood. Not everyone’s personality is pleasant.
*one more footnote: you can hear everyone around you. The walls are thin, the floor boards crickety. So if you’re a light sleeper, an early sleeper or a late riser, this place is not for you.