Oxford Guest House

This a lovely B&B with beautiful flowering gardens, and while near the heart of the action, it is on the quiet west end. Breakfast was super with lots of fresh fruit, breads, and a morning hot dish. The rooms are neatly furnished, and the main living area, while very small, was quite pretty. Coffee and espresso on-​demand for this caffeine-​aholic was a welcomed benefit. And the music in the living area that streamed from the Bose speakers made working there very relaxing. I also appreciated the pickup service from the ferry from Boston. With all this goodness, why would I not give this a better review?
Honestly, my stay just lacked a welcoming feel. The hosts said the right things, but I just felt like I was intruding or imposing. I’d come with my partner and three teenage daughters, and the girls’ also felt that they were dealt with a little brusquely. Their website advertised an evening cocktail hour, and although we saw the wine and glasses set up, we did not receive an invite.
One item that rubbed me wrongwas a card (disguised as a «Thank You») in each bedroom suggesting a tip of 5−10% for service. As one who would be embarrassed at not leaving an appropriate tip, my research indicated that B&Bs have a «no tip» policy UNLESS there is an outside staff present who have gone out of their way to provide exemplary service. One tipping etiquette website wrote:
«Many, if not most B&Bs have a no-​tipping policy in the US and Canada. In other countries it varies. It never hurts to tip, but it is definitely not expected, and many B&Bs specifically ask that you do not. Most are family owned and the price they charge covers everything. «
In any case, accepting tips is a far cry than suggesting them to your guests.
Trevor and Stephen seemed nice enough. Perhaps it is their Brittish background that makes them seem aloof, but as a veteran B&B visitor, I’ve enjoyed better.