Oakwood Inn Bed & Breakfast

The inn itself is very nice. I have called three times now, leaving messages the last few weeks, and NO ONE ever calls me back. WhenEVER I call, no one picks up the phone. Go ahead, try it: 832-9712. I have called a zillion times, leaving 3 messages, and they never get back to me. That is so WEIRD! Also, there's no information on their Murder Mystery on their website. I think they just have their personal friends or their own "in crowd" attend.

Pros: nice decor

Cons: NEVER return phone calls

Posted 09/16/09

I am so sorry to hear of the Wolfpack discouraged review and how you may have felt that day. I am the owner of the Duchess's Tea. I host Tea Parties every weekend at the Oakwood B & B and have been hosting them for 1 1/2 years now. I was not aware of this happening at the time and wish that I had been advised that day. However, Gary and I spoke breifly about this. With knowing him the way that I do and his work ethics, Im sure this was an off day for all people involved.
I have been working with Gary and Doris at the Oakwood B & B and both are wonderful people and gracious B & B host. We have a great working relationship and they trust me with their home to provide the wonderful tea parties that people have hosted there. This is unfortunately the first negative reply/review that I have been aware. Again, I sincerely apologize for this situation. In responding to Gary's defense, I do offer water when anyone would like it before, during, or after a Teaparty. There are areas in the home that are designated for the guest of the B & B. Of course, many of the tea party guest would not know this. This brings to my attention to make this comment prior to each teaparty. That to please ask me if you need anything at all while the guest are attending the tea parties. The Oakwood is absolutely wonderful for a Tea Party. I hope the comment doesnt discourage anyone from experiencing how sweet and beautiful the home is and how wonderful the Tea Parties are.

Pros: Victorian Tea Party with Loose Tea and Beautiful China

Posted 08/10/09

I actually did not stay at the B & B, but held an event there.I can't comment on the rooms, but the grounds are lovely and well-kept and the lower-level of the inn is beautiful. It is a charming inn in the Oakwood area ofRaleigh.

I held a tea party/baby shower there one weekend. The owners of the inn have an arrangement with a local catering company and allow them to use the dining room and parlor of the inn for tea parties. The owners of the inn charge the company a rental fee or a per person fee of some sort to use the space.

While the tea party was lovely and the location beautiful, I felt the staff of the inn were rude to me on two occasions.

On the day of the tea party, the pregnant guest of honor helped herself to a drink in the refreshment area of the inn (while we were cleaning up the inn after the party). These were intended for B & B guests; however, as the guest of honor didn't plan her own shower, she had no idea that the B & B was essentially a third-party leasing out their space. I, the person that planned it, wasn't there to stop her from getting a drink. A male staff member (or perhaps the I believe it was the innkeeper, Gary) made a big deal about her drinking the drink and told her they were for guests only. She offered to pay for it as she didn't know, and he was still short with her (but didn't take the money). I feel like the appropriate thing to do would have been to ask the person in charge of the catering company to reimburse them the cost, rather than insulting the guest of honor.Once I saw her drinking the drink, I had planned on mentioning it to the head of the catering company, so I could offer to pay for it. But to make a big deal out of it to the guest of honor was simply rude and uncalled for. Since they received some money for us being there, we were in a sense their guests. One drink wasn't going to break the bank.

Also, prior to the shower I stopped by to see the space and ask about parking. They made a HUGE deal about how we couldn't park in the back and needed to park on the street. I completely understand this, but the tone in which the message was delivered was really rude.

I can see that all the reviews have been stellar for the inn and I am the only one with a negative review; however, I thought it was just worth sharing as another perspective of how people who use their facilities (who are not guests sleeping over in the inn) were treated.

Posted 05/17/09

We love everything about this B&B. We have stayed in most of the rooms at this sweet B&B, and plan to stay in all of them sooner or later. The Murder Mystery Weekend was so much fun, and we had a lovely dinner with the cast (who stayed in character the entire time). It lasted the entire weekend.....what fun! We returned for the Candlelight Tour over the holidays and now we are booked to see the Garden Tour. We love all the breakfasts that Doris and Gary have prepared. They treat us so well.....making us feel very special. I wouldn't dream of staying anywhere else. We love the area since you can walk to downtown. It is just perfect, the house, the location, the meals......but mostly the innkeepers themselves.

Posted 03/25/07

my husband and I planned a quick getaway from our lovely two young toddlers. Our first BB experience was very pleasant; welcoming hosts, exploris, lots choices of dining, walking distance downtown, array of small shops including cafe, etc. The room was simply romantic. It was well AC'd and my husband loved it( little too cold for me). Most of all it fitted our budget and made us feel at home right away.

Posted 09/12/06

For the past two years I have traveled to Raleigh almost every week and when I stay over I always stay at The Oakwood Inn with Doris and Gary. It has become a wonderful second home to me with its charm from another era, wonderful breakfast where you can eat alone or sit with other guests and have engaging conversations.In the cold months I like to curl up in bed with the fireplace going and in the warmer months sit out on the front porch with Doris, Gary and other guests and have front porch picnics with wine and cheese and other fresh baked goodies and have fun friendly conversation. They go out of their way to make you feel special and whether you are a bussiness traveler or just getting away for some romance I highley recommend The Oakwood Inn. Cheri Rhodes

Pros: Romantic, Friendly , Wonderful breakfast

Posted 03/14/06

We had the pleasure of staying with Gary and Doris this Valentine's Weekend at the Oakwood Inn. Aside from the beautiful house, gorgeous room, and wonderful snacks and breakfasts, we were welcomed into their home and made to feel truly special. They had a wonderful Valentine's Day surprise, as Gary had arranged for a quartet to serenade us at breakfast, with a rose for each of the ladies. We were very pleased at the size of the room, the romantic colors, and inviting fireplace. Everything worked at perfectly, as we were also able to see Les Miserables while we were in town. I truly applaud Gary and Doris and the Oakwood Inn for making this Valentine's Day truly special. I assure you we will return, and would highly recommend this inn.

Pros: Wonderful Rooms, Great location, Wonderful hosts

Posted 02/14/04

Hosts' Gary and Doris present a beautiful hospitality with historic home in 'Old Raleigh". Take that loved one on one of the many romantic movie/dinner weekends they have available. Great way to say "thank you" to employees, friends or bonus points with your spouse!

Posted 08/26/02

The Oakwood was a wonderful get away for us. My husband and I were very pleased with the Inn, the wonderful food and we thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the owners. Great Job!!!

Pros: convenient, romantic, comfortable

Posted 08/18/02

We have been to the Oakwood Inn for a night away from the kids several evenings in the last couple of years. A great way to recharge!

Posted 08/17/02

Every time I visit the Oakwood Inn, Doris and Gary make me feel right at home. The breakfasts could out cook my own mother! And my room is always beautiful (I've stayed in the Linden and the Polk). Going to the Oakwood Inn is like visiting my dearest friends, they go the extra mile to make me feel welcome. Looking foward to my next visit!-Donna Lomas

Posted 08/08/02

I am a bed and breakfast addict!! It is my favorite way to travel. The Oakwood Inn was a definite MUST COME BACK! Doris and Gary and their family made us feel right at home. Doris can cook for me anytime! Thanks again for a wonderful stay!

Pros: spacious rooms, close to city life, peaceful

Posted 08/03/02

I really love this charming place. The people are great and the food is too. The rooms are very pretty and spacious. I would stay here every weekend if I could.

Pros: great people, great rooms, close to everything

Posted 08/01/02

Very relaxing with friendly staff, good food, comfortable rooms with attractions close by. I would recommend this place to all my friends.

Pros: Friendly staff, good food, relaxing

Posted 07/31/02

We had a great time-beautiful home, wonderful hosts and a fabulous breakfast!! We will stay there again when we come to see The Carolina Hurricanes play!

Posted 07/25/02

Oakwood Inn's proprieters are former clients of mine and have been successful in fulfilling what is my dream also. The inn is located in a quiet residential neighborhood free from traffic and an excellent location for a one of my requirements when traveling - a safe running location. The inn is also located close to downtown and provides easy access to dining, entertainment, shopping, and business.

Pros: Residential setting, Excellent breakfast, Business traveler

Posted 07/21/02

My wife and I spent my birthday at the Oakwood Inn in Feb 2002. The owners were most gracious and had prepared a suprise of balloons along with gourmet chocolate upon our arrival. They provided great suggestions regarding what to do and where to dine in Raleigh. The breakfast was well prepared and a delight to eat. Hope to re-visit the Oakwood Inn sometime in the near future!

Pros: Downtown Area, Historic District, Near Good Restaurants

Posted 07/20/02

I absolutely adored the Oakwood Inn, Doris and Gary were absolutely wonderful hosts and the breakfasts were to die for!!!

Pros: Very Quiet, Lovely Antiques, Not Crowded

Posted 07/18/02

A perfect stay. Stayed several days with the family. Will definitely consider again when traveling to Raleigh on business.

Pros: Caring Service, Hospitality, Parking

Posted 07/18/02