The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Virginia has consistently been rated one of the top ten little hotels for years. There are no signs to point you in the right direction, but when you see the white building with flags flying you will know that you have arrived at the Inn. A stately Dalmatian with a string of pearls around its neck will greet you as a member of the staff takes your bags leading you to a little alcove for refreshments of biscuits and Herbal Tea.

The smiling face in the portrait of Brillat Savarin, from the 18th century, hangs high above the fireplace seeming to give his approval. Through French doors is a lovely courtyard with tables lovingly set with crystal and silver, giving you a hint of what is to come. The stunning collection of art and antiques, flowers everywhere, sumptuous fabrics and wall coverings tantalize the eye.

The delectable little Inn, established in 1978, was the creation of Patrick O'Connell and his partner Reinhardt Lynch. Just for some reassurance of this quality Inn, it was the first enterprise to be awarded five stars for their accommodations and five stars for its restaurant from the Mobil Travel Guide. AAA awarded the Inn its highest rating, the 5 Diamond Award, for both accommodation and food. It is the first Inn ever to receive that award from AAA.

The brilliant London stage and set designer, Joyce Evans, created the gorgeous 15 bedrooms and suites without ever coming to America. Almost all of the furnishings where purchased in England. She then numbered each item and shipped them to the Inn. Once at the Inn they were put together like a giant puzzle. The suites are two stories with balconies and views of the beautiful gardens.

Recently they added the Mayors House. This lovely accommodation has a private courtyard, two fireplaces and the bedroom has a beamed ceiling. The Inn adds just the right touches to make the magic of the place. Huge bouquets of flowers will fill an armoire in the reading area of one of the rooms. Or a canopied sofa will be covered in exotic fabrics in vivid colors. Every single room is unique and beautiful to the last detail.

It is like a dream when you step into the dining room. Absolute pure luxury awaits you. Each table is very romantic with silk lampshades in a rose color floating overhead. Reinhardt Lynch is the host and he keeps a watchful eye as Patrick's dazzling creations arrive at the 30 cozy tables. If you can believe it, each course outdoes the last one. The Sommelier will marry a wine with your ordered meal from the wine cellar containing over 14,000 bottles of wine. The Herald Tribune as dubbed this restaurant one of the top ten restaurants in the world.

Craig Clairborne has honored the Inn with the classification of the best in the world. Patrick, while classically French trained, believes in healthy, imaginative meals or as he puts it, "the cuisine of today." For the past 14 years the Zagat survey has rated it number one in all categories.

The Inn installed a new kitchen in 1998 and many refer to it as the most beautiful kitchen in the world. There is an enormous Vulcan range that was built to order in France topped with a huge hood of brass. They even have two tables in the kitchen which they call the inner sanctum, where patrons can watch the action.

The service at the Inn is impeccable with an eye to detail. Travel & Leisure readers always rate it as the world's best. You can partake of breakfast in the sunny Terrace room by the garden or have it sent to your room. A wonderful touch is that the staff will pack you an exquisite picnic and map out a scenic route through the countryside where you can view some of the best scenery in the country. Just make sure you return in enough time for the afternoon tea.

The Inn at Little Washington has won top honors from all the organizations that judge food and accommodations. They have been consistent, year after year.

Just across the street from the Inn is a recently renovated old tavern that was built in 1740. No longer a tavern it now serves as The Inn Shops. There are 5 beautifully decorated rooms that offer everything from tableware to delicacies from the Inn's kitchen. All of the 5 rooms retain their original identities from the 1800's. Food provisions of all sorts are offered for sale in the old kitchen. Things like jellies and jams or spices. The original dining room offers glassware and china. The old general store has become an art gallery. In the old Tavern Room you can choose from period pieces, silver or pewter.

The Inn at Little Washington is a must see. When you are in the Washington, Virginia area why not treat yourself and be a guest. You won't be sorry.

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