Inn at Perry Cabin, St. Michaels MD

OVERVIEW of the Inn at Perry Cabin

Movie buffs will recognize the Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond as the site of the wedding in the film “Wedding Crashers” with Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn. To others it is a cozy weekend retreat in a delightful Eastern Shore town on the banks of the Miles River.

The Inn is an ideal escape for those living in the Mid-Atlantic region of New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington as drive times easily allow a lunch time arrival.

Originally built in 1816 by Samuel Hambleton, a veteran of the War of 1812 and aide-de-camp to Commodore Perry, the property’s design concept was inspired by Perry’s cabin on the U.S.S. Niagara. It was first converted to a luxury country house in 1980 and in 2002/2003, then owner Orient-Express, undertook a $17 million project to upgrade the property. The renovation retained much of the charm of the original structure with nooks and crannies and courtyards and patios and fireplaces throughout. The fresh décor is a wonderful blend of antique and contemporary furnishings with soothing nautical colors.

Today, the Inn sits on 25 lush acres of manicured 200 year old gardens and with wonderful accommodations, excellent dining and the terrific Spa at Perry Cabin, it is an outstanding choice for a weekend getaway at any time of year. a magnificent new gold course adds to the appeal.

THE ROOMS at the Inn at Perry Cabin

The 48 guestrooms  and 30 suites come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Many have fireplaces and separate sitting areas. Rooms on the main floor and many on the second have French doors that lead to a deck, patio or veranda. Our Master Waterview Suite had spectacular views of the water, a separate living room, a fireplace, two bathrooms, one of which was as big as my first apartment, luxury linens and a terrific bed that was hard to leave in the morning. Decorated in soothing shades of beige with local artwork and a blend of modern and antique furniture, this was a memorable place to spend a couple of days.

DINING at the Inn at Perry Cabin

While there are some charming restaurants in town, the two at the Inn are enjoyable enough that you may not want to eat anywhere else. The cozy Purser’s Pub has a wonderful open hearth fireplace for those chilly nights and a delightful outside courtyard for the nicer weather. It’s a popular spot with locals and it’s easy to see why. The drinks are excellent, there’s a good wine list and the pub food is outstanding. From October through Spring, Friday nights are “Oyster Nights” offering a variety of featured Oyster dishes including oysters on the half shell, Oysters Rockefeller, oyster Po Boys, fried oysters and oyster Stew. Delicious! Try the Yellowfin tuna “lollipops and the Greek lamb burger.

Stars is the Inn’s primary restaurant, serving all three meals. Breakfast and lunch can be served on the patio in good weather and dinner can be enjoyed around an open heath fire or along the windows.

Much care has been taken to create an elegant and sophisticated setting from sweeping river views to plush banquettes in soft Nantucket colors to striking artwork. Tables are set with Peugeot Silver Salt and Pepper shakers, Wedgwood china in the Nantucket pattern, linen by Rivolta Carmignani in a seashell pattern, blown glassware by Spiegelau and bone china shell candle holders. Joanne Effinger, the Inn’s Master Gardener, cuts fresh flowers each day and arranges them in petite vases. All this would be wasted but for the exquisite food and service. Don’t miss the crab soup, the crab cakes and the vanilla butter poached lobster. The 10,000+ bottle wine cellar has excellent choices and is reasonably priced. Live jazz on selected Saturdays in the winter by the Eric Felten Trio, named “a rising star on the international jazz scene” by PBS.

THE SERVICE at the Inn at Perry Cabin

Bellmen awaiting your arrival by the front portico sets the tone for a high level of service and continues with an efficient check-in and pleasant, friendly service throughout your visit. Breakfast was ordered through room service and we were given a precise time for arrival (it came early). A small problem with our fireplace was addressed within 5 minutes. Nightly turn down includes freshly baked homemade cookies and a newspaper is at your door early each morning.

THE RATES at the Inn at Perry Cabin

From $707 Peak Season Weekend

WHAT OTHERS SAY About at the Inn at Perry Cabin

AAA Four Diamond Award – Dining
Forbes Four Star Award – Lodging
“Exquisite views” abound at this “romantic and delightful” Orient Express” relaxation spot” in a “lovely waterside location” on the Chesapeake Bay with access to sailing lessons and yacht cruises; the “light, airy” rooms feature Molton Brown toiletries, French doors, fireplaces and lots of “charm”, while the service is “awesome”; though some find the fare “excellent”, others only recommend having a “scotch in the cozy bar” before “walking or biking” into town for dinner. ZAGAT

PROMOTIONS at the Inn at Perry Cabin

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