Le Petit Chateau Inn, Hyde Park

I booked this B&B as part of a birthday present for my b/f.I was expecting a romantic evening in a romantic B&B along with dinner at the CIA. Let me say that we have never, ever, ever walked out of a place. We don't consider ourselves "high maintenance" but instead like to get what we pay for. We've stayed in cheap guest houses in SEA, Central America, Africa etc for $10 a night and had suites at some fantastic hotels. THE OUTSIDE As we were pulling into the driveway, my b/f said "did you check this place out first". He asked because the outside wasn't in good shape. The grass/weeds in the lawn needed to be cut, the outside of the house is in need of painting and repair. Not a good first impression of the place. BEING GREETED Upon entering, the owner was on her cell phone and stuck her finger up in the air telling us to be quiet. Not the best way to be greeted by our host. THE ROOM The room was small. The fireplace wasn't working despite many attempts by her to start it. There were 2 windows in the room, covered in curtains, which looked out onto the "pond". The closet was large but was also a makeshift storage center with boxes and things in it. The room was "ok". It certainly wasn't a $185 room by any means. If the room cost $75 and we were simply looking for a place to sleep, it would have been fine. I picked the room for the "views of the sunset and sunrise over the pond". I wouldn't want to venture near the pond as I'm sure the stagnant, murky water was infested with mosquitos. It certainly wasn't romantic. Given the location of the windows, I don't see how you could view sunset & sunrise. WALKING OUT My b/f and I walked out to the car to get our luggage and discussed the situation. We decided to try our luck elsewhere so we went back inside the house in search of the owner. It took us 10 minutes to find her - she had wandered off and was no where to be seen. She was quite gracioius in us cancelling. She explained we were the first ones to walk out and how many people from Manhattan stayed in her B&B and never had any complaints. I ignorantly assumed we wouldn't be charged for the night. I was shocked to see the full charge of the room on my credit card statement this morning. BTW - we ended staying in the most fantasic B&B that night - WhistleWood Horse Farm Bed & Breakfast about 15 minutes away in Rhinebeck. (---)Romantic, fantastic views, a genuine and friendly host, delicious breakfast. It was just what we were looking for.