Annabelle, Vicksburg

At least once a year, we take a non-interstate driving vacation and choose a Bed & Breakfast at each city we visit. This year, our second stop was Vicksburg. On the internet, the Annabelle looked great and the AAA book gave it 3 diamonds. What a disappointment! While the Annabelle may have been a beautiful, grand residence at some point, it is very evident that the present owners have not maintained the property. The yard has become a weedy mess and the buildings are all badly in need of cleaning and painting. We were met at the door by a man who never introduced himself. He accepted our payment for 2 nights and then led us out the front door, saying that we would not be staying in the main house. We were led to what was apparently the “slave/servant quarters”. We walked past the swimming pool, which was full of algae and vegitation, surrounded by dirty furniture. When I asked about it, he said not to worry, it would be clean the next day (NOT!) Our room was smaller and trashier than a cheap motel. The floor was so sloped that the door to the bathroom had to be propped open with a trash can. The room was decorated with plastic flea market rejects. The towels in the bathroom were worn and frayed and the sheets on the bed were so thin you could see through them. At that point, we should have demanded our money back and left, but we were anxious to get on with our sightseeing and decided to make the best of it. During the night, we realized that trains passed the house several times during the night, blowing an sleep-shattering whistle as they went by. Breakfast was served at 9:00 (no earlier) and the main house was kept locked until then. No tea, evening beverages or early morning coffee was offered. The first morning, we finally met the owner, Caroline, for the first and last time during our stay and found out that the nameless man was her son, Michael. Breakfast was adequate and we were given a quick 5-minute tour of the house. Not much history given -- only their family heirlooms were pointed out. The second morning of our stay, the door was not unlocked until after 9 and then we were served a cold, soggy waffle for breakfast by the owner’s husband, Paul, who certainly did not seem to enjoy what he was doing, as he didn’t speak to us or the other guests and we just left when we finished eating. Unless there are major improvements to the Annabelle, I would recommend others to beware!

Found this B&B to be one of the better places I stayed in throughout the south. The owners are very open and friendly. The room was very comfortable and well appointed. Although it, as other B&B's in the city, is located in a mixture of poor housing beside magnificent housing, there was never a safety issue. The breakfasts along with the interesting and entertaining conversations, were a great way to start the day. I would and have highly recomended Annabelle in Vicksburg to my friends and family. Time well spent.

Had heard great reviews of Annabelle. We never did get any lace cookies and the train sounds ike it's coming in your room! It is a beautiful place! (We'd had a bad experience at another b&b, hearing the good reviews here, we decided to give b&b's a 2nd chance. We definitely won't be staying at any more b&b's.)

My husband & I were traveling from our home in Canada through the south and booked a 2 night stay at Annabelle. We found it to be not only a great value but a most warm and welcoming home. The home is Victorian personified. The sugar cubes even have roses on them. The homemade soaps in the bath are a treat. Carolyn directed us to fine places to eat and wonderful tourist attractions. if you are traveling to Vicksburg you should stay at Annabelle.

This B&B is beautiful and run by nice people, but it is located in a dangerous part of Vicksburg. My advice is to stay away from B&Bs in the neighborhood until the neighborhood is cleaned up.

We try to stay in B&Bs whenever possible for we love the "homely" feel. We found that at Annabelle. The host was caring for his lawn when we arrived early. He stopped his work and greetly us warmly, offered us fresh cookies from the oven and checked us in. The house is very well decorated, the beds not only beautiful but comfortable. Breakfast was yummy & served in a beautiful dining room on antique plates. No detail of comfort is overlooked here. I highly suggest you put this place on your list of places not to miss.

Traveling from Texas to Florida Vicksburg was a good resting place. The civil war history intriqued us. What we lucked upon were friendly hosts who acted as tour guides telling us about the area while serving us a top notch breakfast. The room was very comforatble and decorated in keeping with the Victorian era but with modern clean bathrooms. We are returning with another couple in the fall as we only had one night and that is not enough to enjoy the city or the comfort of Annabelle.

Annabelle is a beautiful and historic home. We were greeted with a glass of sherry and a tour of the house. The furnishings are very tasteful and pretty, the bed comfortable, the rooms spacious. There was only one issue--a railroad runs almost directly outside the house. Throughout the night, trains roared by, blowing their horns, braking, etc. At one point we awoke to a tremendous crashing sound--a train had stopped too quickly. In any case, the owners and staff were terribly gracious and friendly. Breakfast was very good, and house was a picturesque southern jewel.