I’ll start with a bit of a confession. Most Bed and Breakfast accommodations can be hit or miss for me.
I like privacy, and some Bed and Breakfast properties have previously made me feel like I’m walking on eggshells for the duration of my stay.
The hosts were always really friendly, but it was more my awareness of the amplified noises from each of my creaking steps.
That wasn’t the case with the Spencer House Inn in St. Marys, GA.
From the moment we walked in the door, we were treated to authentic southern hospitality…without the “bless your heart” undertone or my “walking on eggshells” hesitation.
Thanks again to Visit St. Marys for hosting our visit. All opinions are my own. This article contains affiliate links.
An Architectural Gem in Historic St. Marys, GA
If you’re looking for a welcoming and convenient Bed & Breakfast in the heart of St. Marys, The Spencer House Inn checks all the boxes.
The Spencer House Inn Bed and Breakfast dates back to 1872 and features Victorian architecture.
The Inn was named after Captain William T. Spencer, collector of customs for the port in St. Marys from 1871 to 1873, who constructed the inn.
Guests today can appreciate the nods to the past with modern conveniences.
St. Marys is one of the oldest cities in Georgia, established in 1787, and it’s still a quiet coastal hidden gem.
Make sure you enjoy a sweet treat upon arrival at the guest check-in area.
There’s a large living room with plenty of seating for guests to enjoy during their stay.
The front porch is another favorite area for guests to relax during the day or enjoy in the evening.
The Bed and Breakfast is conveniently located in the heart of the Historic District of St. Marys, GA.
Guests can walk from the inn to local restaurants, shops, and the Cumberland Island ferry.
You can take the Stairs or the Elevator
It was so refreshing to have the option to use the stairs or the elevator to our room located on the second floor, after we checked in.
An elevator is a game-changer for guests who would have trouble carrying their luggage up a few floors.
The elevator option made a big difference in the quality of our stay, especially as someone recovering from knee surgery, who doesn’t pack light.
If you’ve ever dragged your luggage up several flights of stairs, you know what it’s like to question if you really need all your belongings, especially if that means one more trip.
I’ll also note the self-serve coffee station near the elevator for guests who need a caffeine pick-me-up.
*We visited during an outdoor painting project, transforming the Bed and Breakfast outside from pink to blue.
Guest Rooms at The Spencer House Inn
There are 14 unique guest rooms at The Spencer House Inn.
Each room is individually decorated and has a private bath with a clawfoot soaking tub with shower, a traditional tub, or a shower.
Save on your stay at Spencer House Inn here
Queen Room 306
During our visit, we stayed in Queen Room 306, located towards the back of the Inn, sunrise side.
The room has a flat-screen TV with cable, Wi-Fi, central air and heat, a ceiling fan, and two reading chairs.
Our private bath had a walk-in shower and Gilchrist & Soames Bath amenities.
There was a dresser with two drawers, and each nightstand had a drawer in addition to the closet.
Breakfast at The Spencer House Inn
Guests are in for a treat with their delicious breakfast.
The room is light and airy, with plenty of room to dine and interact with other guests.
There’s a station for coffee and juices with to-go cups nearby if you want to take a coffee on the go.
Their full breakfast buffet features pastries, fruit, eggs made to order, and more.
You’ll find plenty of options, whether you prefer a light breakfast or a heavier meal.
You can also order eggs your way, along with a choice of meat.
I enjoyed discovering their pastries each morning with my eggs.
Packed Lunches Available
Spencer House Inn can prepare a packed lunch for your day trip adventures.
It’s common for guests visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore to take a packed lunch because there are no concessions on the island.
Don’t forget to return the daypack cooler so that it’s available for other guests to use in the future.
A Special Dinner at The Globe
The Spencer Inn has a fantastic restaurant on-site at The Globe.
Here me when I say that if you reserve a dinner at this restaurant, it’s going to be top-notch! Our only regret was that we didn’t have more room in our stomachs to savor every delicious bite.
The vibe at dinner is perfect for a special date night with dim lighting and fresh flowers on the table.
The restaurant even has its own wine available, sourced from Spain.
We started with bruschetta made with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic, drizzled with olive oil, served on toasted bread.
Their French onion soup is made with rich, savory broth with caramelized onions, topped with melted cheese and a crispy baguette.
My husband ordered the Filet Mignon, tender, juicy filet mignon served with creamy mashed potatoes and a side of mixed vegetables.
I ordered the Surf and Turf, a juicy steak paired with succulent shrimp and scallops, and served with risotto.
Fair warning, this dish is delicious and generous enough to share.
We were absolutely stuffed before dessert crossed our table, but we powered through…all in the name of research.
You can’t go wrong with their Creme Brulee or their raspberry cake.
The sight of the raspberry cake immediately overpowered my husband so much that he broke my “camera eats first” rule.
Over a decade of patience waiting for food pics for every meal out was destroyed by an act of his fork.
It’s a Big slice, and you’ll see where his fork was if you look closely enough, which explains my creative angles.
Where is the Spencer House Inn Located?
The Spencer House Inn is located at 200 Osborne St, St. Marys, GA.
Walkable Location
We loved catching the sunset each evening at Howard Gilman Memorial Park.
The park benches and swings invite you to slow down and enjoy the moment. We also walked around in the morning with our coffees in hand.
If you’re dining in downtown St. Marys, one of the first things you’ll notice is how affordable the prices are compared to typical tourist towns.
The same delicious meals in St. Marys could easily cost you double at restaurants in a larger city, with much longer wait times.
You can find the full list of dining options in St. Marys here.
You’ll also find several great shops downtown, especially if you love antiques.
You can find the full list of shops in downtown St. Marys here.
Day Trips From St. Marys, GA
St. Marys is a great base for incredible day trips, including the following.
Jekyll Island – 1 hour
If you’re craving some time at the beach, Jekyll Island is only an hour away.
We woke up early to experience sunrise at Driftwood Beach, where wood is transformed into twisty art formations along the beach.
Followed by exploration of the rest of the island, including the Georgia Sea Turtle Center and a picnic lunch after our bike ride.
Okefenokee Wildlife Refuge and Okefenokee Swamp Park – 1 hr 7 minutes
4159 Suwannee Canal Rd., Folkston, GA
I can’t say enough great things about a guided kayak tour of the Okefenokee Swamp with a naturalist.
This is seriously the most beautiful swamp, and paddling through the channels feels like something out of a movie. We were able to see so much wildlife in such a peaceful setting.
If you don’t want to kayak, there are also guided boat tours available.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
You can take the ferry from downtown St. Marys to Cumberland Island National Seashore, Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island, with 9,800 acres of designated wilderness.
Additional Information on The Spencer House Inn
You can find additional information on The Spencer House Inn from their website.
