The Laurel Oak Inn Bed and Breakfast

We returned to the Laurel Oak Inn for the first time after their change in ownership. We are happy to report that all is well. We stayed for two nights, mid-week, and especially appreciated the hot breakfast prepared by Mike. Not only is he an excellent cook, but he is also an engaging host. The joint ownership with the Camelia Rose Inn across the street adds to your options. Happy to see both Inns flourishing under their common innkeeper.

We found The Laurel Oak Inn while visiting Gainesville for hikes and we had a great experience. We went to Depot Park, Sweetwater Wetlands Park, and more- the Inn was the perfect place to relax after the day ended. We enjoyed wine under the umbrellas on the back patio and we ordered food to go and ate in the inn dining room.

I hosted a 3 night retreat for professional business women at the Inn and had a fabulous experience! Susannah and her team did a fantastic job in assisting with all the arrangements for my attendees before, during and after. In fact, they helped with placing my guests at the neighboring Camilla Rose Inn next door. I personally stayed in the Natchez room, enjoying the feeling of luxury and tranquility that I was surrounded with each evening. Soaking in a hot bath in the large jacuzzi tub was just what I need to feel relaxing and recharged. The soft terry robes added a nice finishing touch. I highly recommend this beautiful and historic inn!

Had a quick weekend visit during a parent event weekend for my daughter at UF. The Laurel Oak was like a home away from home. We had the luxury experience of staying at a hotel but with the added bonus of feeling like we were at home. Waking up in the morning and smelling breakfast being cooked downstairs (and knowing I wasn't responsible for prep or cleaning) was a wonderful treat. The room was perfect! Everything was clean and well-appointed. The living room and social spaces were cozy and comfortable. It was centrally located for campus events and in a quiet neighborhood. We will definitely come back!

I have been a guest at the Laurel Oak many times. I now live nearby so I treated my parents to a weekend stay when they visited me this last time. It has been decades since their last BnB experience and they weren’t quite sure what to expect but Nan and Dave (and Bodie!) made them feel so welcome and at home. I am beyond grateful for their hospitality and care. I joined them for breakfast both mornings they were there and can confirm that these were the best BnB breakfasts of all the places I've stayed. My parents have simpler tastes but had no problem cleaning their plates. My dad enjoyed the Opus coffee they serve so much that he bought a bag to take home. :) My parents and I lingered long after our breakfast was done, just admiring the adornments. The dark wood antique furniture is stunning. We also spent time in the equally beautiful living room. It was nice and quiet for reading. They also have shelves with books and games/puzzles if you need a rainy day activity!

We were looking for something to do on our 41st anniversary that was different than what we usually do. Having never stayed at a Bed & Breakfast, we chose to do so in an area that wasn’t the beach nor the mountains. We only stayed 3 nights but it was the most enjoyable and relaxing experience. We went with no agenda but Dave and Nan helped guide us to some excellent locations, but more importantly, made our stay in their home most inviting and enjoyable. We can’t say enough about the hosts and the whole experience exceeded our expectations. We had a wonderful breakfast that included nice conversations with great guests each morning. From there we relaxed in the twin size bed porch swing and then made our way to downtown Gainesville which is only a short walk away. Though host to the University of Florida, Gainesville is actually very rural with lots of history and quiet places to escape to. It took us a week to unrelax and get back to real life when we got home. The trip has also sparked our interest in mini vacation Bed & Breakfast stays for recharging the batteries. We are looking forward to our next stay with Dave and Nan because you actually become more than guests when you stay, you become friends. Oh yeah, we would be remis in not mentioning that when you visit, be sure to do the charcuterie board, it sets the tone for your disconnect from life’s hustles and bustles and lets you soak in the historical comforts Dave and Nan’s Inn delivers.