Experience Songbird Prairie – A Luxury Bed And Breakfast In Northwest Indiana
Songbird Prairie Is An Award-Winning Romantic Bed And Breakfast In Valparaiso, Indiana
Named One Of The Best Romantic Inns In The Midwest
A Seasonal Serenade of Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast | FAQs
Owning a Country Inn is one of the great fantasies of many adults. But the real appeal of owning an inn is based upon the same pleasure derived from other positive facets of life.
As with a business life, the chance to interact with people, meet new friends, and cherish relationships are driving factors. Above all, we want the people who stay with us to feel as if they are invited guests rather than paying customers. We have entertained so many angels unaware through the years. We are grateful to each and every one of our wonderful guests for choosing to stay with us.
The success of our romantic bed and breakfast is comprised of three key steps. For us, the first step is to offer our guests a warm and friendly greeting. The second step is to provide truly luxurious accommodations. And, thirdly, we offer our guests something exceptional for breakfast in our Indiana bed and breakfast.
Owning this luxury bed and breakfast for the past ten years, my husband Efrain and I have wedded our talents. His love and talent with the restaurant business and mine with design (including the guest rooms, gardens and delicious foods we create). Of course, it's all hard work, but we love it!
The day-to-day tasks are 24/7 -- but when we receive an award such as “One of the Best…”, the thrill overshadows the labor.
We could go on and on about how we provide ultimate romantic getaways or the ideal romantic weekends away... |
|
Why not take a look at what our many raving fans have to say about their stay at Songbird Prairie? Click here. Click here for additional visitor comments on BedAndBreakfast.com. Click here for additional visitor comments on TripAdvisor.com.
Or, take a look at some of our awards, accolades and positive press coverage…
- Named “One of the 20 Perfect Summer Getaways for 2008” by Travel & Leisure Magazine
- Named “One of the Top 25 ‘Best Undiscovered Incredibly Romantic Inns” by BedAndBreakfast.com
- Recipient of the coveted “2008 Top 10 Romantic Inns’ Award” from American Historic Inns, Inc.
- 2008/2009 winner of "Best in the Midwest" from BedAndBreakfast.com
- Winner of the “2004 and 2008 Hotel of the Year for the Casual Coast of Indiana” as selected by the Porter County Convention and Visitors Commission
|
 |
As, innkeepers, we have been fortunate to have met some terrific people. Some of our guests come only once, but others return year after year. When these returning guests arrive at our door, it's like welcoming back old friends or family members. Many hug us at the door, many bring us gifts.
 |
The guests sometimes have a melancholy feeling at check-out, as if they'd like to enjoy just one more moment before returning to the “real world”. Many say “one night is not enough; next time we are staying two”. Others say “I don't want to give you the key back”. We receive many thank you cards and holiday cards; many of them include photos they have taken while visiting our romantic bed and breakfast in Northwest Indiana, or photos with their children and extended family. The love so many of our guests have shown over the years is very powerful indeed. |
How did we start? We purchased our luxury inns’ land and immediately started planning the landscape. Our property had been a dairy farm and apple orchard in the early 1900's. It features Bur, white and red oaks – many of which are over 300 years old. The 6.25 acres were covered with native plants and really needed some pruning. We planted pachysandra, Thorndale ivy, and vinca for ground cover. We started building walls to hold back the soil, and terraces of flagstone and bluestone. We built a dramatic fire pit with boulders gathered from the landscape. We have over sixty varieties of hosta, and many varieties of ferns. Our vegetable garden provides us the herbs, vegetables, and berries we feature in our morning breakfasts, along with the large variety of day lilies that adorn the plates throughout the summer months.
Breakfast is an important part of any romantic weekend getaway – and is certainly a big part of what we offer at Songbird Prairie. Our three-course hot breakfast consists of a warm oven baked item, fresh fruit plate, and a warm entrée, all finished with an especially decadent dessert.
Many guests say “dessert for breakfast?” I say, of course, you’re at Songbird Prairie – one of the finest romantic inns in the Midwest – and what is more romantic than dessert?! We also offer a “corporate” breakfast for single occupancy, featuring fruit and scones.
So what happens at Songbird Prairie with the change in seasons? We used to love decorating for the winter holiday, and I used to spend a lot of time making fresh decorations for the Inn. I would cut bittersweet, rosehips, and grapevines from the property - and cut boxwood for the wreaths. December became a holiday decorating marathon, with the kickoff of an over 25-year annual cookie party. It all became a little overwhelming…
In recent years, we've had to become much more efficient in holiday planning. One reason is that the holidays follow right on the heels of our busiest season -- Autumn. The retailers rush the season and guests come to expect their stay to be a tree-adorned extravaganza during their early holiday season.
We feature a tree in every guest suite as well as in the common room, all beautifully bejeweled with sparkling lights, ribbons, and ornaments coordinating with the décor and theme of each room. |
|
We never sacrifice our personal enjoyment of the holiday to the business side of the inn. We close on major holidays so that we can still spend them with our four daughters, their husbands, and our seven cherished grandchildren. We know you believe that family time is as important as we do. When you visit the inn, you'll find festive holiday décor - but you won’t' find us working on Christmas Day!
We hope you find our luxury bed and breakfast as delightfully relaxing and pleasant as we feel in hosting you!
Enjoy your stay!
Sincerely,
Barbara & Efrain Rivera
Return to Top
Spring at the Inn
- watching for the first peak of snowdrops through the leaves
- clearing out the flowerbeds
- cleaning out the birdhouses to welcome returning bluebirds
- picking fresh chives and sorrel for omelets
- enjoying waves of over 2,000 bulb blossoms, a Master Gardener's delight
- planting wildflower and vegetable seeds
- planting lettuces and herbs in the rock garden
- replacing the screens and enjoying the fresh air
- drying freshly washed comforters in the spring breeze
- hearing the first songbirds and tree frogs serenade us
|
 |
Summertime at the Inn
- serving iced tea instead of hot
- having many fresh herbs to choose from
- picking our own fresh cherry tomatoes -- and eating them straight from the vine
- watering the gardens
- sitting in the shade gardens and enjoying the cool, earthy air
- collecting monarda for fresh green tea
- cutting fresh lavender and hanging to dry
- swaying in the hammocks
- watching the fireflies provide a light show over the cornfields
- hoping it will soon cool off so we can turn off the air conditioning
|
 |
Autumn at the Inn
- saying goodbye to the day lilies, tomatoes, and peppers
- enjoying the cool fall breezes
- watching the first change of the sassafras from green to orange, yellow, and red
- mowing and weeding less frequently; pulling out all the summer annuals
- storing the furniture until spring
- picking the many variety of apples on the property for breakfast sides and dessert
- picking pumpkins and corn stalks
- watching the progression of leaves fall
- raking leaves
|
 |
Winter at the Inn
- enjoying the slower pace
- spending more time in the kitchen taste-testing new dishes
- lighting the fireplaces
- making careful selections from the many seed catalogs that we always overdo
- enjoying guests as they spend more time around the inn
- seeing more deer in the freshly fallen snow searching for that last apple
- decorating for the holidays
- planning for Valentine’s Day
- growing weary of snowstorms and snowplowing the entrance road
- looking for more sunshine throughout our day
|
 |
Return to Top
Do I need to make a reservation?
Yes. A reservation is required. Use our convenient online reservation system, or call our toll-free number 877-SONGBRD.
Can I tour the inn before I book my reservation?
Certainly. You can make an appointment for a personal tour. Barbara's most convenient times are Thursdays and Fridays from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM Central Standard time. Please contact us to schedule your personal tour.
What if I can't make the check-in time from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM? Or, what if I want to arrive early?
Special arrangements must be made prior to arriving for your stay; a $25.00-$40.00 charge may apply. Please contact us for special arrangements.
I have allergies. Can I still enjoy breakfast?
Yes. Barbara can accommodate almost any type of food allergy. Please make that information available at the time of your reservation.
What is the difference between an Ultra Bath Whirlpool and a Jacuzzi tub?
An Ultra Bath Whirlpool is an air-powered massage created by small air bubbles. It also includes light therapy to re-energize the lack of sunlight through the winter months.
A Jacuzzi tub is an all-around water-powered massage, supported by seven large jets.
For complete details on which of our guest suites feature which type of tub, click here.
Do you offer Songbird Prairie Gift Certificates?
Yes. You may purchase gift certificates online by clicking here – or, you may call our toll-free number 877-SONGBRD.
How should I pay for my reservation?
A 50% deposit via credit card is required (in card members name) at the time of your reservation. The balance is due at check-in. We offer Visa, Master Card, and cash.
What do you mean by "quiet hours" from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM?
We ask that you respect all of our guests who turn in early for a pleasant night's experience. Your agreement in keeping the inn quiet during these hours is most appreciated.
Can you make a dinner reservation or order flowers for me?
Yes. Please contact us to make special arrangements.
Return to Top
For answers to other questions you may have about Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast in Valparaiso, Indiana, click here to contact us online -- or call us toll-free at 877-SONGBRD.
For room availability and reservations, click here for online booking.
Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast in Northwest Indiana – An award-winning luxury bed and breakfast, Lake Michigan bed and breakfast, Indiana Dunes bed and breakfast.
Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast in Valparaiso, Indiana is a proud member of the Indiana Bed and Breakfast Association.
Reservations | Gift Certificates | News & Specials | Contact & Directions | Home
Songbird Prairie | Guest Experience | Rooms & Rates | Things To See & Do
Breakfast at Songbird Prairie | Special Events | Photo Gallery
Media | Singing Bird Blog
Legal Notice | Privacy Statement | Site Map
Copyright © Songbird Prairie Bed and Breakfast Corp.
Web Site Design, Hosting & Maintenance By Catalyst Marketing Innovations, LLC |
