Mont Rest: Bellevue's Majestic Castle Bed & Breakfast

The Iowa landscape seems to be at its best in mid to late May, not to mention late May also contains the birthday of someone close to my heart, and Mont Rest gave the impression of the perfect escape. The rolling hills gave way to the greenery of North East Iowa's bluffs as we approached small town Bellevue. Perched upon a bluff overlooking the majestic Mississippi River is Bellevue, Iowa's premier bed & breakfast.

Known as Bellevue's Castle, the Mont Rest bed & breakfast has a rich history along with a welcoming comfort and grace. Elegant woodwork, beautiful furnishings, and astonishing views are what drew me in. Mont Rest's wraparound porch appeared to be a calming place to relax as the days come to a close. Traditional bed & breakfasts offer only a few select suites or accommodations in order to create a plush, catered stay for each guest. Thirteen luxurious guest rooms with private baths, many with fireplaces and whirlpool bathtubs, was not only a testament to size but also to the dedication of Mont Rest staff.

As my fiancée & I (along with another couple) crossed the threshold we were greeted by a tall, friendly gentleman whom confirmed our reservation. We were first given a brief history of the mansion, then the grand tour. Mont Rest's mammoth structure enclosed two sitting areas with a grand piano in each, a full dining room complete with elegant place settings, a sun room with a flat screen television, a gift shop, as well as a full guest kitchen with complimentary beverages and fresh baked cookies. This, all on the first floor!

The second floor housed most of the guest accommodations, to which we were shown ours. A more rustic space with fireplace, cable television, whirlpool bath, bath robes, and homemade truffles, Ginny's Woodland View Room had a warm, cozy atmosphere. Arriving with another friendly couple, we were allowed to explore their suite, Bridget's French Roses Room, as well. Bridget's French Roses Room carried an air of romance within, not to mention a very high four poster bed, fireplace, cable television, whirlpool bath, bath robes, and, just like all other suites, the tasty homemade truffles. We were also informed of a balcony located on Mont Rest's roof for viewing the great Mississippi in addition to the areas wildlife.

The concierge informed the four of us of the local shops along the river front, also suggesting reservations at Mont Rest on Main. Mont Rest on Main (located along the river) is a charming gift shop and eatery with a full menu along with an outdoor seating area. The restaurant seemed a one man operation so the service was a bit slow, yet somehow seemed appropriate for the setting. The atmosphere was stellar, the server/cook was attentive & courteous, and most importantly, the fare was well put together and delicious.

To our great disappointment, earlier in the afternoon the tour guide/concierge informed us that the four person Jacuzzi on the roof was non operational. An important amenity to our stay my fiancée, myself, and the couple we arrived with decided to make the best of the situation. Though the whirlpools in each suite accommodate only two, we chose to wedge ourselves into Bridget's French Roses Room bath. Albeit a little cramped, this little inconvenience certainly did not derail our stay.

The night seemed to last only moments as we captured restful sleep in our perfectly comfortable bed when breakfast arrived promptly at nine in the A.M. Situated around the large dining table was an assortment of pastries, fruit, and juices. The main course was that of a fruit & yogurt cup, fried potatoes, ham, and an accompanying egg casserole. A mouth-watering and filling start to any great day, the breakfast could not have possibly been more incredible.

Mont Rest is located a few miles from Maquoketa Caves State Park, just forty minutes from historic Galena, Illinois, and also offers several riverboat & stay packages for guest convenience. Mont Rest also has an abundance of board games and DVDs to keep the attention of guests if boredom sets in, which is not likely, or if children are along for your trip.

A remarkable place, Mont Rest is a great location for a honeymoon, anniversary, or simple getaway to reconnect with that special someone. The only downfall was the non operational Jacuzzi, which is still listed on the web as an amenity. Beyond this simple issue, I highly recommend Mont Rest for its spacious rooms, great views, gracious staff, and overall charm. To book your stay at Mont Rest please call them at (877)-872-4220 or email them at innkeeper@montrest.com.