The Bernards Inn
An English country charmer in the Garden State
In the heart of New Jersey’s bucolic horse country, the distinguished charm of The Bernards Inn recalls an English country house hotel. A landmark in downtown Bernardsville, the hotel is adjacent to upscale shops and restaurants.
In warm weather, a plant-filled veranda is a prime spot for sipping cocktails and people watching from umbrella-shaded tables. Stepping through the old-fashioned revolving front door of The Bernards Inn, you enter a gracious lobby where cozy wing chairs flank a large fireplace. Displays of fresh flowers create an atmosphere of understated luxury, reflecting the surrounding area — one of the most attractive regions of New Jersey.
Just off the lobby, the inn’s restaurant is popular with locals for drinks at the clubby Library Piano Bar, celebratory dinners and Sunday brunch. A polished service staff sees to the needs of both hotel and restaurant guests with good-humored grace, furthering the hotel’s appeal as an elegant, yet unstuffy destination.
In warm weather, a plant-filled veranda is a prime spot for sipping cocktails and people watching from umbrella-shaded tables. Stepping through the old-fashioned revolving front door of The Bernards Inn, you enter a gracious lobby where cozy wing chairs flank a large fireplace. Displays of fresh flowers create an atmosphere of understated luxury, reflecting the surrounding area — one of the most attractive regions of New Jersey.
Just off the lobby, the inn’s restaurant is popular with locals for drinks at the clubby Library Piano Bar, celebratory dinners and Sunday brunch. A polished service staff sees to the needs of both hotel and restaurant guests with good-humored grace, furthering the hotel’s appeal as an elegant, yet unstuffy destination.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- The Bernards Inn is located at 27 Mine Brook Road in downtown Bernardsville, a tony bedroom community in the rolling hills of Northern New Jersey’s horse country.
- A local landmark, the property sits directly on the street adjacent to upscale boutiques, art galleries and restaurants. The area is also home to the U.S. Equestrian Team Foundation and the USGA Museum.
- If traveling from New York City, you can take New Jersey Transit’s Midtown Direct train at Penn Station and after the hour-long ride, you’ll arrive to Bernardsville where a porter will meet your train and carry your bags to The Bernards Inn.
- The design style of The Bernards Inn is traditional and classic, with spaces, furnishings and amenities selected for gracious comfort. Antiques, patterned carpets, chintz fabrics, softly shaded lamps, fresh flowers and rich architectural details offer the feel of an elegant country home.
Things to Know
- The circa 1907 inn is a short walk from the New Jersey Transit train station, making it a popular weekend destination for Manhattanites as well as a sophisticated respite for business travelers.
- Thanks to its beauty (think antiques, chintz fabrics, and traditional oil paintings), it’s a popular choice for stylish weddings.
- The best time to visit The Bernards Inn and its surrounding area is in the late spring or early summer, when numerous, impressive public and private gardens are in full bloom.
- Beginning in June, theater fans can take in an outdoor performance at the nearby Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey.
- In the fall, local foliage is at its peak and farms offer a bounty of seasonal produce. The Far Hills Race Meeting, a horse race that takes place in mid-October, is also a prime attraction.
The Rooms
- The rooms at The Bernards Inn are elegant and comfortable. Each of inn’s 20 guest rooms — including two, two-room suites — is named for a nearby grand estate and decorated individually in traditional style, befitting a gracious country home.
- Four-poster beds — king or queen-size — chintz drapery, subtly striped wallpaper, mahogany furniture, luxury linens and soft lighting provide an atmosphere of charm, warmth and creature comforts, where apples and freshly baked cookies will be waiting upon your arrival.
- En suite bathrooms are simply yet tastefully appointed with white tile and luxury amenities; some bathrooms have tubs, others have generously sized stall showers.
- Every room at the luxury property is also equipped with free Wi-Fi, cable TV, and a radio with an iPod docking station.
The Restaurants
- The Bernards Inn has one main restaurant complete with four dining areas to eat in. These areas include The Great Room, The Conservatory, The Library Piano Bar, and The Terrace.
- Breakfast and dinner are served seven days a week at the award-winning restaurant, which also serves lunch Monday through Friday and offers an à la carte brunch on Sunday (try the Bernards Inn chicken salad).
- The Library Piano Bar is popular with locals for a light meal and a glass of wine or specialty cocktail, while the elegant atmosphere of The Great Room is a destination for celebration dinners (think braised lamb shank and poached Maine lobster).
- Enjoy breakfast and lunch in The Conservatory’s comfortable space or savor those meals outside on The Terrace. Downstairs, the Silver Vault and Wine Pantry offer stylish spaces for private dining.
Getting There
27 Mine Brook Road, Bernardsville, New Jersey 07924
TEL908-766-0002
TEL908-766-0002
TEL888-766-0002
TEL888-766-0002
NEARBY AIRPORT(S)
EWR (35-45 min)
Stories
