Professional photographer, art collector and author Ray Reiss owned this eclectic three-level building for 25 years before he decided to channel his passion for cooking and entertaining into this delightful bed and breakfast.

Each of the inn's five bedrooms ($119-$179) has a unique personality, enhanced with details like sloping ceilings, French doors, hardwood floors and elegant skylights. Each guest room has a private bath; some feature soaking tubs and multiple-head showers to send your cares right down the drain.

Guests mingle in the community kitchen, living room and TV lounge (which features a 4' x 6' projection screen), where it's not unusual to bump into Ray or his two cats. The on-premise sauna and steam room offer more solitary escape. If you're not at liberty to totally disconnect, the building is wi-fi-equipped, with a high-speed connection wired into each room and a full business center in the reception area.

You'll be eager to get out and explore the neighborhood, but don't even think about missing breakfast. Ray prepares your morning meal to order, and will even serve it to you in bed if you prefer. Choose from tempting omelets, frittatas, blueberry-and-banana pancakes with strawberry compote, roasted garlic-and-rosemary potatoes and special seasonal dishes.

Centerstage Reviewer: Julia Steinberger