I've been to the Iowa Summer Writing Fest five times, and I've never stayed at the same place twice because I never liked any place well enough to go back. That has all changed, and now I will stay at Brown Street Inn every year.

The house is elegant and the neighborhood quiet. My room was huge and comfortable and had every amenity I needed, plus excellent temperature control that kept me perfectly comfortable despite the summer heat. I was there for the weekend, when a hot breakfast is offered, and all the food was delicious and beautifully presented. The homemade cookies, set out on plate in the foyer in the evening, were the perfect touch.

Mark and Bob have found the perfect balance of "professional" and "welcoming." Notes around the room and the inn instruct you on how to get ahold of inkeeper if you need anything and remind you of breakfast and checkout time, so you know you are staying in a well-run place and you know what to expect. You also get a room key, which I haven't seen offered at every bed and breakfast; it adds a little peace of mind when you head out for the day. The hosts are warm and easy to talk to, but they don't "hover," and you get all the space and privacy you need.

But there are still the warm touches if you want more "homey" experience - when they set out breakfast for us in the morning, Mark and Bob got involved in our conversations and gave advice about the town. The aforementioned cookies are a really charming touch, and there is plenty of room downstairs to rest in the sitting room or to use the guest computer.

I've stayed at other b&bs where the approach is so "cozy" that I felt obligated to chit chat with the hosts at length, and I've been to some where I felt more like I was staying in the spare bedroom than checking into a real inn. Mark and Bob have struck the perfect balance - always professional and yet always friendly.

Downtown is easy to reach - you can walk it, or if you're not up for that, you can drive down Gilbert Street, turn right onto Iowa Ave, and park in the garage. The Saturday rate was 75 cents an hour, and Sunday was free, when I was there.

The value truly can't be beat - you get the complete b&b experience for an extremely reasonable rate. You truly cannot do any better in Iowa City. I've finally found my place for summer visits!