Skip to main content
Weddings

Dowds' Country Inn & Event Center Reviews

Dowds' Country Inn & Event Center

Dowds' Country Inn & Event Center

Lyme, NH
4.7 out of 5 rating, 21 Reviews
View more information

Reviews

We're all about trust. Our community relies on honest reviews to help you make those big decisions with ease.
4.7 out of 5 rating
4.7 out of 5 rating
21 Reviews
93% recommend it
  • Quality of service
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Average response time
    4.4 out of 5 rating
  • Professionalism
    4.6 out of 5 rating
  • Value
    4.7 out of 5 rating
  • Flexibility
    4.8 out of 5 rating
  • Ashley
    Ashley B. Sent on 01/03/2019
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating

    Wonderful experience from start to finish!

    We had an absolutely wonderful experience with Dowds' Country Inn for our summer 2018 wedding, from touring the venue all the way through our big day. We ended up blocking all the rooms and hosting every wedding event at the inn, because it was just such a good experience to work with their team and much simpler than moving from place to place. We hosted our rehearsal dinner and cocktail reception the night before the wedding for 50 people in the Carriage House and Banquet Hall, and our wedding ceremony and reception for 75 people on the Courtyard and Patio. From start to finish, the Dowds' team made us feel welcome, stayed in touch on every detail, and went out of their way to make sure we were happy. They even recommended vendors and an officiant when we had trouble finding a local Justice of the Peace. Many of our guests stayed for the entire weekend and continue to rave about the accommodations, the food, and the friendly staff. They especially loved the tavern and the breakfast included in their nightly rate. It was truly magical to have our friends and family all in one place, with the entire inn to ourselves, out in the beautiful New Hampshire countryside. We had more fun planning our wedding than I ever thought possible, and so much of that was thanks to the people we met along the way. A big, heartfelt thanks to Tami (Innkeeper), Danielle (Event Coordinator), Gary (Front Desk Manager). Greg (Latham House Tavern), and all of your incredible staff for bringing our dreams to life!
  • J
    Jennifer Sent on 09/07/2018
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    Danielle at Dowd's was terrific to work with and helped make the post wedding brunch we threw for our sister a huge success! She was very responsive and helpful in all matters before and during the weekend of the wedding. The food was wonderful and the setting was very welcoming for the coming and going of the 100 guests we had that morning. Everyone told us what a great time they had and how friendly the staff was and especially how good and plentiful the coffee and food was all morning! Would highly recommend!
  • M
    Mirella Sent on 08/18/2018
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    We had the absolute best experience at Dowds. The staff is not only responsive but they actively help make your vision come true. Danielle Kershaw and Tami Dowd were amazing throughout the planning and the setup for the wedding. I really can’t say enough how helpful, supportive and kind everyone was. Our entire bridal party stayed at the Inn for our wedding weekend and everyone left saying lovely things about their rooms and the service they received. Dowds was an amazing place to have our wedding!
  • M
    Miguel Sent on 09/02/2018
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    I cannot say enough how thoughtful, careful, and professional the Dowd’s Country Inn was for our wedding.
    They made our day special and handled the stress of the day with ease and professionalism.
    I will forever be thankful that we had our wedding reception at Dowd’s.
    M
  • M
    Meg Sent on 08/31/2018
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    My daughter was married at Dowd's in July. Our guests took all the guest rooms in the Inn, and the weekend had a quaint New England Village feel. We had cocktails on the patio, seated dinner in the dining room, and dancing with a fabulous band under a beautiful tent. Tami and Danielle were wonderful to work with and the reception was a ball. Definitely recommend!
  • J
    Julie Sent on 07/13/2018
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    Thank you Tami, and Danielle for everything you did to make our day so special! I had the most beautiful wedding I could have ever imagined! Our guests were so impressed with Dowd's as were we. The staff is so polite and wonderful they greet you like you're important to them, and everyone there goes above and beyond to make sure that you are truly happy! The food was fantastic and the portions were perfect! I can't thank everyone enough for all they have done. Thank you so much for making my day beautiful!
  • M
    Mary Sent on 06/14/2018
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    Love this place and everyone that works there!! The location is absolutely beautiful! Tami was great to work with. The rooms were so cute and cozy. Everything I wanted and needed they made happen. The morning after they placed our centerpieces with flowers around in the inn and dining areas so we could enjoy them when we had breakfast which was so sweet. We had some friends that were causing some trouble, Tami politely came to me and filled me in and she was happy to deal with it if I wanted her to but wanted me to have the choice of handling it. Such a great experience! I would recommend them to everyone. Food was AMAZING!!
  • S
    Sharon Sent on 05/01/2018
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    A wonderful experience! Tami and her team are fantastic!
  • S
    Shari Sent on 04/06/2017
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    If you are looking for a quaint and lovely facility for your next event, Dowd's Country Inn is the place to be. I had several Inn's I was considering, but after reading reviews, looking at the lovely food options, and the customer service, I decided to go with Dowd's Inn. Am I glad I did !! Not only was the facility exactly what I wanted, the service was superb.
  • A
    Alicia Sent on 10/18/2016
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    Book it!! As the mother of the Groom my contact with the folks at the Inn was centered around the rehearsal dinner. From my very first conversation with Meghan I felt I was working with a FRIEND not just the Inn's Events Coordinator. The whole wedding party and family members stayed at the Inn - the accommodations are second to none. The staff was amazing and willing to help with all those little things we forgot!
  • Colleen
    Colleen Sent on 06/26/2016
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    Amazing venue! I photographed a wedding here last Summer and can't wait to do it again :) Grounds and staff were amazing and very accommodating! A+ Their profile photo is one I took :)
  • User1916893 Sent on 11/11/2014
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    I would recommend this venue for those that want an amazing weekend and wedding celebration with friends and family in the upper valley area. The accommodations were perfect, food was a great value, and the property was exactly what we wanted for an outdoor ceremony and celebration. The staff and management also worked incredibly hard to accommodate all our needs- making our day that much more memorable!
  • J
    Julie Sent on 11/02/2010
    5 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    Dowds' Country Inn was the perfect country atmosphere for our wedding. The grounds were beautiful - with a pond, stone patio area, home grown vegetable gardens and flower beds. Tami and the staff were amazing and attentive during the entire wedding planning process and for the actually wedding.

    Everyone who stayed at the Inn loved the home cook breakfast every morning and the quaint rooms.

    We had our wedding ceremony (in front of the pond), cocktail hour and dinner/dancing reception all at this location. It was beyond perfect. I would recommend this place to anyone.
  • M
    Margaret Sent on 08/21/2018
    4.9 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      4.5 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    We were very happy with our wedding at Dowd's Inn. Tami and Danielle were able to take our ideas and make them into a beautiful and well-executed wedding. In the month since the wedding, we have had family and friends tell us that it was the most fun wedding they have ever been to! The work that the staff at Dowd's Inn put in to make our weekend wonderful was fantastic, and we couldn't be happier.
  • M
    Margaret L. Sent on 12/26/2018
    4.8 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      4.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating

    Dowd's Country Inn Review

    I loved having my wedding at Dowd's Country Inn and I heard nothing but good reviews from my wedding guests who stayed at the Inn. The food is delicious and Danielle the event planner was very helpful especially the week of the wedding. She even responded to my e-mails quickly on her days off. I would highly recommend this vendor.
  • C
    Caitlin Sent on 04/11/2016
    4.8 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      4.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    We could not have been more pleased with our experience with Dowds'. Tami, her family and staff were extremely welcoming and excellent to work with. From the minute our wedding weekend began everything was perfect; from the made to order breakfast the morning of the wedding to cocktail hour to the dancing that could have gone all night! The new (at the time!) patio was perfect for our outdoor cocktail hour and our guests have remarked how beautiful the location is. When our 90 degree day turned into an evening of incredible thunder, lightening and rain storms, the staff very quickly worked to move our dance floor, DJ and party inside. We would highly recommend Dowds' to anyone looking to get married in the Upper Valley!
  • User2348192 Sent on 10/03/2015
    4.4 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      3.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      4.5 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      5.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      4.5 out of 5 rating
    Would definitely recommend Dowds' for a reception. Tami Dowd and the rest of her family were incredibly friendly, willing to work with us with what we wanted, and quite flexible. The Inn was a little slow to respond to emails occasionally, but it never became much of an issue, as the Inn had us on a pretty generous timeline for planning food / guest rooms / seating arrangements / final numbers / etc. Was wonderful to work with on the day of the reception--let us borrow buckets, tables, and a lot of other things we hadn't thought to plan in advance. Turned plated dessert into buffet in the middle of the reception when we realized dessert service was going to take too long, and it didn't seem to bother them too much.

    Beautiful venue, especially at the end of September. Lovely rooms; everything you expect from a B&B, but with the added bonus of a converted barn to host a reception.
  • Louise Sent on 10/04/2016
    4.1 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      4.5 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      3.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      4.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      4.5 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      4.5 out of 5 rating
    I booked the entire inn for my son's wedding weekend in September. We did not hold the wedding reception there but the rehearsal dinner for eighty was held in Dowds' banquet room and on their patio. The gardens were beautiful at this time of year and the inn lends itself perfectly to an elegant country event. Many of my guests raved about the dinner buffet of sole, prime rib, and butternut squash. The flow from the patio to the banquet room made for an easy transition from cocktail hour to dinner. The weather cooperated so we were able to have the bar set up outside.
    All my guests enjoyed their stay at the inn which included a delicious full breakfast in a lovely new breakfast room. The staff were very accommodating to all their needs. I would not hesitate to book an event at Dowds' again.
  • T
    Timothy Sent on 08/18/2015
    3.8 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      4.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      2.5 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      4.0 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      4.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      4.5 out of 5 rating
    My wife and I held our wedding reception here, and after a year of planning, we couldn't be happier. We chose to go with an hors d'oeuvres only wedding, and while we never pre-tasted, the food was fantastic, and the guests' compliments were abundant. The atmosphere was warm and charming. The staff were attentive and friendly. Tami (the innkeeper) has done a terrific job of setting a standard that's hard to surpass for quality and value. I highly recommend Dowd's for any large-group function.
  • A
    Anne Sent on 10/27/2011
    3.2 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      4.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      2.5 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      3.5 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      3.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      3.0 out of 5 rating
    We had our wedding there this fall. The food was great, the place ended up being beautiful and compared to other venues we saw, it was a better value.

    HOWEVER, beware the extra costs that gets tacked on. You have to double check all calculations and get every conversation in writing. The "deposit" for us got taken mostly from charges we didn't even know about.

    Though our day was special and we had fun, beware of "promises" made by staff. From what I understand, the Dowds is known for these mysterious charges and sketchy practices through out the Upper Valley.
  • M
    Molly Sent on 09/27/2016
    2.9 out of 5 rating
    • Quality of service
      2.0 out of 5 rating
    • Average response time
      3.0 out of 5 rating
    • Professionalism
      2.5 out of 5 rating
    • Value
      3.0 out of 5 rating
    • Flexibility
      4.0 out of 5 rating
    Everything started out wonderfully when we began planning our reception with Dowd's. They were super accommodating regarding dietary restrictions, with the event manager at the time, Erin, even going so far as to create a menu that was supposed to be dairy and gluten-free. The grounds are beautiful and Erin seemed to "get" us and our plans, she helped us gather them into a vision and made us feel like there was little we had to do.
    All was well until I called to check in with Erin one day slightly more than a month ahead of the reception and was told that she "had to leave due to personal reasons." I spoke to the owner who assured me that our event manager had only needed a leave of absence and, if she wasn't back in time (which we doubted), the owner herself would handle our event personally.
    We met with the owner - she had none of the information that we held in our hands, in the contract. We had to go through everything, step-by-step again, a month before the reception. Also we learned we had to change linen colors for the table sizes - no big deal, picked new linen colors. We left, concerned.
    Then, a week before our reception I got a phone call from... the NEW event manager (who is WONDERFUL, and did her best despite insanity.) And the new event manager had been given half the information wrong, including table linen choices, etc. Oh right, note the lie about the owner handling it personally?
    The day of came - the place looked beautiful. We were so happy. Not a single dinner item was gluten and dairy free. Not one. Did we get money back? No, we got my meal compensated for, since I am the bride with restrictions, but not for the number of other guests who needed it too. Or the fact that we paid so much money for something they screwed up so badly? There was so much more - indoor sound failed, one poor server dropped a tray of food on a guest, several of the bartenders were very rude. Not worth the money spent, as beautiful as it was.