Iron Gate Inn

My fiancée and I decided to do a small elopement style wedding 6 weeks ago. I immediately called iron gate inn to reserve the days/​nights needed. At first, Ken, the owner was really accommodating and helpful. We met him with a week later and went over everything we wanted. I didn’t receive a quote until 3 weeks later. At that time I paid him the deposit. We agreed that I would pay the remaining the day I got there with a cashiers check. He didn’t inform me that apparently he does not have a bank account for the iron gate inn and that my cashiers check needed to be redone but he needed the money the next day (my wedding day, a Saturday!) the closest bank was 45 min away so he agreed on a personal check. The next day he decided he wanted the cashiers check back but didn’t have my personal check with him. He also wanted 2 card numbers on file, one for back up incase my personal check didn’t go through and another for accidentals. He threw a fit because I wanted to write my own card number down and he wouldn’t let me. I checked in the day before my wedding and he knew I was having my family over to help set up. He was not ready. Did not have enough table cloths or chair covers. Didn’t help move any furniture, and locked the kitchen door when he left after we agreed (a few weeks ago) that we would have full access since no other guests were staying. The only open bathroom outside of my bedroom is also right next to the kitchen, so at that point, when he left everyone who wanted to use the bathroom had to go upstairs to my bedroom and to. Friday night, I stayed there with my 2 bridesmaids. We all showered the next morning and of course slept in the bed. That night after the wedding, my bridesmaids left for their hotel room. The sheets were not changed nor did my husband and I have fresh towels. Disgusting. He showed up 2 ½ hours late the day of the wedding with the chair covers and table cloths. Didn’t have enough to chairs. He had about 10 – 15 DIRTY padded black chairs, 10 folding chairs, & 6 nice wooden chairs. He neglected to tell me until 2 days before that his chair covers don’t fit the folding chairs. During the ceremony we had to use the metal black patio chairs for the remaining guests. He had known for 6 weeks that I was having a small wedding of ³⁵⁄₄₀ people, more than enough time to provide the right amount of chairs. He threw a fit that we brought alcohol in even after he agreed we could. Part of the wedding package included a «get ready room» for the guys. I had to remind him of that, then he opened room # 5 which does not include a bathroom inside. The bathroom is down the hallway. I had to ask him, along with several other people to open the bathroom up. I wanted to use it after I put my dress on because the bathroom in my room was way too small for me with a huge wedding dress on. He just couldn’t understand why I could not use the bathroom in my room. Come on, it’s pretty obvious. Then, some of the groomsmen and my now husband left their stuff in that room. One of the groomsmen got it out but then, ken LEFT the b&b to head home (and did not tell the person who PAID him he left!) and my husbands stuff was still in there. I called him and ken had the nerve to ask «well does he need it tonight??» I said «yes he does so please come back and open the door» he told me he was still in town, yet it took him nearly an hour to get there! I paid him $ 20 each for a pitcher of tea & lemonade (apparently 60 cups each) and he failed to provide either.
This morning, we had a bridal shower brunch. He told me last night that we would be back this morning to help with it. I even paid him $ 100 for the space & for his help. By 2pm, he had still not showed up. I am a huge dog lover, but the last thing I wanted to deal with was dogs when trying to set up for my wedding. He brought his dogs with him both Friday and Saturday, the day of my wedding! I was not happy, although they were cute little dogs. The bathroom downstairs for my guests to use during the reception was dirty and did not have a hand towel. The hallway bathroom upstairs (as mention above) was messy and again, did not have a hand towel. The «get ready room» for the guys to use was dirty and the bed was messy. Ken Elliott has put more stress on me and my family during my wedding than any bride should ever have to deal with. He was not a good host. His accommodations were awful. He has horrible customer service. I always like to give small business a chance first and help support communities rather than corporations, but I will never be returning and will not be recommending any place that Ken Elliott runs. I can not image how someone can be so heartless and selfish to a bride on the day of & the day before her wedding day. I called the Kansas star Hampton inn and they got us right in. Had a room available and have been very accommodating. I told them our story and they were mortified to hear of this. NEVER stay here, or anywhere that Ken runs/​owns.

I see that Iron Gate is for sale. I hope a new buyer with expertise in running a B and B will buy this lovely property. I am not surprised at all that Mr. Learner could not bring people to the house.

Stayed here during thanksgiving while visiting my aunt and grandmother in Winfield. This charming historic 1885 house was beautiful renovated and carefully furnished we simply loved the décor and all the amenities. Each room has it’s own bathroom and small flat screen. I highly recommend this place if you’re in the area.