Brooks Guesthouse has a great deal of charm and the staff are each wonderful. I love old buildings and typically seek out older buildings to stay in. But older buildings do have eccentricities and what is charm to one person might frustrate another.
My room did not quite have the period aesthetic I expected from the photos on the website. The toilet frequently required multiple flushes (3-10), the basement room often had that slight basement smell unless the screenless windows were open, and the steps can be rather steep and not wide enough to carry a suitcase by your side (which means the luggage must be carried in front of you or behind you - tough if they are heavy). Also the keyhole to the room was so low on the door you pretty much have to crouch on the floor to manipulate the very stubborn key in the lock. Street traffic can be a little loud at times from the front side of the building where I was.
But the bed was comfortable, the location is excellent, the staff is friendly, and ultimately it was a very pleasant place to stay. The landscaping is obviously cared for. The common rooms are simple and homey. So if you let yourself simply view the unpleasant bits as eccentric period charm – part of the adventure, you will enjoy your stay here. Ultimately there is far more good than not. It is about a 1/2 mile walk east to restaurants, theater, shops. A 1/2 mile walk north takes you to the Crescent and the park and the Circus shops. I recommend it if you are a good sport.