My husband and I have stayed in perhaps most of the B&B's in Newport over time. We are used to bringing our beautiful Westie with us, so our choice of places has been limited. This time, the dog stayed home and we "lived it up". The Malbone B&B was absolutely the best choice to do so. We arrived on St. Patrick's Day and the crowds were there too. Had lunch at The Griswold Cafe and would highly recommend staying away from that spot. It was terrible, to say the least. We could not get in to town to go to our old haunts at lunchtime as the roads were closed off. Once arriving at the Malbone, we knew we were in for a treat. It is beautiful...decorated with lovely paintings and lots of white and blue dishware. We stayed in the back house and shared it with a delightful couple from New Jersey. Coffee is brought to that section in the morning which is a big treat. Everything is spacious, great sitting areas, a fully equiped kitchen in the downstairs area. It was very quiet despite the leftover revelers out on Thames Street. The staff was very gracious, and I believe, as in every other review I have read of the Malbone, that their breakfast menu is excellent. You are cheerfully greeted in the morning, and service is right on target. So, doggie, you will be staying home next time we visit the Malbone...it's our turn for a treat, which this place is.

My wife (newlyweds) and I have stayed here since our first summer together. We just booked our 5th trip to Malbone for August of this year. We absolutely love this inn.

Will and Ann Marie are top tier when it comes to management. From start to finish, we have ALWAYS had a pleasant stay here. We are younger (I am 30, she is 29) and this is a perfect romantic spot for anyone. The breakfast is 5 star and they have afternoon tea and snacks that would make Chef Michel Willaume proud.

Will always makes sure to speak to you personally and all of the staff has that extra touch of class that makes this spot my favorite vacation every year.

Frank and Danielle

Well, the inn is beautiful, but I cannot recommend the innkeepers. I booked two nights there last year as a much needed getaway. At the time, our daughter was 3 months old. I missed the small bullet point hidden down a long list on the info page saying that only children over twelve were welcome. When I called to ask a quick question (whether there was a refridgerator available to guests) and mentioned the baby, the innkeeper informed me that infants were not allowed.

I have no problem with this policy, but the kicker is that the innkeeper refused to cancel our reservation! (It was a week from the time of the call). He was adamant that we had two options-- either come without the baby, or pay the full price and not come. We had no options for childcare that weekend, and I couldn't see paying a very hard-earned $400 to not stay there. I would have much preferred cancellation and a refund of our money.

I fought him on this, and he finally agreed to let us come with the baby, but to stay in an adjoining property (and he charged us more than the orginal booking because this was supposedly some sort of deluxe room!). He was rude and abrupt during our stay, made it clear that the baby was not welcome at breakfast, and we felt an intense sense of "frostiness" from the staff throughout our stay.

I'd say that the long-term solution would be to much more prominently feature the rule that children are not allowed on the website and in literature about the inn, and to clarify that rule with guests as they book rooms. That said, a three month old is pretty damned easy to travel with and quiet-- I am sure no other guest even heard a peep out of her during our two nights there. Regardless, I will never go back.

We have had the pleasure of staying at the Francis Malbone House on many occasions. After several stays at various Inns and Beds and Breakfasts in the area, we cannot reccommend this Inn more highly. Once discovered, we would never consider staying any place else. The Inn itself is convenveniently located to all, charming and inviting throughout and just about the most pleasant place we have ever had the pleasure to visit. The Inn is beautiful; each room decorated in a magestic yet inviting manner and impeccably presented. We have stayed in many of the offered rooms and each experience has been a real treat. The common areas are cozy and inviting, where you can make fast friends with other guests or chose to relax and unwind privately. And get ready for many tasty treats...From the delicious and generous gourmet breakfasts to the enchanting afternoon tea and goodies banquets, your tastebuds will dance with delight. What makes your experience at this Inn all the more enchanting is the friendly, receptive, accomodating and detail oriented staff. We wish we could take each and every one home with us. The website reveals that the Inn is a Five Star Diamond Award Destination ~ but surely we would bestow them with a Six!