Francis Malbone House Inn

If there is such a thing as the perfect bed-and-breakfast, the Francis Malbone House Inn might just be it. Once the private home of a wealthy Newport merchant named Francis Malbone, the 18th century Georgian mansion has been painstakingly preserved throughout its years. In 1989, the current owners purchased the home and converted it into a nine room inn, striving to restore the house to its original Colonial glory. In 1996, additional rooms were added to the house in order to accommodate more guests. Today, there are 18 rooms at the Francis Malbone House Inn, many of which are referred to by returning guests as “theirs.” Upon arrival, guests are greeted at the front door by one of three innkeepers. There is no lobby or formal reception area at the Francis Malbone, instead guests ring the doorbell and are welcomed inside as if they were entering a private home. The small foyer is flanked by two rooms on either side -- two parlors, a library, and a dining room. Each room features exquisite period details, from original paneling and molding, to Colonial-style writing desks and portraits, including one of Francis Malbone himself. Throughout the day, guests -- mostly adults, as children under 12 are not allowed at the inn -- mingle with the innkeepers in the common areas, read by one of the many fireplaces, or enjoy the lovely outdoor courtyard in the warmer months.   

Located on Thames Street, a bustling harborside thoroughfare with great shopping and dining, the Francis Malbone House Inn is truly in the heart of downtown Newport. This central spot is ideal for first time visitors to Newport because there are many attractions within close proximity. The famed Newport mansions on Bellevue Avenue are about eight minutes away by car. The beginning of the Cliff Walk, a lovely three and a half mile cliff-side path that meanders along the coast, is within a four-minute drive. Driving to Easton’s Beach will take about five minutes, and Second Beach will take around eight. T.F. Green Airport is 35 minutes by car, while the city of Providence is about 45 minutes. 

There are a few different room types at the Francis Malbone, the biggest difference being their location, either in the original part of the home, or the addition. As far as decor is concerned, all rooms are elegantly decorated in 18th century Colonial style with traditional furnishings like four-poster beds and wing-back chairs. However guests may notice that rooms in the older wing have original hardwood floors and moldings, and much smaller closets than their newer counterparts. Bathrooms vary greatly in size from room to room; some have two-person whirlpool tubs while others have walk-in showers…and some have both. All have marble finishes and feature Chadsworth and Haig bathrobes and Elemis toiletries. Potential guests should note that there is a two-night minimum stay requirement on all weekends. Guests with mobility issues should request a room on the ground floor, as there is no elevator at the Francis Malbone.   

Though the Francis Malbone House Inn lacks a pool, spa, fitness center, or on-site restaurant, it does offer a few nice amenities. First, there is free parking behind the hotel in a private lot, a true convenience in the busy area around Thames Street. Next, the hotel offers free Wi-Fi, which is both fast and reliable. And finally, perhaps the Francis Malbone’s best feature is the free breakfast and afternoon tea served daily. Every day, guests are invited to the inn’s main dining room to enjoy a freshly prepared breakfast. There is a small cold buffet of pastries, muffins, fresh fruit, granola, and cereals, and guests are welcome to choose between two hot entrees, usually one savory and one sweet. Items like Eggs Florentine, mixed berry crepes, lemon poppyseed waffles, and huevos rancheros make a regular appearance on the breakfast menu. Afternoon tea is taken seriously at the Francis Malbone, and many guests return from their day’s activities so as not to miss out on the afternoon’s small feast. Along with tea and coffee, guests are treated to items like freshly baked fruit tarts, lemon squares, cranberry scones, grilled vegetable pizza, bruschetta, hot dips, and homemade soup on Saturdays in the winter.