The Inns of Newport -- Cleveland House

Well what's not to like about Newport, Rhode Island?  It's hard to be critical of anything when you've had such a great weekend of sailing, dining and entertainment among good friends.  The Inns of Newport, however, has inspired me to finally start this blog.  Their web site is beautiful, the managers talk of luxury and yet there was so much lacking that I can not recommend it.  First the good news; The Inns of Newport are convenient to downtown.  You can walk everywhere and yet it is still quiet. The beds are comfortable and the bedding of a good quality.  Rooms are small as you would expect in many B&Bs and showing wear and there is the feeling an update is in order. That alone would not inspire my negativity. Lack of care might be the best way to put it.  Switched to a room with the promise that it would fit four easily and be fitted with luxury bedding, I now realize they needed the third room that I gave up for other guests. The room was not set up for four until late in the evening with complaint, and much scuring around to find a rollaway bed and mismatched sheets.  There were not towels for four and the next day bathrooms in either of the rooms were not cleaned or given towels and toiletries. Breakfast, although the cook and waitress struggled to keep up, because two large groups had been assigned the same dining time was chaotic. Guests ended up dragging tables and chairs together, clearing dishes and going next door repeatedly for coffee. The coffee situation did not improve the second day. The managers promise, apologize and then ridicule staff. The food, made to order was good, but a simpler menu or more wait staff would alleviate the disjointed service.

This could be such a pleasant place, but lack of coordination of staff and lack of enough seasoned staff is the problem.  The managers talk about guests and staff to guests. Not cool! A few extras like a bowl of warm cookies to return to at the end of the day wouldn't hurt either. Okay, maybe we should not push our luck.

Any one have suggestions of B&B's in Newport? Beautiful town. Great food.  Lots to do.

Tomorrows Blog will concentrate on possible simple menues and measures to streamline breakfast whether for a B&B or weekend guests.