Ryan Mansion

Superb

A bit disappointing

Liked: Beautiful interior
Disliked: Rooms a bit rundown, as was the outside Breakfast wasn’t flexible Power problems

We had such a lovely...

Liked: The mansion was comfortable, welcoming, and full of history. We slept so well in our comfy king-size bed!
Disliked: Our hostess was a riot—she truly embodied the spirit of St. John’s!

Excellent stay in a gorgeous...

Liked: The Ryan Mansion is a gorgeous historic property. The rooms are beautiful and the daily breakfast provided was delicious. Mary was friendly and helpful and has a great sense of humor! Would definitely recommend!

Superb

Beautiful location and decor, but...

Liked: Good location (walking distance to downtown attractions) and beautiful decor and spacious room. Parking for those who need it. Interesting history to the mansion.
Disliked: Had to carry our own luggage up several flights of stairs, one set being very narrow and were told if we banged into a photo and broke it, we had to pay…not a great greeting for guests. The owner was not there and only a caretaker who was sure to inform us of her aches and pains and we felt unwelcome and guilted us to ask for anything. We had paid for a spa tub, there was one but it did not work!!! We paid for a fridge but there was none so asked how we could get milk for our morning coffee (as there were no dried milk packets). We were told we would have to come down four flights of stairs to pick up a small jug of milk to have a coffee before breakfast! And then we had to remember to bring it back if any left. There was no safe in the room (no problem for us but maybe for others). There was no iron nor board although it says there was one. There was a bar but no one to serve.The artwork may have been lovely but I suggest the owner sell some artwork and hire more staff and not leave everything to the caretaker who seemed to do everything…take reservations, prepare rooms, do laundry, make breakfast, cleaning, etc. The poor woman was overwhelmed. Breakfast was not up to the standards of a boutique hotel. This hotel, although beautiful, was not worth $500 or more a night.

The hotel appears to be...

Liked: The house is beautifully decorated, the bedrooms and bathrooms are large and comfortable, but there was no milk or sugar on the coffee tray (and no one around to request some). The public rooms downstairs are stylish and comfortable. There is a bar but it wasn't staffed and we couldn't figure out if it was an honesty bar or not so we left it alone. There is off road parking available.
Disliked: The hotel appears to be set up to suit the owners rather than the guests. It was a baffling experience. There is apparently only one member of staff, Mary, an older woman who had to have a rest after climbing two flights of stairs to our room, and informed us that she was going to put on the clothes dryer in the utility room next to us so it would be a bit noisy for a while (it was 7pm at night, why not earlier in the day?). We were offered a choice of breakfast at either 8.30am or 9.30 am which was not ideal, and although we got downstairs at 8.32am, we had to wait 15 minutes before Mary arrived who informed us that she had been there at 8.30 exactly but then had to make breakfast for the guests who'd arrived on time (ouch, especially as we had delayed going down because we didn't want to arrive too early!). We were certainly left feeling we were inconveniences rather than valued guests. The Mansion needs additional staff and help for Mary who appears to have to clean, cook and take care of the guests on her own.

Bad

Exceptional