The Narrows Bed & Breakfast

We booked online for our first Newfoundland trip, a visit with my mother, my 24 year old daughter, and me. Anne greeted us at the door and let us choose between the first-floor room we had requested and an upstairs room off the dining room that she recommended, with enough space for all our things. Our room stayed spotless and cozy, but the mornings with Anne, Brenda, and the other staff were the best part. There was good food, warmth, humor, and plenty of help and local knowledge, including little stories you won't find in guidebooks. Guests from out of town and even a local honeymoon couple soon felt at ease, sharing stories and smiles. Coffee, tea, and snacks were available all day in the living and dining room. The quiet road was just a little way from the town's nightlife, coffee shops, stores, and places to jog. Strongly recommend The Narrows!

The women who run this lovely little B&B are unbelievably wonderful. The darling rooms have their own bathrooms and mini fridges, and they're very clean. Breakfast is amazing, with lots of local jams, and the cooks accommodate different diets. Only one person cooks each individual meal at a time, so there can be a short wait, but they make delicious food quickly. There's seating and a TV if you need to wait, with coffee and tea ready too. I've seen people complain about waiting, but expecting everything instantly seems unfair. The wait is only about 10 minutes at most, and the B&B is on Jellybean row in downtown St. John’s, within walking distance of almost everything.

The Narrows B&B was perfect for getting around on foot. We walked up to Signal Hill and along the North Head trail one day, then to Quidi Vidi and Sugarloaf another, and through downtown St. John's every day. We had no car and got around easily; tours can pick you up at the door if needed, and there are great restaurants nearby. Lisa and Ann were lovely hosts, sharing local stories and banter around the kitchen table each morning and keeping us laughing. The breakfasts were delicious. We loved our stay and will be back!

The place felt safe, and getting in was easy with a code that opens the front door deadbolt. I stayed in one of the four rooms downstairs near the main entrance. It’s an old house with hardwood floors, so some sound carries between levels. The owner lives upstairs, which wasn’t a big deal unless you’re trying to turn in very early. The facilities were clean, and breakfast was a good American-style spread. I’m guessing the owner might be able to do another style if you ask ahead, but that’s only an assumption, not a guarantee. The location is close to lots of St. John's attractions. I’d arrived by bus from Port aux Basque after a 14-hour trip, and was ready to walk around and see what I wanted. I haven’t stayed anywhere else in St. John's, though I’ve traveled extensively.