I stayed at the Doryman's Inn for one night on the recommendation of a waitress at the Tommy Bahama's in Newport Beach. (Gorgeous food, friendly staff. Go eat at the Tommy Bahama's.)

It's got great location, right on the Newport Beach peninsula and across from the pier. You couldn't ask for a better place. The hotel also wins for:
* making a last second reservation for me over the phone (9 pm on the night of)
* decent shower, both pressure and space (for an old building, I was surprised)
* comfort and fun stuff in the inn (wish I'd had a chance to stay longer in order to use the furniture; also wish I'd gotten to stay in a larger room)

The hotel fails, however, on:
* food. This is not a bed and breakfast. It's a "bed and maybe a rubbery, store-bought muffin or scone that you fix for yourself". If you want a good breakfast or the company of fellow-travelers (as many who enjoy B&B's do), this breakfast will disappoint.
* service. Want to know where to go? Wondering where to get breakfast? Expect much more than "here's your key, please don't talk because people are already sleeping (9:30pm)"? Well, you won't get it. The staff are friendly enough, but nothing to write home about.

If breakfast were included or I'd gotten to see a larger room, I'd say this was a great B&B. As it was, I'm going to call it overpriced, but nice with great location. Also, the hidden staircase is awesome.

Newport Beach; Doryman's Inn - Bogus B.& B.
Date; January 11th 2009
Reviewer; Deanna from San Diego, CA.

I love to travel and do so quite regularly. My passion is to explore new "B.& B.'s" all over California. Having heard the Fisherman's lore and history of the Doryman Inn, and already experiencing so many numerous other B.&B.'s, I decided for a visit timed right on my birthday. I checked into a room oceanfront, which I had pre-screened. Nice view, cozy room, however there were a couple minor issues; a non-working phone, and broken lights. The room was poorly lit as a result of the missing fixtures. The phone was a problem as I had to use a land-line that evening for something, and had no access. I had to postpone a B.D. phone visit w/ someone till the following morning, when I was offered the use of another (empty) room's phone! But the WORST of the Inn's offerings is their "breakfast"(?) This was the positively worst and substandard array of 'nothings', I have ever seen at B. & B.s anywhere! To bill themselves as a classical B. & B. is beyond truthfulness - there was a bed but NO decent breakfast to be found..... that is, unless you call "packaged cereals, stone-hard muffins and scones, greasy, pre-packaged mini-quiches the size of paper-clips and cold boiled eggs, traditional B.& B. fare" ..........I have known and experienced better at several authentic, B. & B.'s. all over the state!! Baked goods are freshly done generally, right ON the premises. Juices and teas are usually presented and the eggs are cooked - not boiled!! The Inn's managment here no doubt is trying to cut corners on their brkfst. costs - and it shows!! Their 'assembly line' presentation is inferior and I wouldn't even donate such food to the local Mission! The 'down and out' would think twice before eating this garbage. It was bad. And for 175.00 a night, definitely not worth the wasted $$$. The room styles can be down-graded or up-graded in price and ammenities, but remember: you may be getting a bed, but you will NOT be getting a breakfast!! (Anything worth eating anyways) In the true spirit of a "traditional" Bed and Breakfast" this place misses the mark and is over-stating themselves on their brochures and other media. I have literally experienced far more filling and generous complimentary breakfasts, at a "Days Inn" motel!! I have since heard "on the grapevine" that a former disgruntled guest, had reported an incident to the local Better Business Bureau for resolution. For those who would like a referral to some very lovely, traditional B.& B.'s up the CA. coast, please feel free to write and inquire! End result: Birthday bummer!!

We really liked the atmosphere here.... an authentic Newport Beach experience with the harbor, the ocean. The restaurant was great, the service friendly.

We found the Doryman online and loved the concept of a beachside bed and breakfast. It was one of the most pleasant stays we've had. Leaving our windows open, we went to sleep each night to the sound of ocean waves. The breakfast was always good and you could sit out on the balcony looking over the ocean and pier. Free parking is included in your room price along with breakfast. This makes the price very reasonable. We are looking forward to going back as soon as possible and staying in the same room.