We visited Galena for the first time to celebrate our anniversary. Rita was a gracious hostess, the breakfasts were outstanding. We had the suite, which overlooks downtown and the river - just beautiful.

The Hellman House is very convenient to downtown shopping and dining, and the views from the top of the hill are amazing. Being on the hill, though, means that even though it's only 3 blocks to downtown, returning home is a 3 block walk straight uphill.

We highly recommend staying at Hellman House.

As a veteran I support businesses that support us. I got a flyer through my job for a special offer for veterans for Veterans Day. I called Hellman Guest House and spoke with Rita, the hostess and made a reservation. My wife and I are from Chicago but have family in Rockford and Freeport, which is the next major town to Galena. Unless you are familiar with the area, I do not recommend making this drive after sunset. The roads are hilly, curvy and the speed limit dips quickly when approaching several small towns along the way.
We arrived and could see that it was a place out of time. When we entered we felt like we had been transported into a simpler era. Rita had an old fashioned Christmas tree up, with mostly hand made ornaments. The wooden chairs and tables looked to be antiques. This was a place that my grandmother may have felt familiar growing up in.
The room was small and quaint, decorated with children's nightshirts and a sink in the room. A bit of a tight fit for myself, my wife and 2yr old junior. We couldn't get an overnight sitter so we had to bring him. But Rita didn't mind at all.
Breakfast was amazing, a German pancake with powdered sugar. Fresh OJ and coffee. My family were the only guests but we didn't mind. Since we had never stayed at a B&B it gave us a chance to learn a lot more about them and about out hostess. Our son really warmed up to her. We spent the rest of the day out but looked forward to getting back. We ordered a pizza for the night and turned in as other guests were arriving.
The next morning was just as amazing, apple-caramel muffins, banana nut bread french toast, bacon, cantaloupe and grapes. My son insisted that Rita help feed him, which is a first for anyone other than family. We met the two other couples who had checked in and spent the rest of breakfast swapping stories and talking. Turns out that the guys were both veterans.
Our experience with Hellman Guest House and Rita was top notch. I've traveled all over these united states and stayed in many motels and hotels, all of which now seem so cold and impersonal compared to our experience with this B&B. I wish we had only done it sooner.

This was our first trip to Galena and we loved it. The Hellman Guest House was lovely. Rita was a very nice hostess. She was very knowledgeable about the area and gave us good advice about restaurants and museums. Our first breakfast was an amazing banana nut bread french toast. She served it with lots of fresh fruit. And homemade scones--delicious. We stayed in the master suite and it was very nice. Neat little private balcony with a great view. (I imagine it would be absolutely gorgeous in the Fall) We probably could have walked down to Main Street but we chose to drive because I was concerned about the walk back up the hill. :)

We had heard about Hellman House through the bridal shop in Dubuque Cheryl Ann's. We were looking for a place to have a quiet wedding. The gardens feature a waterfall and other great water fountains as well as excellent flowers and wildlife. Rita was super. She made sure we had everything we asked for, as well as some unexpected treats. The weather was perfect, and she made sure that there were no distractions while we prepared. She had beverages on ice, and even made a sandwich for one of our guests who was pregnant and felt a little hungry. After our ceremony she had some really awesome snacks set up in the dining room and champagne on ice. People could also hang outside on the porch that simply has one of the best views ever. We then went downtown to a restaurant called One Eleven Main, and had an awesome meal. Rita had recommended this as well. We then returned to the Hellman House. I went upstairs to change and much to my amazement they had already taken the photos they had been taking throughout the day to a local developer, and had the pictures mounted in an album, along with a card and video of the ceremony laying on the bed. What a thoughtful gesture.
We then had a delightful time on the porch talking with a few of our guests as well as other people staying there that night. The next morning was a great breakfast and more conversation. All in all a tremendous experience and we plan on returning again in the future! Thanks Rita!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!