Group trip - we stayed in 4 of the rooms at the Mandolin Inn for a weekend. Great location in Dubuque - walking distance of historic downtown and restaurants. Rooms were very nice, clean and decent sized, particularly given that they're in a 1908 house.

Owner is very welcoming (drinks in our hands within 3 minutes of walking through the door) and very eager to make sure experience is a good one.

There are 2 cats living throughout the house.

Superb historic Bed & Breakfast. Wonderful Innkeeper who makes you feel at home. Our family thoroughly enjoyed our stay. From available games and movies for kids and family, to the unique antiques, nothing has been left out to make your stay a memorable experience. And the breakfast was A+++. Highly recommend and we definately will return on our next trip into town.

A group of us just returned from a stay at the Mandolin Inn, and had a good time. Amy, the owner, is a bit of a diamond-in-the-rough, but gives a great tour and history of the house. She was very generous with her complmentary glasses of wine she served us upon arrival, and keeps a supply of port and sherry for anyone to enjoy at any time.
However it should be noted that her ad, advertising this B&B as "Rated one of USA Today's 'Ten Best in the World'", is misleading. What she leaves out is that at one time it was rated as one of the top ten best B&B's that serve you breakfast in bed, which she no longer does!! From the moment I walked in, I knew this was no top ten property, although it is acceptable. Also, it should be noted that the property is located in a somewhat questionable part of town. Our stay was enjoyable, and, with a couple reservations, would recommend staying here.

The Mandolin Inn is a stately home bordering a slightly marginal neighborhood in Dubuque, IA.

While the furnishings are lovely and historic, the best thing about the Mandolin Inn is its inn keeper, Amy Boynton.

Along with the quite reasonable room rates, Amy provides a detailed tour of the entire house, pointing out its most interesting features. She also gives you a sense of the history of the area, tips on activities that may be of interest, restaurant suggestions, etc. We truly felt pampered during our stay.

The rooms are all furished with antiques, and a few have private porches (though the front porch of the house is the best).

Breakfast was delicious.

We will return, as there is much to see and do in the Dubuque/Galena area.