Frequently Asked Questions



Most of this information is already located on our website. Some of these questions may seem “unusual”, but we have been asked each question multiple times.

Why do you require a deposit?
Just as a larger hotel requires a deposit, we require a one−night deposit to confirm and finalize a reservation. One−night stays require payment in full when booking.

Weddings, special events and internet specials have separate deposit policies. Please visit our
Events page for full details on Weddings & Special Events and our Specials page for the deposit policy on Internet Specials.


What is your cancellation policy?
We follow a standard cancellation policy found at most bed & breakfast properties throughout the US. Bed & breakfasts charge a cancellation fee ranging from $15 to $50, while some keep your entire deposit. With 14 days notice, our cancellation fee is $25 or you can receive a merchandise credit for the full value of your deposit to be used towards a minimum 2−night stay (nights must be consecutive) and valid for 6 months from date of cancellation. Merchandise credits are transferrable.

If canceled with less than 14 days, we issue a refund for the amount at which we can re−book the room, minus the $25 cancellation fee. For example, if your rate is $160/night, but we can only re−book the room for $140, your refund is $115 ($160 deposit, minus $25 cancellation fee, minus $20 difference in room rate). We must be able to re−book the room for the entire length of your stay. If we cannot re−book the room, your deposit is forfeited. Guests that are a “no−show”, depart early, or cancel with less than 72 hours notice from day of arrival, are responsible for the full amount of their stay.

We use 9 am EST on the day of your scheduled arrival to determine the 72 hour and 14 day cancellation period.

Weddings, special events and internet specials have separate cancellation policies. Please visit our
Events page for full details on Weddings & Special Events and our Specials page for the cancellation policy on Internet Specials.


Why is there a cancellation fee if I give more than 2 weeks notice?
The cancellation fee is not to make money but to off−set costs associated with processing a reservation and then having to cancel it. There are credit card processing fees and time to update paper and on−line reservation services for both the reservation and cancellation. While a room is reserved to a guest, we are unable to accommodate other requests and typically have to turn people away. Cancellations cost a bed & breakfast more in the end than the cancellation fee.

We do offer the option of a merchandise credit for the full amount. Merchandise credits are valid for 6 months towards a minimum 2−night stay (nights must be consecutive) and the credit is transferrable.

We encourage you to contact us before making a reservation, particularly if using our on−line reservation service, if you have any questions about your stay, our services, or policies. We offer a toll−free number (1.800.243.1107) so you may contact us with no cost to you. You can also reach us by email at
info@eastbaybnb.com.


Do you have tubs or jacuzzis?
Each of our rooms has a private bathroom with shower, toilet, and sink. Each bathroom has been updated since 2002. We do not have tubs or jacuzzis.


Do you have fireplaces?
In the winter months (November through March), our Bayside Room has an electric fireplace. Because this is our only room with fireplace, and is usually the most requested in winter, you may find a 2−night minimum on most winter weekends. There is also a wood burning stove in our living room common area.


Don't you have any more rooms?
We get this question a lot in our summer season when we have to tell people we are sold out. Accommodations in Jamestown are extremely limited and our rooms can be booked well in advance. We are always more than happy to recommend other bed & breakfast accommodations in Newport County. We only recommend properties that are licensed, and that we have personally visited and know the innkeeper and quality of property they operate.


Do you allow children?
We welcome children over the age of 12 at any time. Well−behaved children between 6 and 12 are welcome at the discretion of the innkeepers, and by prior arrangement. We may not be able to honor your reservation if we have not been made aware that young children are traveling with you.

We are unable to accommodate infants and children under the age of 5. We have done so in the past and it has not been successful. However, depending on when you are visiting, particularly mid−week and in the off−season, it is easier for us to accommodate younger children − so just ask.

The innkeepers do have a toddler living with them in their quarters.


Do you allow pets?
We are unable to accommodate pets but will happily supply one of our own. There are 2 cats living in the inn and they are not fond of four−legged visitors. Luxor is very friendly and we call him our “concierge”. He loves guests and will come into your room if you allow him. If he is not welcome, we ask that you keep your door closed. Bristol is our older cat and she is not sociable. Both cats are indoor only cats, fixed and declawed.

We also have fish if you like less furry friends.


What is your homemade breakfast?
Breakfast is included with your stay and is served in our Dining Room from 8:30 to 9:30 am. We serve a hot entree (such as omellettes, french toast, or pancakes), breakfast meats, fresh fruit and breakfast pastry. The menu is set by the “chef” daily − the longer you stay with us, the more entrees you can enjoy! Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions prior to arrival and we will do our best to accommodate your requests.


Can I get a reduced rate if I don’t want breakfast?
We do not offer additional discounts if you choose not to have breakfast.


Why do you charge 13% tax?
Because of our number of rooms, we are required to collect 7% Rhode Island state tax and 6% hotel & lodging tax in addition to the daily rate. We would love to say that we “charge” tax, but we purely collect it. It comes in and goes right back out to the State of Rhode Island.


Do you offer AAA discounts?
We are not AAA rated and do not offer AAA discounts. AAA rating involves an application fee and approvaln process that we have chosen not to pursue at this time. Instead, we offer a number of packages and
specials throughout the year, as well as wedding, special events, corporate, weekly (over 5 nights) and military rates.

We are members of the Newport County Bed & Breakfast Association and the Newport County Inns and Bed & Breakfasts Association, both of which promote high standards of cleanliness, comfort, hospitality, and safety. Membership in both organizations is limited and we are required to pass inspections to gain and maintain membership.

We invite any potential guest to stop by for a tour to see our facilities.


Why do I need to tell you when I will be checking in?
Our check−in time is 4 pm to 6 pm. If you would like to come earlier or later, please let us know before your arrival. If your room is ready early, you can certainly check−in, or at least drop your bags off if the room is not ready.

If you will have a late arrival, it is extremely important that you tell us prior to your arrival. We may assume that you are a “no−show” and your room may be given to another client − particularly during the busy summer season when we have a fair amount of walk−in traffic.


How far are you from Newport?
Newport is right across Narragansett Bay from us. It is approximately 5 miles by car (about a 10 minute drive). Newport can be very busy during the summer season, especially on holiday and event weekends. Your 10 minute drive can turn into 30+ minutes depending on where you are going in Newport and parking can be difficult to find. Most street parking is by permit only for residents. There are many parking lots with daily rates from $10 to $20.

To avoid traffic, you can take the
Jamestown Newport Ferry over to Newport. The trip is about 30 minutes and boats run mid−June through mid−September. We sell round−trip tickets for $13 ($15 value).


Can I bike over to Newport?
Bicycling is not permitted on the Newport Bridge. You can take your bike on the
Jamestown Newport Ferry for an additional charge and spend the day biking in Newport.

And, Jamestown is great for biking. Talk with Greg about where to bike − he loves to pedal around our island!


Do you have bikes we can use?
We do not have bikes for guests’ use. There are several places in Newport and Narragansett where you can rent bikes by the day.


Is there an iron and ironing board?
There is one in the hall closet right outside the guest rooms for your use. We ask that you put it back when done so other guests may use as well. For safety reasons, we cannot store irons in guest rooms.


Do you have coffee pots or microwaves in the room?
Town regulations prohibit us from providing any sort of “cooking” equipment in our guest rooms. There is plenty of coffee available in the Dining Room each morning to get you going and there is access to a microwave by request.


Is there a refrigerator in the room?
We do have a small refrigerator that may be available for your use. Priority is given to guests who have longer stays.


How far is The Bay Voyage?
We are just over a ½ mile from The Bay Voyage. On a nice day, it is a scenic walk along the water with views of Narragansett Bay and Newport.


Where are you located in Jamestown?
If you are familiar with Jamestown, we are one block south of Narragansett Avenue − where the shops and restaurants are located. We are 3 houses from the water at East Ferry Wharf (where the
Jamestown Newport Ferry is located), right up the street from the Community Center and BankNewport.

Visit our interactive map of downtown Jamestown to see where we are located.


How far are you from the shops and restaurants?
Most of Jamestown’s shops and restaurants are literally right behind our building. Just walk around the corner and you have access to downtown Jamestown.


How close are you to the water?
We are three houses from East Ferry Wharf and Narragansett Bay.


Do you have water views?
Our water views are limited and obstructed by trees at the end of our street. We are only 3 houses from the water so the views are perfect just steps from our front door.


How close is the beach?
The closest beach is at East Ferry. It is a smaller beach (not too wide) and there is no lifeguard stationed there. But it is perfect for a dip or if you want to catch some rays. There are other beaches throughout Jamestown with limited non−resident parking. If you are a real beach enthusiast and want to spend all day at the beach, we would recommend some of the beaches in Middletown (Newport) or even Narragansett. These are larger beaches with dunes, rolling waves, and lifeguards. You pay a daily rate to park which gives you access to the beach.


Do you have guest rooms on the first floor?
All of our guest rooms are located on the second floor and common areas (living room and dining room) are on the first floor.


What is your best room?
We do not rate our rooms as “better” or “best”. Each room is uniquely decorated with some being more romantic or casual and comfortable than others.


Do you have an elevator?
No, we do not have an elevator. All of our guest rooms and baths are located on the second floor and common areas (living room and dining room) are on the first floor.


Do you have a pool?
No, we do not have a pool.


How far are you from the airport?
We are 25 miles from TF Green Airport in Providence. The drive takes approximately 30 minutes. The next closest airport is Logan Airport in Boston (1 ½ hours away) and then Hartford Airport (2 hours away). LaGuardia and JFK in NYC are 3 hours away.


How close are you to the train station?
We are a 30 minute drive to either the Kingston train station or Providence train station. Kingston services Amtrak and Providence services both Amtrak and Boston commuter trains (MBTA). Cab service is available from either station.


What do I need to do to make a reservation?
You may call us at 1.800.243.1107 or
Check Availability & Make Reservations on−line.