The Mansion Inn, New Hope

While the outside of the Mansion Inn is beautiful, the inside left something to be desired--the inn is understandably old and needs updating. The bathroom needed a good cleaning, as it smelled a bit moldy. But it's the owner who needs a lesson in hospitality--she was cold and rude, answering questions in a curt, unfriendly manner, as if she was being imposed on. For $375 a night, you'd expect more courtesy and professionalism.

So, we heard that the mansion inn had a new chef, so my finacee and I decided to give it a shot. Apparently the chef is a well pedigreed chef with alot of experience in fine dining. Some friends had a great meal there and passed the information on to us. The appetizers were spectacular: The Scallops tasted like they came off the boat that morning, and the lobster bisque actually tasted like lobster (how novel), not just a crappy lobster base with a touch of brandy, but ACTUAL LOBSTER!!! The entrees were equally impressive, I had the Halibut (with citrus braised beets) Absolutely sublime (which, to me, is the highest rating i can give). My fiancees pork which, according to the menu is grown locally, was juicy, tender, and cooked to a tee. All I can say is Kudos to the new chef...I just wish i had the chance to shake his hand in person! Lookng forward to returning soon

It's unfortunate when an amazing restaurant is disappointing two times in a row. My husband and I eat here for either lunch or dinner whenever we visit New Hope, an average of 7 times a years for the past 9 years. The last two times that we have gone has been a disaster. We went for dinner in mid-December, our waiter was very rude and abrupt. We were rushed and in and out of there in 50 minutes. That included drinks, appetizers, our meal and coffee. In the past we spend between an hour and a half to two hours, and and our bill is always over $120 easy. But for the rushed atmosphere on a Tuesday night and the dining room being half full, it was inexcusable. On top of it, my husband's filet was not med-rare like ordered, but dry and over-cooked. Couldn't relay this to our waiter for over 15 minutes since he was nowhere to be seen. And one small detail that should be taken care of, the very dusty and faded silk flowers have to go. Then last Sunday, the day after Valentine's Day, we stopped in for lunch. On the posted lunch menu outside there was the usual entrees with scallops, steak and a lamb dish. We went in and were seated (on the wall was dried splatters of some drink) and we ordered a $32 bottle of Reisling. Only to be handed the replacement paper lunch menu since they were out of everything except their sandwiches. We ordered the usual lobster bisque which was overly spicy and salty, myself, the ham and cheese croissant (dried out) and my husband got the hamburger, and it was gray and tiny. When told our waiter that we were not happy, he got an attitude and came back 20 minutes later with our check. Didn't even ask if we wanted coffee or anything else. In all, both times were a very upsetting experience and we won't be going back again to be burned three times in a row. Which is unfortunate since this is where I always take my mom for her birthday in March. I am just so upset with whomever took over/managing this establishment. It was a place that I would tell my friends and family that you HAVE to go to at least once. Get a great bottle of wine, try some amazing food and relax in a nice atmosphere, and have superior service. But The Mansion Inn is not this type of place anymore. We'll be going somewhere else from now on. I suggest the same for you.

My husband and I went to the Mansion Inn just for dinner as I heard rave reviews about the food. Everything was delicious; however, my husbands filet was very overcooked. He did manage to eat it, but it was dry and took him a LONG time to get it down. Just a warning for everyone looking to go and enjoy a nice, romantic dinner - if you're ordering the steak, make it CLEAR as to how you expect it to be prepared.

We have gone to the Mansion Inn for over 6 years. We made a reservation three months in advance, but found out our babysitters would be in Florida. We called two days after making the reservation and found out that they charged us over $40.00 (7%) to cancel. They also charged us a holiday rate that was not disclosed. This transaction was three months before the date of the reservation!! This fee is contrary to their written policy and the policy stated on the internet, they do not have a holiday rate identified on their website nor the service fee. On the contrary, the website and our paperwork says if you cancel more than 21 days prior you get a full refund! We called three times to find out why they charged us 7% and told them that they cannot do this. They did it anyway. Wow. The Bank Card customer service we called never heard of such a thing. Is this legal??? They really need to stop making rules as they go along because they lost two loyal inn guests all over $43.00.

The rooms are very comfortable.The sheets are very high thread count making them lovely to sleep in. We stayed in the two king size bed suites,and would stay in them aqain,once for Thanksgiving and again on Valentines Day.The dining is delicious,and the portions of good size.If one is looking for an experience other than the average hotel, and admires Old Time Class stay two nights.

We have been going to New Hope for years. Wanted to stay at the inn for the wrap around porch and wicker chairs and a lovley garden. When made reservations...not told that a restaurant was put into play....the library and sitting rooms were now made into dining rooms...and the porch and garden, as well... Very disappointing.....and breakfast was served in the room and very small portions... felt like a hotel , rather than a bed and breakfast...especially for the price!!!!

My husband and I had dinner at the Mansion Inn at the end of the summer,(Aug. or Sept.'04)quite by accident. We ate out on the Porch,a lovely setting. The food was prepared to our liking. Presentation was good. I couldn't decide on a wine and our waiter, after listening to my tastes, made a good selection, which I enjoyed thoroughly. There was a guitarist, who played in the background, not inhibiting conversation.We are planning to go back nest week, if they are open on Valentine's Day. We highly recommend this lovely place.