North Conway Hotels

The Darbyfield Inn/Littlefield's Tavern: Rural comfort and charm in Conway

Those of you who know me, or who have read my pages, know that I am a bed and breakfast guy. They just fit our style so nicely. So, when we started planning our foray to New Hampshire, I started perusing the B&B lists. In very short order, we zeroed in on the Darbyfield Inn, which technically is in "Albany, NH", just off the Kancamagus Highway near Conway/North Conway.

The Darbyfield is, by B&B standards, a bit larger. They probably have 20 rooms of varying sizes, there is a fairly substantial dining room (and evening restaurant), as well as a small tavern pub/restaurant. There are a few suites (we had the Littlefield Suite), and some other larger rooms. Finally, there are a few small simple doubles - I am told they're a bit small.

The service here is top-rate, and it's just far enough away from North Conway/Conway to be both convenient and yet very very quiet. There are quite a few walking trails in and around the inn, most which cross private property, for guests to enjoy. (In the winter, they are cross-country ski trails)

The best way to sum up the Darbyfield experience would be to group the words "friendly welcome", "quiet and unobtrustive service" and "a totally relaxing experience". The accompanying photo pretty much sums it up. It's a picture of Bonnie and I relaxing in two Adirondack chairs out on the back lawn.

Unique Quality: The Darbyfield is an excellent and long-successful B&B. In addition to a restful stay, excellent breakfasts and other meals, the inn offers free wi-fi, a great little pub, walking trails and above all - peace and quiet. TRAVEL AND LEISURE MAGAZINE voted Darbyfield one of America's 30 best inns.

FWIW, I'm told that they sometimes rent the entire inn out for weddings. It would be a most enjoyable spot for such an event - sounds like some sort of movie that would end up starring Alan Alda or something. And here's another unique aspect.... the inn's owner is a licensed notary, absolutely qualified to perform weddings. They also have an "elopement special", if you're just ready to run away and marry your true love without all the bother of a big wedding plan.

Oh yes, they also can make arrangement for various spa services.

• Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
• Address: 185 Chase Hill, Albany, NH 03818
• Phone: 1-800-426-4147
• Website: www.darbyfieldinn.com
• Related to: Hiking and Walking, Romantic Travel and Honeymoons
• Written November 11, 2010

Bonnie and Pete, together for 30 years.

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