We stayed at the Downing Street B&B on two occasions in spring 2006. The first was one night, the second for 5 nights. The house, a mid-sized 1920's vintage in Avondale, a pleasant residential neighborhood of similar small homes, is furnished in contemporary but appropriate style. Various restaurants are within easy walking distance. There are two B&B rooms allowing good privacy and quiet. Everything we expect from a moderately priced B&B was provided, with a nice breakfast, very personable hostess and non-commercial style. It probably isn't for you if you need an antique four-poster bed and style counts more than comfort. We found it very relaxing and home-like, would stay there again and would certainly reccomend it to anyone.

This was my second trip to Jacksonville and I wasn't too happy with the accommodations I received at a larger hotel, so I decided to try a B & B instead. The Downing Street Bed and Breakfast hadn't yet received a review so I decided to be adventurous and be the first one. I wasn't disappointed with my choice!

I have to confess, the first thing that attracted me to the Downing Street B/B was the discount offered to guests staying during the week. It was significantly lower than any rate offered elsewhere. The rates here are spectacular when compared to other B/Bs.

This was a working trip to Jacksonville so I rarely spent much time during the day here. Patty, the innkeeper and owner was extremely polite and helpful in making arrangements for me. She went out of her way to custom fit my stay in her B/B and offered many tips, brochures, etc to help me. It takes a multitude of talents and skills to successfully run a B/B and Patty, your owner/host has them all! If I asked for some advice during breakfast about where to go or what to see, when I came back downstairs, I found that she left literature/maps on the hallway table for me without even asking for it! Her enthusiasm for Riverside and Jacksonville really shows. What an ambassador for this great city!

The Downing Street Bed and Breakfast is located in the historic and quaint section of Jacksonville, known as Riverside-Avondale. Even though you are tucked away in a charming neighborhood, many venues are located within a 10 minute drive and you can also borrow a bike to leisurely meander around the neighborhood. If you enjoy architecture, you will be treated to an array of quaint houses and apartment buildings! Its really appealing that you get to stay inside of one of them. This house is in the bungalow style and is decorated beautifully and elegantly, yet is very comfortable. Be forewarned . . .sitting in the chair next to the cozy fireplace makes it very difficult to get up out of. Its soooo comfy!

There are only two rooms offered in this house which makes for a quiet stay. You will have lots of privacy as they are sectioned off from the rest of the house and located at opposite sides of the hallway. If you live in Jacksonville and are having guests come in, don't hesitate to put them up here. Just don't be surprised if they seem to want to spend more time at the B/B! Be assured that they will be well taken care of.

Each room has a private bath, great water pressure, and has everything and anything you could possibly want. I wish that I had had more time to watch some of the movies that were left out for me. You also get free and fast wireless connectivity to the Internet. Patty even offered the use of the large dining room table in which to do my work so I could spread out. The most important thing is getting a good night's sleep and that I did. I was extremely exhausted during my stay and getting out of bed, normally difficult for me wasn't, since it was rewarded by a very nice breakfast served with delightful touches.

There are other wonderful B/Bs in Jacksonville so your choices do vary. The Cherry Street Bed and Breakfast for example, offers a waterview that is really beautiful. If you are new to the B/B experience or perhaps want a smaller, quieter experience, you cannot go wrong with this establishment. Outstanding!!!!!