BAYSIDE BLISS

If we could bottle the Fairhope experience, Jubilee Suites on Mobile Bay is more than a contender. The pristine waterfront inn offers more than one can imagine and guarantees those staying, hosting, or attending an event at this local gem are not only satisfied, but somehow leave happier, fulfilled, and recharged. Checking in with owner Dana Maloney, the ultimate innkeeper, she opens up about fulfilling her "home-suite-home" dreams.

 By Hayley Hill

It could be the natural beauty that engulfs the property, the flawless Southern hospitality, the fluffy bedding, or the smiles of happy people coming and going that make Jubilee Suites a place you want to be. Access staffers have spent time on-site and we still can’t pinpoint exactly what makes it so special. But there’s no doubt friends have been made, spirits lifted, and it is indeed a special place—much like Fairhope itself.

 Owned and operated by Jim and Dana Maloney, who spent most of their lives in Charlotte, North Carolina (also a hospitality city), we ask for the details as to how they found Fairhope. “Our daughter-in-law, Meagan Maloney, is from Mobile and her family had property in Fairhope. We came to Fairhope to meet her parents and she showed me this particular property. She knew I would love it, and I obviously did because I bought it!” Dana tells us.

 Knowing many of us have dreamed of creating a fabulous Airbnb (and even mentally decorated it), this couple has actually done it. With no shortage of hard work and headaches, the result is a luxury bed and breakfast situated on 200 feet of beachfront property overlooking Mobile Bay, suites with breathtaking views, a New Orleans-style courtyard and fountain, a chef’s kitchen, inspiring grounds, and so much more that it must be seen to be believed.

 Asked what inspired this journey, Dana shares, “I think it was all about creating a home away from home. I’ve had such a transient lifestyle and never forgot how good it felt going to my Grandmother Edna’s home when I was growing up. She was always happy to see us and had wonderful food and fresh flowers waiting for us when we arrived—it was magical. When we settled down in Charlotte to raise our three boys, I loved meeting people and making them as comfortable and happy as possible.”

 Inspired by her grandmother, Dana is also a natural hostess. “I get a lot of joy out of feeding people while giving them a place to relax and transition from a stressful life to a happy vacation. We like doing family reunions, corporate and wellness retreats, and there’s nothing like ‘heads in beds,’ an endearing term for our overnight guests. Often, our guests come at random and we strike up these wonderful conversations. Before you know it, we’re all friends. These accidental connections are the magic I was hoping for,” she beams.

 We’re curious about the property’s history, and Dana tells us, “We didn’t know it for a long time, but this property was a ship workers’ hotel during World War II and underwent many revisions. After the war, it was taken apart and sold to a man who trucked it, piece by piece, across the Bay and put it back together with the help of family members, even the little kids. It took eighteen months as they built smaller buildings to live in while they put the original building back together. So history tells us that it’s always been a hotel of some sort.”

 As for their renovations, Dana reveals, “We took possession in January 2018 and opened just a few months later in March. We’ve updated and painted everything and replaced the appliances, plumbing, and electrical systems. It’s safe to say that since opening, we’ve pretty much had a steady stream of projects! But we still have plenty more in mind and it’s been fun watching it all come together.”

 Able to comfortably accommodate 35 guests overnight, they’ve hosted writing retreats, wellness events, corporate team building retreats, and intimate weddings, family reunions, bridal showers and more. Jubilee Suites has been the chosen set for television specials due to the absolutely stunning common spaces, both indoors and outdoors. Picture a long dining table adjacent to a wall of glass doors framing a magnificent view of Mobile Bay, doors that open to the outdoor balcony with seating for friends and family, all just off the dream catering kitchen. Imagine cozy nooks for reading and catching the cool Bay breeze. The common spaces are as delightful as the suites and there’s always a friendly face offering activities or conversation and a tasty snack, to boot. If you golf, check out the Stay & Play package that includes a round at Rock Creek Golf Club, a gift certificate to their award-winning restaurant, and more.

 As for the divine accommodations, each sun-filled suite boasts a private entrance; full kitchen stocked with coffee, tea, and condiments; washer and dryer and laundry supplies; individual air conditioning units; fresh flowers, and both books and art by local artists available for purchase. Most are family and pet-friendly, too. “I’m partial to the three two-bedroom, two-bath suites. The Azalea suite is very special because it has a high vaulted ceiling, a panoramic view of the Bay, and the light is incredible for working and relaxing. But truly, I love them all!” Dana explains.

 With countless bells and whistles, it might just boil down to the view and Signature Experiences. “We’re 85 feet above the Bay and have 200 feet of private shoreline to enjoy our kayaks and paddleboards or a beach campfire. We also arrange private yoga or fitness classes and charter boat fishing, sailing, or sightseeing tours of Mobile or Weeks Bay. Plus, just looking at the view boosts your spirits,” Dana exclaims, adding, “Our grounds are immaculate and always blooming. Because we’re a small hotel with a professional staff, we can accommodate our guests with customized experiences, whether it’s wine by the fire pit or grilling a meal. We welcome everyone to gather around our firepit to enjoy our Sunset Celebrations on our Bayview Bluff nightly, weather permitting. Bring your own beverages and snacks or pre-order a charcuterie board and come meet the team!”

Regarding that professional staff, Dana hired their Experience Manager, Christy Wells-Fritz, to ensure they’re able to serve clients in the manner intended. An energetic jack-of-all-trades, Christy quickly becomes that friend you can count on. “Guests can look forward to our home-cooked breakfast every morning and requests are welcome, including catered private dining options. It’s our pleasure to make our guests happy. With Christy on top of each guest’s needs and the fact my husband and I live here, someone is always available to help,” Dana assures us.

 Touching on the town of Fairhope, Dana shares, “We’ve built wonderful relationships with the businesses of Fairhope that send us business, and in turn, we send them business. We put certificates called ‘Jubilee Jacks’ in each suite that guests can redeem at several local businesses downtown. I currently budget $5,000 a year to give back to the community with this program and feel Fairhope could develop this on a greater scale. We also put a Jubilee Suites shopping bag and apron in each room with a bowl of candy—that just makes everyone happy!”

 Asking what’s surprised her most since opening, Dana states, “The relationships between our guests. Many have nothing in common except for happening to be here at the same time. They end up developing friendships and continue seeing each other when they leave. There’s just something about being on vacation at a place like this that allows you to put your guard down and open up with others. Recently, we went to St. Louis and saw two former guests along the way.”

 Clearly a leap of faith, Dana’s motto has served her well. “My motto is ‘There will be miracles.’ So many times, when I’ve thought I couldn’t get through something, I let go and then a miracle happened. So my prayers have been answered and we’ve been able to achieve something even greater than my prayers. The night I met Christy, I thought, ‘Oh, my gosh, I’d love to have her as my manager.’ It took me a year, but she’s been with us for three years now. It’s been a lot of wanting something, and when it seems like it won’t happen, I let it go and again and again, things work out for the best. Miracles do happen.”

 Jubilee Suites on Mobile Bay | 557 North Mobile Street, Fairhope | 251.517.1715 | JubileeSuites.com