Outdoor pool

Reviews of Pinctada McAlpine House

4.5 out of 5
Pinctada McAlpine House
55 Herbert Street, Broome, WA

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 65 out of 104 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 25 out of 104 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 7 out of 104 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 6 out of 104 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 1 out of 104 reviews" "

9.0/10

Cleanliness

8.8/10

Staff & service

8.8/10

Amenities

8.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.2/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Kelly

Travelled with partner
We absolutely adored our stay here. We were lucky enough to have the entire place to ourselves! Marilyn is such a lovely host and we honestly felt so cared for; she’s also an amazing cook - breakfast was delicious. I would recommend staying here to anyone, plus it’s an easy walk down to Matsos or the Mangrove for dinner. Also - if you like dogs (we love dogs) there’s an extra special host to hang out with. We will definitely be back.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2023
Response from Marilynne on Oct 16, 2023
Thank you for your kind words Kelly. It was such a pleasure looking after you and Peter and thank you for choosing us for your time away. Wishing you happy days until we meet again. Warm regards,.

10/10 Excellent

Carmel

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
From the moment we arrived we felt welcomed and at home. The grounds were beautifully kept; lush and quiet, and the room was spacious and comfortable. The morning breakfasts that were included were delicious and elegantly presented. We had a wonderful time at Mc Alpine House and couldn't recommend it highly enough.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2023

6/10 Okay

MICHAEL

Travelled with partner
Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Amenities
Liked the typically Broome architecture and friendly greeting by Ronaldo. Suite was OK but overpriced. Breakfast was marginal and unimaginative. NOT IMPRESSED by the owner’s dog swimming in the small pool - most in hygienic!!!
Stayed 2 nights in Apr 2023

10/10 Excellent

Coralie

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
I was stranded with Covid, but was extremely fortunate to be here. They treated me with the upmost compassion care and provided with me outstanding comfort meeting my every need
Stayed 5 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

MARGARET

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Just a one night stay but would definitely stay again. Very friendly service, comfortable room, had a little trouble closing the window. Great breakfast, centrally located.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2022

10/10 Excellent

Michael

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Ambience and service
I spent 6 days at the Pinctada McAlpine House, from Oct 29–Nov 4, as a lone traveller. Instantly taken by the warm welcome and charm of both Marilynne (the owner) and Rinaldo (the manager), entering the property was like walking back in time. The ambience of this historic Broome homestead is magical with beautiful décor and exotic gardens. Marilynne and Rinaldo treat you like friends with nothing being too much trouble. I would thoroughly recommend this exquisite boutique experience.
Stayed 6 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Graham

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Relaxation
Was booked in for 2 nights to relax.
Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

Tamsin

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Unique atmospheric residence with great facilities and attentive staff
Stayed 3 nights in Oct 2021

10/10 Excellent

David, Sorrento

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
McAlpine House is accommodation in a lovely garden setting of mango and palm trees. There are only 8 rooms for adults only (age over 16), most at ground level and adjacent a large swimming pool. The hotel has very pleasant and helpful management and staff. Marilynne and Ronaldo went out of their way to help us enjoy our stay. We stayed there for10 nights in August 2021 and were very sad to have to leave and return home at the end of our stay.
Stayed 10 nights in Aug 2021

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Beautiful accommodation, lovely surroundings. Highly recommended.
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

Joy

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Quiet and serene
The house is more like a colonial cottage Surrounded by beautiful trees snd lush foliage It is not a modern, fancy place with masses of people Just 8 rooms with old fashion wooden floors, and old fashion personalised service With a smile, genuine concern and a clean pool The hosts are informative, fun and their employees are obviously happy in there work place A bit of a walk to the CBD especially in the heat of the day, but taxi transfers can be organised quite easily Enjoyed the ambience and the serene garden surrounds
Stayed 2 nights in May 2021

10/10 Excellent

Jean

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Paradise in Broome
Staying at McAlpine House was like staying at a good friend's lovely home but not being allowed to raise a finger to help. You are looked after from the moment you arrive. Our room was very spacious with the charm of 1900's century tropical architecture with period furniture and original art on the walls. The breakfasts every morning are different and delicious and as you will eat around a long table with the other interesting guests, we often found that breakfast lasted for hours. The gardens and pool area are perfect with comfortable lounges for reading or just relaxing. There is secure parking and the House is close to town with all the wonderful restaurants. Marilynne and Renaldo will make sure that anything you need will be catered for----we would highly recommend this hotel----we found out about it from friends ourselves.
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2020

10/10 Excellent

Frederic

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2020
Response from GG on Oct 17, 2020
Thank you so much. Our (small) team really appreciates your compliments.

10/10 Excellent

Jason

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Unplanned Stay, Unplanned Surprise! Rinaldo.
We had a forced overnight due to a flight cancellation, there were limited choices and we choose Pinctada without any research. Rinaldo was the ultimate host, meeting us on arrival, escorting us to our room and giving us a full brief on what we could enjoy during our limited stay. The next morning his warm smile welcomed us to breakfast and he cooked us a wonderful omelete and even had arranged a taxi for a few of us that had been on the cancelled flight. I would definitely seek this place out on my next visit to Broome, it has charm, quaint, quiet, comfortable and thanks to Rinaldo, amazing service that is rare here in Australia.
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

JAEHAN

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Old world charm with true service
We had a blissful holiday in Mcalpine house. One of the most wonderful host , Marilynne is very delightful and helpful with her vast knowledge of Broome and recommendation. She is a true ambassador of Broome. The hotel is a very special heritage building where Lord Mcalpine lived. It was like living the dream of old world charm and culture. We met other lovely guests and enjoyed our stay thoroughly. We finished off our last night with lots of champagne and gorgeous pearl meats cooked by our wonderful host Marilynne. If you like old world charm and caring and personalized luxury, please don't hesitate to book it. This is a gem for us , we are already planning to return soon .
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2020
Response from Marilynne on Aug 2, 2020
Dear Jae-Han, Thank you for your very kind review. It was such a pleasure having you both in house. Our conversations were full of fun and laughter and great stories of travel experiences. I really look forward to your next visit and further food exploration. Im keen to cook you some fresh thread fin salmon, Greek style. And some pearl meat, of course. Warmest regards and wishing you the best of health until we catch up again. Marilynne

10/10 Excellent

Gregory

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2019

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness
The property is the original Broome house with verandas and open living. After 15 days of exhausting camping my daughter and I were looking forward to our own bed,(I had booked 2 twin beds) instead only a King was available. Wifi password and hotel services booklets not available. Security our the front of the house is poor, the lighting didn’t allow guests and Taxis easy access to the building. No trolleys available for luggage to take to our room
Stayed 1 night in Aug 2019
Response from Marilynne on Aug 28, 2019
Dear Anonymous, I accept responsibility for the King bed layout rather than the split King and do apologise most sincerely to you for that. As I explained at the time, I was unable to change the configuration for you personally as I was recovering from an arm operation. However, I understood from your manner and your words that it was not a problem as it was only for one night. My apologies again but you did assure me that it did not matter. Regarding a luggage trolley, you made no mention of it at the time. Your Pearlesr Verandah room is literally 20 standard walking steps from reception on a level deck. We do not provide a luggage trolley as such a piece of equipment is totally impractical for a property with the varying levels of decking that link the different room types. Nor do we provide hotel service booklets as we provide this information personally to guests on arrival. You informed me that you were meeting family for dinner and didn't need information on where to dine or what to do. Your description of the security and access at the front of the property is inaccurate. We have a dedicated driveway at the front of the house on Herbert Street that allows taxis or other pick-up vehicles to drive off the street and wait in the driveway for passengers. It is 16 paces along a paved and hedged pathway from the front gate to the paved parking area. The lighting is on our boundary. We are not permitted to shine spotlights outside of our land perimeter, especially as we are fortunate enough to be located in the historic residential area of Broome. The beauty of the night sky is important to locals and visitors alike. It is unfortunate that you did not find this sufficient. I am sorry you were disappointed and hope that your future travels are more successful. Best regards.

10/10 Excellent

Craig

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Awesome stay at Pinctada McAlpine House
Fantastic accommodation in walking distance to both the airport as well as the town centre of Broome. Rodrigo was incredibly helpful with our stay and gave personalised recommendations for our visit. He also went the extra mile and checked in with us before arrival to verify our arrival time and ensure a positive check in! The grounds of this historic property were lush and the swimming pool was great for cooling off and lounging.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Byron

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Highly recommend
Very nice place and people. 2 nights here felt like a week elsewhere..very relaxing feel about the place from the moment I arrived. Better than a hotel.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2019

10/10 Excellent

Rawinia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Love the place.
My favourite place I love its old buildings and history. Marilyn is the most courteous and helpful person. She is more a friend than admin. Always a wonderful delicious healthy breakfast.
Stayed 1 night in Mar 2019

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 1 night in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

Elizabeth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Timeless relaxation
The host Ronaldo was so attentive. Excellent breakfast and recommendations. He was able to provide guidance and great information.
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2018

10/10 Excellent

Jasmine

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Taste of Old Broome
McAlpine House is a taste of the Old Broome. The narrow gauge corrugated ceilings and walls , dark timber flooring , original French doors all add to a feeling of stepping in to a slower more graceful era. A leisurely breakfast with interesting conversation from other guests added to the layback feeling. Breakfast jars were prepared by our host and followed up with a tasty cooked breakfast . Very secure property recommended for couples or singles .
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Helen, Mandurah, WA

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely heritage hotel in central position
Two things make McAlpine House stand out for us: the building’s history and the helpfulness of the manager. The building is a gem - hardwood floors, wide verandas and lots of character. Comfy outdoor furniture sits in every corner that you might be tempted to sit a while. The manager couldn’t have been more welcoming. He is a great source of local info and very happy to help in any way that he could - arranging taxis or providing bus timetables. And the breakfasts are tasty too. Would happily stay here again.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2018

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service
Disliked: Property conditions & facilities
eThe knowledgable and friendly manager . The friendly manager was a plus but the property as a whole needs a serious makeover - bathrooms, furnishings, paint and artwork. The Paspaley family will not get return bookings on the history of the hotel alone.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018
Response from Marilynne on Oct 30, 2018
Dear Anonymous, What a shame you were unwilling to provide your name. The property does not belong to the greater Paspaley family and nothing here should reflect on it. It is privately owned by a member of the family only, and that is me. I don't rely on the history of the property for reservations. I rely on hard work, excellent guest service, knowledgable hosting to guide our guests to interesting aspects of Broome, and hopefully a peaceful and calm environment in which they can relax. I was absent from the property during your stay and so we did not meet. I would have been most interested to have heard your comments directly. Pinctada McAlpine House is a property built in 1910 and is situated in a destination that is the desert meeting the sea. The climate is harsh, the architecture leaves much of the buildings open to the elements - part of its charm and an endless task to maintain. Each year, from late December to the end of February, the property is closed for a continuation of repairs and maintenance which are carried out each year. As it is a small, old property, it is a never-ending task and we approach different sections of the property each year. It appears that nothing pleased you which is surprising, as we receive many compliments on the art and the decor. It is unfortunate that you did not enjoy your stay with us but I wish you safe travels and more pleasant experiences in the future.

10/10 Excellent

judy, melbourne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Friendly hotel
Most delicious breakfast. The room had character and was extremely comfortable.
Stayed 2 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Barbara, Sydney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Genuine Broome accommodation
Very friendly and helpful staff. Will return next year
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2018

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Lovely boutique bed and breakfast
Rinaldo, you are awesome! Best customer service we have ever experienced. McAlpine House is a lovely boutique bed and breakfast filled with history. The Manager of the House, Rinaldo, was very attentive and could tell us about all tourist happenings in Broome. Apart from that he was very obliging, always cheerful and cooked and served us a lovely breakfast each morning. Thank you Rinaldo for making our stay so enjoyable.
Stayed 13 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Lucille

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Ronaldo made us feel welcome , was helpful in arrangements and gave us good advice about getting around Broome. Delicious breakfast. Comfortable bed and verandas. A place beyond the ordinary.
Stayed 2 nights in Jun 2018

4/10 Poor

John, Perth

A bit tired
Sadly McAlpine House seems to have lost its flare and feels tired despite the hosts best efforts. It used to be great.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2017
Response from Marilynne on Apr 19, 2018
Dear John, Thank you for taking the time to write. I am sorry if the property presented itself as a bit tired while I was away. It is always a challenge in mango season to keep the decks cleared of leaves and mangos. Following our extremely busy and long season this year, we are now working on our annual maintenance and repairs program, something that we cannot attend to in high season without disturbing our valued guests. The Pearlers' Verandah is being lovingly restored to retain the original timber work in the building, now reinforced by recycled timber to provide the new support structure for the building. Painting and refreshing the various buildings is also commencing now that we are closing for the Christmas/New Year period and we will open afresh in late February, having attended to the various maintenance issues that are inevitable in such a wonderful historic building. I am sorry you found it no longer up to your expectation and apologise for that. I assure you, we have not lost our passion or commitment to this property and thankfully, our guests usually find us in fine form. Again, thank you for taking the time to write and I hope you do choose to visit us again. I am sure you will find us sparkling. Best regards and merry Christmas.

10/10 Excellent

Kerrie, Sydney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great respite from the dry hot environment with all the trees and balconies.
Stayed 1 night in Oct 2017
Response from Marilynne on Dec 13, 2017
Thank you for taking the time to write your review, Kerrie and I am so please you had an enjoyable experience with us. Wishing you a merry Christmas and perhaps we will see you again in 2018. Best regards.

10/10 Excellent

Allensa , London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
A delightful hotel
A delightful hotel full of charm and tranquility - a pleasure to stay.
Response from Marilynne on Sep 11, 2017
Thank you Allensa. We appreciate your feedback and are so glad you enjoyed your stay with us. Warm regards.

10/10 Excellent

Lynn, NSW

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Homely and welcoming place to stay
Very small boutique hotel where staff were very friendly and helpful. We stayed for two nights separated by two weeks. Had the same room each time and were given great info on where to eat and the breakfasts were delicious.
Stayed 1 night in Jul 2017
Response from Marilynne on Sep 11, 2017
Dear Lynn, Thank you for expressing your enjoyment of McAlpine House. We really appreciate you taking the time to comment on your stay. Warm regards.

8/10 Good

Bob, Sydney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, room comfort
Tropic charm
Well kept but slightly tired. Very friendly informative staff. Quality breakfast. Would stay again.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2017
Response from Marilynne on Jul 17, 2017
Dear Bob, thank you for your feedback. you are correct, the property is slightly tired, being more than 100 years old. It is a little like the Sydney Harbour Bridge, constantly needing attention. However, we find the majority of our guests really enjoy the cleanliness, ambience and personal service. Thank you for staying with us and especially for your comment that you would stay here again. We look forward to welcoming you back.

10/10 Excellent

Evan

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Home from home
Wonderful peaceful ambiance in the middle of Broome
Stayed 1 night in Jun 2017

10/10 Excellent

Sera, Cairns

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Gorgeous, charming, and a wonderful surprise.
I recently had the opportunity to stay here while on a research trip. My room was beautifully appointed and the bed was wonderful! What really blew me away was the service I received. I got the best advice on where to dine and see the sunset as well as where to go in town. In the morning I had the pleasure of breakfast in their lovely dining room. The breakfast was made by a lovely gentleman and was beyond my expectations. This spot was a wonderful last minute addition to my trip and I will most surely return!

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

2/10 Terrible

Jenny, Derby

Disliked: Staff & service
Problems with staff
I cancelled my booking 2 weeks prior to the date of the booking. It seems that My cancellation was not recorded, so I was charge full price. When I tried to query this prior to the booking date I was unable to get through on the phone. On the day of the booking a staff member called me and spoke to me in an accusatory, threatening and very angry manner, leaving no possibility of discussion or negotiation regarding the matter. I do not recommend this business to other travellers

10/10 Excellent

evelyn, margaret river

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful historic character building
Centrally located, very private retreat. Perfect choice for a Broome experience

10/10 Excellent

Greg, Adelaide, South Australia

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Best of Broome
Had we known beforehand, we would have booked this place for a week instead of just a couple of days. The ambiance and history remind one of Hemingway or tropical plantations in another world. It is of course surrounded in the history of Broome and its glorious past based on the pearling industry. The hosts and staff are most obliging, friendly and helpful. The property is beautifully maintained in a wonderful tropical garden setting. There is a bird aviary set amongst the gardens, visiting sulphur crested cockatoos and flying foxes (fruit bats) around sunset, all adding to the tropical experience. The pool is a refreshing sanctuary on a hot afternoon, and the perfect way to cool off after a day in town. Good eating can be found within a quarter of an hour walk. We were fortunate enough to be able to have an evening meal cooked by the hosts, and that alone was worth the experience. Simply stunning.

6/10 Okay

Verified traveller

Disliked: Property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Interesting place with a old Broome feel. Plumbing and aircon seemed a bit tired.

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Gardens are quite shabby despite the fact that they are a major feature of the property as far as appeal.

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful setting amongst the trees
Very friendly reception,Rolando and Monet could not be more helpful if they tried.They made us feel like friends not mere guests.

10/10 Excellent

Valerie, Melbourne

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Perfect Broome Style
We loved our stay at McAlpine House. It was very comfortable and the hospitality was fabulous. But most of all we loved the 'old Broome' style of the property and the beautiful garden area. It is a little away from Broome central area, but a pleasant walk, and if you don't feel like walking, the town bus provides inexpensive regular service.

10/10 Excellent

Debbie, Perth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very Central
Beautiful character style accommodation. The staff were very extremely attentive. It was very peaceful and quiet. Lovely adult retreat.

10/10 Excellent

nisca, perth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Beautiful hotel
Beautiful hotel and lovely staff, made a unique and relaxing stay

8/10 Good

Philip, Perth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Great place to stay in old Broome
The hotel is beautifully furnished and the staff very competent and very friendly. There is nothing I did not like about the place.

8/10 Good

rama, sydney

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Fantastic service

10/10 Excellent

Julia, Australia - WA - Perth

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities
Facilities: Distinctive; Value: Great deal; Service: Go the extra mile; Cleanliness: Delightful; A car is very handy to have to visit all the stunning features that Broome has to offer.