When you arrive at Jubilee Suites on the Eastern shore of Mobile Bay, you feel it immediately: a sense of being welcomed. Dana and Jim Maloney have filled the inn with warmth and hospitality, from the vine-covered courtyard to the made-to-order breakfast, every detail shows they deeply care about their guests. 

The name Jubilee itself tells a layered story. Owner Dana Maloney explains that it holds two meanings. One refers to the rare natural “jubilee” phenomenon, when fish mysteriously swarm the shoreline—a moment that only happens on their side of Mobile Bay and in parts of Japan, when just the right conditions align. The second meaning is spiritual: the year Dana and her husband Jim purchased the property happened to be a “jubilee year,” a time of renewal and restoration. And then there’s a third meaning guests feel immediately upon arrival—jubilation. That meaning carries with it a celebration, and a sense that this is a place meant to be shared.

That feeling is woven into the property’s remarkable past. Originally located across the bay, the building was purchased by a World War II veteran in 1947 who dismantled it piece by piece and shipped it to Fairhope. With building materials scarce after the war, it took him 18 months to put it back together. Over the decades, the structure lived many lives—as a hotel, apartments, and eventually a bed and breakfast—but the spirit of care and perseverance never left.

When Dana and Jim Maloney purchased the property in 2017, they worked relentlessly to bring it back to life, reopening in 2018 after extensive renovations. Their journey to Fairhope was driven by family. After years of running a successful Airbnb business in Charlotte, North Carolina, Dana learned she was about to become a grandmother. Wanting to be closer to family, the Maloneys relocated to Alabama’s Eastern Shore—and discovered not just a business opportunity, but a calling.

Dana’s approach to hospitality feels instinctive. She is, at her core, a helper. Originally, hosting through Airbnb was simply a way to support her family, but that instinct blossomed into a full-fledged hospitality career. On the morning of our visit, Dana held a copy of Unreasonable Hospitality, a book she had only recently purchased after someone told her it described her perfectly. The philosophy resonated immediately. “We’re truly trying to give people more than they expect—all the time,” she said. Perhaps it comes from being an Air Force brat, she adds, but taking care of people is simply who she is.

Jubilee Suites is unmistakably a family affair. Jim prepares daily made-to-order breakfasts for guests, each morning a little different and always cooked with intention. On one visit, the menu featured biscuits and sausage gravy; on another, homemade cinnamon rolls. Also on the spread? A homemade apple cake baked from Dana’s grandmother’s recipe. Before leaving, guests might be handed not only the recipe, but a sourdough starter to take home. These gestures go far beyond what’s expected of a single night’s stay—but going above and beyond is Dana’s hallmark.

The sense of family is immediate upon walking through the door. During our visit, Dana’s granddaughter sat nearby coloring, a quiet but powerful reminder that Jubilee Suites is rooted in togetherness. “We really believe in the village concept,” Dana said. 

Helping bring that vision to life is manager Nancy Hawkins, who has been with Jubilee Suites for nearly two years. Originally from New Orleans, Nancy has a strong hospitality background and was eager to plant roots in Fairhope. She speaks with admiration about Dana’s leadership and generosity—not only toward guests, but toward the wider community. Jubilee Suites regularly supports local schools and the arts, and roughly 80 percent of the artwork throughout the property was created by local artists. Dana is also a passionate supporter of Fairhope’s Plein Air Festival, championing creativity and community at every turn.

Dana is the undeniable heart of Jubilee Suites. Each morning, she visits with guests individually at breakfast, offering thoughtful recommendations for exploring the area and tailoring suggestions based on their interests. It’s a level of personalization rarely found at traditional hotels—and one guests remember long after they leave.

As evening falls, another tradition brings everyone together. Most nights, the fire pit is lit in the back as the sun sets over Mobile Bay. Guests gather with drinks in hand, watching the sky shift colors, sharing stories, and soaking in a moment of peace. These small rituals give Jubilee Suites its unmistakable warmth.

That dedication to thoughtful detail and elevated service has earned Jubilee Suites a rare distinction: membership in Select Registry, a highly curated portfolio of premier craft lodging properties across North America. The inspection process is rigorous, and Jubilee Suites is currently the only property in Alabama to hold the honor—something Dana and her team are deeply proud of.

Today, Jubilee Suites offers nine spacious, family-size suites, many with full kitchens, all featuring upscale linens, modern amenities, and stunning views of Mobile Bay. Guests enjoy daily made-to-order breakfasts, 200 feet of private beachfront, complimentary kayaks and paddleboards, and sunset celebrations that invite them to slow down and savor the moment.

But what truly sets Jubilee Suites apart isn’t listed among the amenities.

“The town has been very welcoming,” Dana said. “I have the best team. I couldn’t do it without them—and we’re having fun.”

That joy is palpable. At Jubilee Suites, hospitality is simple: the art of making people feel at home.