After stopping in Boston last week, we headed south to Newport, Rhode Island. One of America’s most famous summer destinations with its grand mansions, this week we take you on a tour of its top hotels – and best suites.
1. The Chanler at Cliff Walk
2. The Vanderbilt
3. Forty 1° North
4. Hotel Viking
5. Castle Hill Inn
1. The Chanler at Cliff Walk
U.S. News writes, “Nestled on the shore just steps from Newport’s popular Cliff Walk, the Chanler’s most memorable features are its breathtaking scenery and rich history; the mansion dates back to 1873 when it was built to be a summer home for congressman John Winthrop Chanler and his wife, Margaret Astor Ward. But there are plenty more compelling reasons to stay here. For one, the rooms are designed and named for royalty, each unique. The opulent Louis XVI room features a light color palette and a semi-private deck with views of the ocean and manicured lawns, while the distinguished English Tudor room features darker tones with intricate woodwork evocative of a medieval manse. Despite its regal decor, modern amenities come standard, including free Wi-Fi access, private bars, bath amenities by Natura Bisse and coffee makers. Fireplaces are also found in each room, enhancing the property’s palpable romantic vibe.”
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Boasting panoramic ocean views, The Chanler sits atop the northern end of Newport’s famed Cliff Walk on tree-lined Memorial Boulevard, a charming street with wide sidewalks, which helps make leaving The Chanler to explore the city by foot a pleasant experience. It is the only hotel located directly on The Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile walking path set between the city’s stunning shoreline and the stately mansions of Newport’s storied past.”
Nantucket Villa
The Nantucket Ocean Villa is decorated in antique pine and complimented by nautical pieces evocative of its namesake whaling town. The bedroom features a king bed atop a wide-planked, antique wood floor, walls trimmed with ships’ lathe paneling, a tongue-and-groove wood-paneled ceiling, and a hand-milled fireplace. The bathroom features a beautifully marbled oversized shower with multiple jets. The exterior of the villa features a deck overlooking the Atlantic Ocean above a private hot tub and steam sauna.
More suites atThe Chanler.
2. The Vanderbilt
U.S. News says, “This historic mansion hotel in downtown Newport is a sumptuous escape. Part of the Auberge Resorts Collection, The Vanderbilt has been housing city visitors for decades. A grand vaulted foyer flanked by striking stairs makes a dramatic first impression and sets the tone for the moody, sophisticated color palette found throughout the property, save for the sun-drenched Conservatory. Between the two spaces, you’ll find the library stocked with books and cozy upholstered seating nooks. The Vanderbilt’s outdoor areas also impressed visitors: The garden patio is filled with periwinkle blue hydrangeas for most of the summer, and The Roof Deck boasts panoramic harbor views punctuated by the glow of the Newport Pell Bridge lights.
“Both alfresco spaces serve light bites. The hotel’s main restaurant, the Dining Room, features a sky-high ceiling, leather club chairs, an inviting fireplace and a stunning bar. The space is impressive but stops short of stuffy with its pub-style menu. As one might expect from a historic mansion, accommodations here are anything but cookie-cutter. Each room and suite is distinct, but all are appointed in blue hues (a nod to the island destination) and have views of the private garden terrace or Newport Harbor.”
Conde Nast Traveler adds, “Food and drink take center stage here. For fine dining, The Gwynne serves contemporary twists on New England classics, and you can expect a seafood-forward menu that takes advantage of Newport’s freshest catch—the Spanish-style grilled octopus is not to be missed. In the warmer months, The Garden is the place to soak up some sunshine, with fun treats like boozy popsicles. And make sure to spend some time at the Knot Bar, where the resident mixologists will make a classic Dark ‘n’ Stormy to really round out your Newport experience.”
Elise Two-Bedroom Suite
The 980-sq.ft. Elise Two-Bedroom Suite is on the ground floor with views of the garden.
More suites atThe Vanderbilt.
3. Forty 1° North
Conde Nast Traveler writes, “If your first priority is to find a hotel that will treasure your boat as much as you do, then Forty 1° North should do it for you. The Newport hotel’s primary point of distinction is its first-rate marina and accompanying amenities, which include (but aren’t limited to) dockside dining onboard your yacht, concierge service, a seasonal yacht tender and dinghy dockage, and launch service.
“They’ll help to manage your yacht throughout the summer season and will oversee its upkeep during the winter, even arranging storage with the local yard and assigning an experienced captain to watch over any necessary repairs and maintenance. We suggest booking the Premium water view guest room, which overlooks both the North dock of the Marina and the calm waters of the Narragansett Bay.”
U.S. News writes, “This modern boutique hotel is a bit of a maverick when compared to the other traditional New England properties around town. Accommodations here are high-tech, with high-speed Wi-Fi access and in-room iPads. Plus, guests are pampered with luxurious amenities, like Frette bedding, Malin + Goetz bath products and gas fireplaces. The LEED-certified hotel is also eco-conscious, with low-flow shower heads and LED and CFL light bulbs in the light fixtures. But there’s a pinch of classic Newport to the Forty 1° North formula, too; a private marina is available for visitors with their yacht in tow. Most recent guests rave about this boutique hotel’s elegant charm and praise the outstanding service.”
GrandSuite
The 930-sq.ft. Grand Suite features an oversized balcony and views of the Marina and Narragansett Bay, as well as the Newport Bridge and the yachts moored in the Newport Harbor. The dining room opens to a living room with a fireplace flanked by bookcases. There is a two-person soaking tub. The Grand Suite can be combined with a Water View Guest Room to create a two-bedroom, two-bath suite.
More suites atForty 1° North.
4. Hotel Viking
Forbes says, “Hotel Viking is located in the heart of Newport, Rhode Island, and dates back to 1926. The five-story Georgian Colonial is on the National Registry of Historic Places and has been a member of the prestigious Historic Hotels of America for more than 90 years. The property recently underwent a multi-million-dollar restoration that included renovating and updating the guest rooms, spa, pool, fitness area, lobby, restaurant/lounge, and event space.”
Breakers Mansion Two-Bedroom Suite
Located in the Historic Wing, this 1,200-sq.ft. suite has two separate bedrooms and two bathrooms. French doors open to the master bedroom, which has an ensuite bathroom with a clawfoot tub, while the second bedroom has a pull-out sofa and fireplace. The suite’s main parlor features a formal dining area with a chandelier, focal point fireplace, wood parquet floors, hand-knotted area rug, and elaborate tassel-trimmed drapery.
More suites atHotel Viking.
5. Castle Hill Inn
US News reports, “Once a summer cottage to a wealthy scientist and explorer, Castle Hill Inn is now one of the most exclusive collections of accommodations in Newport. The Inn, surrounding beach cottages, beach houses and harbor houses are decorated with an aristocratic charm typical of the seaport’s mansions, with perks like a private beach and complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea. Accommodations come furnished with high-end amenities, like plush linens, four poster beds, and rainfall shower heads. But what continually wins over guests are the scenes of Narragansett Bay and the surrounding coastline.
“Recent visitors say the vistas are best enjoyed from the Inn’s Adirondack chairs perched on the lawn. Previous guests also rave about the delectable cuisine served at The Dining Room. The only potential drawback to this Relais & Châteaux property lies in the location. The Castle Hill Inn sits about 5 miles outside of town, so you’ll need a car if you’re planning lots of sightseeing. Or, you can take the hotel’s own motor launch, the M/V Mistress, which has two convenient stops downtown.”
Forbes Travel Guide says, “Newport’s Castle Hill Inn is set on 40 meticulously maintained acres atop its own private peninsula, offering unparalleled access to the magnificent sights and sounds of Narragansett Bay. Its focal point is a stately, beautifully appointed 19th-century mansion—initially the summer residence of noted Harvard marine biologist Alexander Agassiz—which houses seven of Castle Hill Inn’s 33 guest rooms, The Retreat at Castle Hill as well as its four dining rooms, where the hotel’s fine culinary creations are served.”
Turret Suite
The 1,150-sq.ft. Turret Suite is the hotel’s signature suite, and it includes a bathroom with ocean views.
More suites atCastle Hill Inn.
