Newport Hotels

Gurney’ Resort and Marina has recently undergone an 18 million dollar renovation, and is a welcome addition to a city short on hotels.

The Grace Vanderbilt has thirty-three rooms, a spa, swimming pools and fitness center, and is walking distance from Newport's main attractions.

The Hilltop Inn feels like staying at the cozy, inviting home of an old friend.

Occupying a gorgeous shingle-style building right on the water and walking distance from Thames Street and the famous gilded mansions, 41 North has arguably one of the best locations in Newport. The hotel caters specifically to yachters (docking is actually cheaper than the valet parking) and a restaurant that overlooks the marina. In the rooms, you'll find Frette linens, marble bathrooms, and subtly nautical decor, including muted cable-knit throws and vaulted, wood-beam-lined ceilings. Ask for one of the marina-view suites with a balcony that looks out onto the water.

This classic New England hotel is situated on the mouth of Newport’s famous Cliff Walk, a seaside trail dotted with historic mansions, like the Vanderbilt family’s wonderfully, over-the-top summer homes The Breakers and The Marble House. It was the first mansion built along this route for Congressman Chanler and his wife, an Astor heiress, and it has been carefully restored. Each of the 20 rooms and private villas (most with seaside views, many with terraces) are decorated according to a historic period from Colonial to Greek Revival (with plenty of antiques and finds from the current owners’ travels.) Though the result is pretty trad—overstuffed chairs, voluminous drapes, four-poster beds—the hotel still feels remarkably unstuffy, and actually pretty romantic. Take advantage of their transportation service when you’re ready to head into town—they’ll drop you off and pick you up at any point, meaning you can avoid Newport’s notably tricky parking situation. Plus, during the summers the hotel offers a “Beach Butler” who will set you up on the beach of your choice with chairs, towels, an umbrella, a picnic lunch, and a ride to and from.

While we’re big fans of this hotel all-year-long, it’s pretty great when the weather warms up. Grace Kelly’s favorite private beach is on premises—along with a 19th-century lighthouse—and you can rent the hotel’s yacht to picnic on a nearby island. Whether you opt for a room perched on the hill (beware, the walls in the hotel-proper are thin), a chalet by the harbor, or a beachside cottage, they are all beautifully appointed (and individually decorated) with stunning water views. Perks vary from room to cottage, including gas fireplaces, under-floor heating, whirlpool tubs, and private beaches/harbors. The two hotel restaurants—which source ingredients from on-property—are some of Newport’s best.