Many will agree that Rhode Island is one of the most beautiful states in the United States. There’s so much beautiful scenery to admire and Newport is their crown jewel! Yes, this cute port town offers not only beaches, but also mansions, history, and shopping. From walking along the enchanting Cliff Walk to satisfying your appetite on Thames Street, City by The Sea has it all. And for those planning to travel here in the near future, consider this your lucky day because you’re in the right place! Join us, as we’ll unveil some of the best hotels in Newport Rhode Island.
Where to Stay in Newport, Rhode Island
Although better known for its rich sailing history, Newport actually has a lot to offer. This seaside town on Aquidneck Island is home to dozens of top events, including the Brenton Point Kite Festival, the Newport Jazz Festival, and The Campbell’s Hall of Fame Tennis Championships.
Finding the best hotels in Newport Rhode Island shouldn’t be difficult, but it all depends on how you plan your trip. If you want to get some of the best views of colonial mansions in Newport, look for accommodations around Cliff Walk. This is a public access road that combines the beauty of the coastline with the charm of the city’s golden age. It’s classic, it’s great, and definitely a must on your to-do list.
If you’re planning your trip around food, staying on Thames Street would be a logical choice. This neighborhood has some of the best restaurants and cafes in Newport. From the casual Flo’s Clam Shack, The Red Parrot with its wide selection of exclusive dishes, to The Mooring Seafood which is perfect for an evening out.
Interested in the history and art side of the city? Look for hotels around Bellevue Avenue. In this area, you’ll find two important museums. First is the Newport Art Museum, a building from 1912 which houses a collection of thousands of American artists from the late 19th century to the present. And second is the National Museum of American Illustration, which has the country’s largest collection of illustrated work from the Civil War era through the 1950s.
And that’s how you can start sorting out some of the best hotels in Newport Rhode Island for your next vacation. But if you’re still not sure, some of our recommendations below might help. Some of them are among the 11 Best Hotels in Rhodes Island. Without much ado, let’s dive right into it!
Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina
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How does it feel to spend your vacation on a private island? A truly exclusive tropical paradise, all to yourself. Well, if you’re not going to be a millionaire anytime soon, you might as well stay at Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina.
This is truly different accommodation from other best hotels in Newport Rhode Island on the beach. Gurney’s is located on Goat Island and surrounded by Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Staying here makes you’ll feel like being on a private island, with an atmosphere that’s so calm and peaceful. Regardless, the location is still relatively ideal as it’s only less than a mile to downtown Newport.
As well as the incredible surrounding views, Gurney’s also offers a dining experience that’s no less great. There’s Scarpetta, a waterfront restaurant serving classic Italian cuisine, fresh seafood, and a great selection of wines. You definitely have to experience the intimate atmosphere of dining dinner here, as Scarpetta is ready to serve guests since evening.
Once you finish your American breakfast in the hotel dining area, start moving outside as there’s so much to see here. Newport’s notable landmarks, including Trinity Church, Old Colony House, and the Touro Synagogue, are all within less than a mile. For those who have a great passion for tennis, stop by the International Tennis Hall of Fame. This is a destination dedicated exclusively to players and figures who have made an important contribution to the sport of tennis. It occupies the former Newport Casino building and can be reached in just a few minutes.
Hotel Viking
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One of the things that made Newport pop on the tourist map of the United States is its rich sailing and colonial history. And you’ll be glad to know that some traces of it can be seen at the Viking Hotel. Opened in 1926, this four-star property isn’t only one of the city’s oldest, but it’s also the most historical. Located on Bellevue Avenue, you only need a five-minute walk to reach the shopping and food center of Thames Street and travel less than a mile to the famous Cliff Walk.
Enjoy leisure facilities curated by Hotel Viking, specifically to keep you entertained. Feel the freshwater regardless of the weather outside by taking a dip the indoor swimming pool. Stay in shape on vacation with the adequately equipped on-site fitness center. Have a unique breakfast and dinner experience at One Bellevue Restaurant, which serves brilliant local menus. If that’s not enough, you can also relax and unwind with the excellent treatments at SpaFjor.
As for the rooms, Hotel Viking offers accommodation with several tasteful amenities. From flat-screen cable TVs, air conditioners, to in-room safes, they’re all available here. Another thing that makes this one of the best hotels in Newport on the beach stand out is its location. It only takes six minutes to get to Easton Beach, while the marina can be reached in 10 minutes on foot. Meanwhile, for those who want to see the historical side of the city, a 16-minute drive from here’s Fort Adams State Park, a large coastal fortification that was active until the first half of the 20th century and now hosts the annual Newport Jazz Festival.
The Wayfinder Hotel
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Not everyone has a lot of time on vacation. That’s considered a luxury, especially if you’re traveling mostly for business. Therefore, we would appreciate it if there were hotels that had express check-in and check-out services, such as The Wayfinder Hotel in Newport. This is truly a lifesaver, especially if you need to save as much time as possible catching a flight.
Apart from that, The Wayfinder Hotel offers a great location. This would be a great option for first-time visitors to Newport. A number of top attractions, such as the Firehouse Theater, Secret Garden Walking Tour, and the Museum of Newport History, can all be found within a mile. Meanwhile, to get to the downtown area, it only takes a drive for approximately seven minutes.
Just like other best hotels in Newport Rhode Island on the beach, The Wayfinder has a number of leisure facilities to make you feel at home. There’s a bar, restaurant, and fitness center on-site that can be used as needed. But one that we recommend is the hotel’s outdoor pool. Sprinkled with lounge chairs and umbrellas all around, this would be a great place to spend the summer at Queen of Summer Resorts. But since this is seasonal, make sure to visit between July and August so you can feel the fun of sunbathing and swimming here.
The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina
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Get the ultimate summer vacation experience at the City of Sail, as The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina boasts unbelievably gorgeous waterfront views. As the name implies, this three-star property is located in Newport Harbor, one of the largest recreational harbors in the United States. Meanwhile, to get to the historical Queen Anne Square, you only need to walk four minutes. Want to experience the thrill of diving on the beach but not in the mood to go out? The hotel gets you covered with their amazing heated indoor saltwater pool.
Speaking of accommodation, all the rooms at the Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina come with complete amenities. A flat-screen TV with cable channels? Check. Coffee maker? Check. WiFi? Well, this has become standard at almost all the best hotels in Newport Rhode Island on the beach, so yes. That’s a check and you can use it for free! One more thing that we would like to mention is that all guest rooms feature a gorgeous view of the city or waterfront. When it comes to summer vacation, it doesn’t get any better than this!
Daily breakfast is available at the Saltwater Restaurant each morning. Once you finish fueling up, bring one of the 13 best travel handbags with water bottle holders as there’ll be lots of exploring to do around here. The famous Newport Cliff Walk is less than two miles away, while the Newport Casino is a six-minute drive. If you don’t want to travel far, a 10-minute walk from here’s the Touro Synagogue, one of the oldest still-standing synagogues in the United States. With a history dating back to the colonial era, it’s truly an extraordinary sight. Be sure to check it out if you can.
Newport Marriott
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There’s nothing better than relaxing in a sauna, enjoying an excellent massage, after a day of sight-seeing. If you agree with us, then you’ll be thrilled to know that the Newport Marriott offers one of the most luxurious spas around! In addition, this four-star property is also only a six-minute drive to Easton Beach. It’s the city’s largest ocean beach, where tourists and locals alike enjoy picnics, relax in the sand, swim, and more. To us, it’s like a golden ticket to the perfect summer vacation!
When it comes to guest rooms, the Newport Marriott provides a 55-inch flat-screen TV, coffee/tea maker, and a small fridge. There’s also a private bathroom with some toiletries. However, in case you think it may not be sufficient for your needs, it’s not a bad idea to bring your own. You may want to check out some of our recommendations for the 13 best toiletry bags for travel. That should help with the situation a bit.
All guests can also enjoy the on-site fitness center at the Newport Marriott. Apart from being well-equipped, it also offers a terrace with gorgeous views of the water. Work on those muscles while admiring the beauty of the open sea before your eyes. Exercising has never been this fun!
Like most of the other best hotels in Newport Rhode Island on the beach, Newport Marriott also offers easy access to some of the city’s top destinations. Newport Mansions, Rhode Island’s largest and most visited cultural district, is only about two miles from here. Intrigued by the famous Cliff Walk? Just drive for eight minutes and you’ll find yourself there.
Attwater Hotel
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If you want to experience the best of summer in Newport, stay at a hotel near Easton Beach. Often named as one of the top beaches in New England, the area is blessed with gorgeous coastlines and makes a great place to enjoy the surf, sand, and sun. And for exactly these reasons, we highly recommend the Attwater Hotel. This four-star property is only a five-minute drive to the starting point of the city’s famous Cliff Walk.
Apart from that, the Attwater Hotel offers excellent rooms. All come with the day-to-day stuff including a flat-screen TV with cable channels and a fridge. There’s a private bathroom with toiletries, a hairdryer, and bathrobes. If you need to entertain guests or welcome some friends, we highly recommend booking a room with a seating area and sofa. And just like most of the best hotels in Newport Rhode Island on the beach, free WiFi is also available here.
Apart from Easton Beach which we mentioned earlier, there are actually many points of interest to visit around the hotel. The Newport Art Museum, home to thousands of collections of American artworks, is less than a mile away. The Touro Synagogue, the country’s oldest synagogue, can be found within an eight-minute walk. Meanwhile, If you don’t mind walking long distances, the Marble House’s incredible architecture can be admired in less than two miles.
Newport Bay Club and Hotel
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Rated four-star, the Newport Bay Club and Hotel is the perfect place for those looking to enjoy some of the best food and shopping experiences in town. It sits right on Thames Street, a historic street jam-packed with shops, restaurants, and bars. It’s also close, about a four-minute drive, to the Touro Synagogue – the country’s oldest synagogue building that still stands today.
Enjoy one of the best resting experiences you can have in the city, as rooms at the Newport Bay Club and Hotel come with well-thought amenities. For your in-room entertainment, there’s a DVD player and TV with cable channels. Need a quick shot of caffeine after a long tiring flight? There’s a coffee machine at your disposal. In addition, all guest rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, complete with free toiletries.
As with most of the best hotels in Newport Rhode Island on the beach, getting to some of the city’s top destinations won’t be a problem while you stay here. A series of historical sites such as Bannister’s Wharf, Bowen’s Wharf, and Trinity Church can all be reached in less than a mile. Want to experience the incredibly beautiful coastline of Rhode Island? Drive for about nine minutes towards Ocean Drive. Pro tip: the weather can be very hot here, so it’s best to come late in the evening and don’t forget to put on some extra skin protection. If you have no idea what to use, you might want to check out some of our recommendations for the 13 best travel-size screens.
Wellington Resort
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Tennis enthusiasts, this is your dream place to stay in Newport. Located in Newport Harbor, Wellington Resort is less than a mile from the International Tennis Hall of Fame and Museum. Apart from its incredible collection of memorabilia, it also played an important role in being the birthplace of the American tennis tournament. This is a cool place to visit, even if you’re not really into the sport.
Families especially will love staying here, as all rooms at the Wellington Resort feature a full kitchenette, complete with a dishwasher. Enjoy hours of entertainment through the cable TV provided. Spend time enjoying the surrounding greenery or the ocean on the private balcony. And like most of the best hotels in Newport Rhode Island, high-speed wireless internet is accessible for free throughout the property.
If you think it’s still too hot to go outside, indulge in the hotel’s leisure facilities won’t be a bad idea. Keep yourself in good shape, even on vacation, by paying a visit to the on-site fitness center. Take a dip in the hotel’s indoor pool or seasonal outdoor pool and experience a slice of tropical paradise at the City of Sail. Want to have a little fun with your family or friends while enjoying a great meal? The hotel will be ready to assist with barbecue facilities.
Once the sun has started to dim, make your way to Market Square. About a 14-minute walk from the hotel, this is a great place to get to know Newport and its people. You’ll find a classic building with over 100 stalls, offering a varied range of high-quality fresh produce and stock. If you consider yourself a foodie, this is a must-visit.
Club Wyndham Long Wharf
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Fancy an intimate movie night with your partner? Then Club Wyndham Long Wharf will be the stay of your dreams! It’s perhaps the only one among the best hotels in Newport Rhode Island on the beach, which has a private movie theater. Enjoy some romantic moments at the City of Sail, accompanied by your favorite movies. Once done, take a moment to stroll around Newport Harbor. Enjoy a night out in one of the nation’s largest recreational harbors, before returning to your room.
Speaking of which, all rooms at the Club Wyndham Long Wharf are spacious and feature a full kitchen and a living room. On top of that, you’ll also get day-to-day stuff, including a flat-screen TV, desk, and air-conditioning. If you don’t mind paying extra fees, the hotel can help with your laundry situation.
Guests can also enjoy the sauna and gym. The game room is available for those times when you aren’t in the mood to leave the hotel. For some memorable experiences with friends or family, there’s a barbecue area. If all that doesn’t interest you, the hotel staff can help arrange some interesting activities, such as exploring the historical area, a food tour, or the like.
One that we recommend is the Best of Newport Trolley Tour. Aboard a luxurious and comfortable trolley, for 90 minutes you’ll be invited to see some of the most breathtaking sights at Queen of the Summer Resorts. Priced around $25, it’s definitely worth checking out.
Jailhouse Inn
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Looking for something out of the ordinary? Want to experience unique things, which can make for interesting stories in the future? If that’s what you want, then the Jailhouse Inn is a perfect fit for the bill.
Located just off Washington Square, this three-star property is one of Newport’s most historic. The building used to function as a prison and city police station. Some may think it would be weird to stay here, but if you’re anything like us, this is precisely what makes it charming and interesting! Some of the corners are deliberately left to the original, exposing a federal-style that makes you feel like you are going back decades.
As for rooms, this legacy hotel offers the usual amenities such as a TV, soft beds, air conditioning, and free WiFi, just like most of the best hotels in Newport Rhode Island on the beach. A complimentary daily breakfast with continental menus is available in the dining area each morning. Once evening arrives, treat yourself to the tea and fresh-baked cakes the hotel provides. Enjoy both while lounging, accompanied by the vibrant atmosphere of Marlborough Street.
Newport is known for its gilded age mansion, with the Marble House as one of its pinnacles. Discover and admire this extraordinary building within two miles of the hotel. Once completed in 1892, it was once the most luxurious house in America. If you have a passion for heritage buildings and architecture, be sure not to miss this great site.
Beech Tree Inn and Cottage
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Get yourself a glimpse of Newport’s old days. The Beech Tree Inn and Cottage occupies a Victorian mansion from the 1880s and is framed by a beech tree, one of the city’s iconic features. It’s got the perfect location, close to everything Newport has to offer. The Firehouse Theater, Old Colony House, Redwood Library, Newport Art Museum, and the Touro Synagogue are all less than a mile away. Meanwhile, several notable mansions, such as The Breakers, Marble House, and Champ Soleil, can be reached within a few minutes’ drive. This should be a great place to stay for first-time visitors to the City of Sail.
The superb rooms at Beech Tree Inn and Cottage are spread over two different buildings and cater to all tastes. All are equipped with a private bathroom, shower, air conditioning, hairdryer, and cable TV. As with most of the best hotels in Newport Rhode Island, WiFi is free and accessible throughout the property. In case you need to contact a local driver or guide for a tour or something like that, the hotel provides phone calls including free local calls. Sweet!
For breakfast, this family and the pet-friendly hotel serve American menus every morning. If you need some sweet treats, there’s a bowl of candy, nuts, or snacks to enjoy throughout the day. As for your afternoon enjoyment, you might pick between tea or a glass of sherry. Enjoy it while reading one of the collections from the library or playing some board games.
Recommended Restaurants/Bars in Newport, Rhode Island:
- White Horse Tavern – Get a glimpse of colonial Rhode Island, as this tavern used to host the annual meetings of the generals in the 17th century. Some highlights include truffle-crusted beef Wellington and baked escargot. Interested? Business or casual attire is a must here.
- Corner Cafe – Looking for a hearty and memorable breakfast in Newport? Then look no further, because this is the only place in Newport where you can taste great eggs Benedict and some good coffee for a reasonable price. Even better, vegetarians are welcome here.
- Anthony Seafood – Craving for some seafood? The city of Sail has many alternatives to choose from. But the one that often gets the attention of local media is Anthony’s Seafood. If you’re looking for fresh and high-quality treats, this is the place to be. All of the menus here are brilliant, but we highly recommend trying the quahog or stuffed clams.
Recommended Activities in Newport, Rhode Island:
- Newport: Sightseeing Trolley & Optional Breakers Admission – See the prettiest corners of Newport. Starting from the Colonial Downtown, Ocean Drive, to the Gilded Age Mansions area. Enjoy a three-hour ride on a luxury trolley, accompanied by an experienced guide. It would be great for a vacation with the family.
- Newport: Scenic Trolley Tour with Optional Breakers Entry – Here comes another alternative to discover the prettiest of Newport. Riding a luxurious red-green trolley, you’ll be invited to visit some of the city’s most historic points, from the Marble House to the Newport Waterfront. But please note that costs do not include food or beverage.
- Newport Food Walking Tour – Walk on the historical downtown Newport. Sample some of the best local delights at five different restaurants. Listen to fascinating stories about pirates and revolutionary war soldiers. For no less than two and a half hours, discover another side of the City of Sail that is rarely discussed in travel guidebooks!
