In Newport hotels, mattresses teleport you to a bygone era, as you wake up disoriented in some of the oldest Gilded Age mansions this Aquidneck Island in the Narragansett Bay has to offer. Just 61 miles south of Boston, take a drive and breathe in that crisp, fresh New England air that was home to both Eisenhower and JFK, serving as their Summer White House retreat.
The Vanderbilts cordially invite you
Photo courtesy of the Hotel Vanderbilt Grace
A mansion that exudes elegance, originally built by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt in 1909, one of 33 lofty rooms awaits your reservation at the Hotel Vanderbilt Grace. Your vintage stay includes being treated like a socialite from the turn of the 20th century, with sumptuous meals prepared by Jonathan Cartwright. Before this boutique hotel wines and dines you, upon making a reservation, their Bespoke by Grace service will send you a questionnaire by email to make sure your stay is extra special.
Photo courtesy of Hotel Vanderbilt Grace
A hotel built by the people
Photo courtesy of the Hotel Viking
The Viking hotel opened its doors in the 1920s as the result of the “city by the sea” locals investing in the idea of pooling their resources to spur economic growth through tourism. It paid off. Over 80 years later, this boutique hotel recently unveiled its $6.2 million restoration project to revamp guest rooms back to their original Gilded Age splendor. And you can reserve one of their 10 premier mansion suites that feature Chippendale and Queen Anne furnishings, highlighting old-world charm.
Photo courtesy of the Hotel Viking
Submerse yourself in history
Photo from the Historical Hill Inn
The Historical Hill Inn is aptly named, built in 1839 and providing sleeping accommodations that tuck you into snug, extravagant queen-sized bedding fit for a king (or any other member of your royal family). Check-in to this bed and breakfast and you’ll be within a block of the must-see Bellevue Avenue Historic District, a street lined with mansions home to the Vanderbilt and Astor families during the summertime.
The B&B with a personal touch
Photo courtesy of the Samuel Durfee House
The de Pinhos merged their passions for being hospitable and their love of Newport, taking over this Federal Period home in ’98. Over a complimentary breakfast or afternoon refreshments at the Samuel Durfee House, Michael and Heather de Pinhos (and even their son!) are more than happy to give you the lay of the land, the do’s and don’ts of Newport, and make your stay a memorable one.
Photo courtesy of the Samuel Durfee House
Best views of the Narragansett Bay
Photo by Mike CC BY
By staying at Outlook Inn, you’ll have access to the inn’s private deck on the third floor overlooking the harbor. Originally, this inn was a way station for dockhands, merchant marines, and passing fisherman. With its Victorian style and desirable location, in the heart of Newport, it’s the perfect starting point to pivot into any direction and explore all of Newport’s trove of treasures.
Photo courtesy of the Outlook Inn
Say “I Do” at the water’s edge
Photo courtesy of the Castle Hill Inn
The Castle Hill Inn is a 40-acre gem alongside the Rhode Island coastline, where you can take a dip in their private beach, or you can follow in Grace Kelly’s footsteps and walk down to a rocky enclave by the harbor and soak your feet for a bit. Along with stunning views, the inn includes a gourmet breakfast and guest-only afternoon tea. From a weekend retreat at the Castle Hill Inn, you can always inquire about having a wedding on the premises if you’d like to bottle the romantic atmosphere for your big day!
Photo courtesy of the Castle Hill Inn
*Feature image by Martin de Lusenet CC BY