There really is no city quite like Newport. Tucked away on Aquidneck Island in Rhode Island‘s Narragansett Bay, Newport is brimming with historic architecture, luxurious waterfront hotels, and beautiful beaches. There’s a reason why this place has long been a summertime playground for the East Coast’s rich and famous!

The city is best known for its Gilded Age mansions, which were built by wealthy families like the Vanderbilts and Astors. Today, it’s possible to tour these lavish summertime “cottages,” including The Breakers, Marble House, and Rosecliff. 

Newport’s other claim to fame is its rich sailing history. Explore the city, and you’ll see remnants of its storied past with the well-preserved colonial sea captains’ homes and historic lighthouses. Fast-forward to the 20th century, and Newport was even the site of the prestigious America’s Cup sailing race from 1930 to 1983! Visit today, and the Newport Marina is still teeming with massive luxury yachts and sailboats.

But you don’t have to be rich and famous to visit Newport! With sandy beaches, lush state parks, and cliffside hiking trails, you’ll find endless outdoor activities. Or, if you prefer to just relax and let loose during your vacation, Newport is jam-packed with excellent museums, buzzing wine bars, and unique boutique shops.

With so many things to see and do, you’ll want a nice hotel room to come back to at the end of a long day. Luckily, Newport is dotted with trendy boutique retreats, opulent mansion-hotels, and charming historic inns. So many, in fact, that you might have a hard time choosing the perfect one. So we’ve created a list of the 12 best hotels in Newport, Rhode Island, to help you plan your perfect getaway!

Don’t forget to check out our web story: The 12 Best Boutique Hotels in Newport, Rhode Island

Where to Stay in Newport

With a population of less than 25,000, Newport is a blissfully small town. Most of the city’s main attractions are within walking distance of the city’s best hotels. Plus, the city has a free trolley that will take you to all the top attractions, so no matter where you decide to stay in Newport, you’ll never be far from the action!

If this is your first time in Newport or you’re in town for a quick trip, you really can’t go wrong with a hotel in downtown. Book a stay in the heart of town, and you’ll have a wide range of shops, restaurants, and cocktail bars right outside your door. You’ll also be surrounded by Newport’s beautiful colonial buildings and excellent museums. 

To take advantage of Newport’s waterfront location, you’ll want to book a room in one of the many upscale boutique hotels lining the Newport Harbor on the west side of town. If you want to go all out, it’s best to reserve a room or suite with water views, so you can check out all of the massive yachts from the comfort of your room! 

Alternately, you’ll find a handful of luxurious and historic inns clustered around the Cliff Walk on the east side of Newport. Some cliffside rooms and suites even offer views of shimmering Easton Bay.

If you’re on more of a budget, it’s best to stay in one of the many hotels or inns just outside of downtown and away from the waterfront. Middletown has plenty of budget-friendly options and is located just a short three miles from the heart of downtown. 

And if you’re looking to relish in Newport’s natural beauty, the hotels around Easton Pond offer easy access to multiple beaches, the hiking trails along the Cliff Walk, Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, and more!

The 12 Best Hotels in Newport, RI

1. The Attwater Hotel

If you’re looking for cool boutique hotels in Newport, Rhode Island, it doesn’t get much better than The Attwater. From the magazine-worthy guest rooms to all the over-the-top amenities, you’ll never want to leave this designer boutique gem!

In the mornings, head down to the on-site cafe, where you can enjoy the lovely complimentary breakfast spread of curated small plates. There’s also a fitness center and spa room where you can work out or relax with a massage at the end of a long day. And once you’re ready to get back out and explore, the friendly staff will give you all sorts of insider tips on where to go.

In your room, you’ll find all sorts of high-tech amenities, including flat-screens with Apple TV, Keurig coffee makers, free high-speed Wi-Fi, iPod docking stations, and an iPad loaded with tips on things to do. Amenities aside, you’ll love the retro-chic furnishings, the modern ensuite, and the pops of color found throughout each space.

If that’s not enough, this place is located right in the heart of town, so you can pretty much walk everywhere if you don’t feel like driving!

2. Gilded

Yet another beautiful boutique hotel in Newport, Gilded is all about celebrating the glitz and glamour of the Gilded Age. Step inside this colorful, luxurious, and trendy boutique hotel, and you’ll immediately be impressed by the Rococo and Beaux Arts-inspired interior design.

Explore this stunning and colorful hotel, and you’ll find an Insta-worthy guest lounge, a beautiful billiards room with a black velvet pool table, and a tranquil private courtyard. 

In the mornings, don’t miss out on the complimentary gourmet breakfast spread, which includes everything from fresh fruit to baked goods. Plus, you can expect an ever-evolving selection of items like strawberry and cream scones, spinach and cheddar biscuits, and ricotta and roasted tomato toast. 

There are 17 boutique rooms to choose from. While each space is different, you’ll love the plush beds with whimsical headboards, the large flat-screen TVs, and the luxe ensuites with Lather toiletries. But if you really want to go all out, book the Lark Suite, and you’ll get a spacious living area with a cozy fireplace. As an added bonus, you’ll find waffle kimono robes in the closet that are perfect for lounging!

3. The Vanderbilt

No list of the best hotels in Newport, Rhode Island, would be complete without mentioning The Vanderbilt. This iconic mansion was built by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt in 1909 and was later transformed into a luxury hotel in the late 1990s. 

Located near the harbor, right in the heart of downtown Newport, the mansion was finally purchased by the Auberge Resorts Collection in 2018 and given a full makeover by the Dallas-based design collective SWOON. Explore the hotel today, and you’ll find nods to the Gilded Age, eccentric pops of color, plenty of art, and vintage touches throughout. 

One of the coolest things about The Vanderbuilt is the roof deck, where you can sip sunset cocktails and slurp fresh Rhode Island oysters while taking in the sweeping harbor views. You can also splash around the hotel’s outdoor pool before dining alfresco at The Conservatory. 

Once you’re ready to retire for the evening, you’ll love the impeccably decorated guest rooms, which were all reimagined in 2022 and feature plush beds, a “mini-bar experience,” and sweeping views out over the harbor. But if you really want to go all out, it’s well worth booking one of the lavish suites, which offer 400 to 2,000 square feet of space and tons of pampering extras!

4. Hammetts Hotel

If you’re searching for Newport hotels that are right on the marina, Hammetts Hotel might just be the perfect pick! Plus, this place recently opened, so expect everything to be new and top of the line.

One of the coolest things about Hammetts Hotel is the outdoor terrace. The perfect place to relax after a long day, the communal The Deck at Hammetts offers unobstructed views of the Newport Harbor. Plus, you’ll also get access to the complex’s connecting shops and restaurants. 

Explore the hotel, and you’ll also find a state-of-the-art gym overlooking America’s Cup Avenue. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you’ll love dining at the on-site Giusto restaurant, which serves up regional Italian dishes with a New England spin.

The guest rooms are just as impressive as the rest of the hotel. The Standard Rooms are stylish yet efficient and boast comfy beds lined with Italian linens, 55-inch flat-screen TVs, and beautiful ensuites with Lockwood handcrafted toiletries. 

But if you want to take full advantage of the hotel’s waterfront location, it’s well worth booking the Marina King. You’ll get all of the amenities of a Standard Room, but you’ll be able to take in the marina views from the comfort of your bed!

5. Mill Street Inn

Located right in the heart of the Historic Hill neighborhood, Mill Street Inn stands proud as one of the coolest hotels in Newport, RI. This unique all-suite hotel is housed in an old 1850s sawmill, so expect the perfect blend of historic architectural elements and modern-day conveniences.

You’ll love the industrial-chic suites, which feature original beams, exposed brick walls, and contemporary furnishings. Depending on how much space you need, you can choose a Studio Suite, Deluxe Suite, and Townhouse Suite. 

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, the Studio Suites have everything you need for a comfortable stay. You’ll love the king-size feather bed, the large flat-screen HDTV, and the elegant marble ensuite with a rainfall shower.

Or, if you prefer more space, the Deluxe Suite gives you a separate bedroom and living room, while the Townhouse Suite boasts two levels with a bedroom upstairs and a living room downstairs. The real standout of these units, though, is the private rooftop deck overlooking the harbor!

No matter which you choose, you’ll get a gift bag with snacks from local vendors up check-in, as well as daily breakfasts and use of the on-site gym.

6. The Chanler at Cliff Walk

Perched on Newport’s iconic Cliff Walk, The Chanler at Cliff Walk is easily one of the best hotels in Newport if you’re looking to treat yourself to an indulgent vacation. Everything about this place pays homage to the Gilded Age, so expect over-the-top luxury around every corner of this 19th-century mansion!

This boutique hotel offers 20 guest rooms and villas, which are outfitted with lavish linens and upholstery, carefully curated period furniture, and elegant antique pieces. Choose the Louis XVI room, and you’ll get a four-poster bed fit for a king and luxurious touches like crystal chandeliers, ocean views, and a two-person Jacuzzi tub.

Or, opt for the Peonies & Ivy room, and you’re sure to love having access to your very own oversized teak deck, where you can soak in your private hot tub or enjoy sunset cocktails in the lounge area.

Since this place is all about indulging, you’ll want to have at least one meal in the hotel’s Forbes Five-Star restaurant, Cara. Each night, the chef serves up an ever-changing five- or eight-course blind tasting menu with wine pairings. For something a bit more casual, The Café serves mixologist-crafted cocktails and locally sourced dishes overlooking Easton’s Bay.

7. Forty 1° North

Forty 1° North is easily one of the best hotels in Newport if you’re looking for luxury right on the Newport Harbor. This LEED-certified resort offers the perfect blend of eco-conscious amenities and state-of-the-art technology. 

Even the Standard Rooms are the stuff of dreams. You’ll love relaxing on the plush bed lined with Frette linens and luxuriating in the SICIS water glass mosaic-tiled bathroom, which comes with Malin + Goetz toiletries and a spa-like shower. Plus, all rooms are outfitted with extras like iPads, fireplaces, and wet bars.

Upgrade to a Water View Guest Room, and you’ll get unobstructed views of the harbor from your floor-to-ceiling windows. And, if you need more room, the Grand Suites offer up to 930 square feet of space, as well as full dining and living rooms and soaking tubs in the bathrooms.

If you’re feeling peckish, you can enjoy fresh seafood dishes at The Grill or dine on creative comfort food at Christie’s. You’ll also have four bars to choose from whenever you want a tipple!

8. Marshall Slocum Inn

Newport is brimming with charming inns, and if you want to stay in one of the best, Marshall Slocum Inn might just be the perfect pick! This gem of a boutique hotel is housed in a beautiful 1855 colonial home, so expect historic features and luxurious touches throughout.

In keeping with the home’s colonial roots, all guest rooms are outfitted with period antiques, traditional furnishings, and nautical artwork. Plus, you’ll love the pampering extras, including Gilchrist & Soames bath products and ultra-soft terry cloth robes. Depending on which room you choose, you may even get a whirlpool bathtub and a fireplace.

One of the best things about staying at Marshall Slocum Inn is that the innkeepers, Mark and Dana Spring, will go above and beyond to make sure you have a fantastic Newport getaway. They also offer all sorts of freebies, from complimentary hot breakfasts and homemade pastries to afternoon refreshments, Wi-Fi, and parking.

9. Newport Bay Club and Hotel

Newport Bay Club and Hotel is another cool Newport hotel if you’re searching for a home away from home during your trip. This all-suite resort has everything you need for a fun and relaxing stay. Plus, you’ll get all sorts of thoughtful amenities to make you feel right at home!

Depending on how much space you need, you can choose from one- and two-bedroom suites, which sleep either four or six guests. Or, if you want to splurge, the resort also has one- and two-bedroom townhouses, which have oversized balconies overlooking the harbor.

Either way you go, you can prepare your own meals in the kitchen, have movie and game nights in the spacious living room, and get a good night’s sleep in the separate bedrooms. 

When you’re not out on the town, treat yourself to sunset drinks on one of the two observation decks overlooking the harbor before relaxing with an in-room massage. There’s also a fully outfitted gym on-site if you want to keep up with your workout routine during your stay.

10. The Cliffside Inn

If big hotel chains aren’t your thing, The Cliffside Inn is easily one of the coolest boutique hotels in Newport, RI. This one-of-a-kind New England retreat is housed in a revamped 1876 mansion that’s perched right on the cliffs overlooking Newport’s iconic Cliff Walk and Easton Bay.

Explore the grounds, and you’ll find artwork and homages to the 20th-century painter Beatrice Turner. What is now The Cliffside Inn was once Turner’s summer home from 1907 to 1948!

Fast-forward to today, and the mansion-turned-B&B boasts 16 magazine-worthy guest rooms. From the designer wallpaper, pops of bold colors, and cool antiques to the plush beds, waffle kimono robes, and blackout shades, you’ll be living in style and luxury! All rooms also boast gas fireplaces, perfect for keeping cozy on cold nights.

If the rooms aren’t enough to impress, you’ll love all of the freebies. You’ll get gourmet breakfasts in the mornings, wine and refreshments in the evenings, and coffee, hot chocolate, and bottled water 24/7. And if you want to head down to Easton Beach, you’ll also have complimentary use of beach chairs, towels, and insulated beach bags.

11. Newport Marriott

Newport Marriott is an excellent option if you’re searching for Newport hotels that are right on the harbor. Not only will you have the option to have beautiful water views from your room, but you’ll be steps away from Newport’s best bars and seafood restaurants.

When you’re not out on the town, you’ll love unwinding in your contemporary room. Even the most standard of rooms offers ultra-comfy beds, as well as 55-inch smart TVs with Netflix and Pandora and handy mini-fridges and coffee makers. While all the guest rooms are incredibly nice, it’s well worth upgrading to one of the Water View Rooms to take full advantage of the hotel’s waterfront location.

When you’re ready to get your heart pumping, you can swim laps in the indoor pool or hop on a treadmill in the 24/7 fitness center. Or, if you prefer to just relax on your vacation, the hotel boasts an on-site spa where you can get pampered with a variety of treatments. 

You don’t have to leave the hotel for food or drinks if you don’t want to. In the mornings, you can grab coffee and breakfast at the hotel’s Plank Bar, while in the evenings, you’ll love sipping local beer and wine at Skiff Bar before enjoying dinner with harbor views at MainSail restaurant!

12. Jailhouse Inn

When it comes to unique hotels in Newport, Jailhouse Inn is a really cool option. As the name implies, this boutique inn is housed in a 1772 jailhouse and police station. Take a look around, and you’ll find all sorts of nods to the building’s storied past – including iron cell doors and an “Inmate Rules” sheet upon check-in!

You can choose from 23 rooms, which all boast contemporary decor, large flat-screen TVs, and ensuites with complimentary bath products. If you’re traveling solo, you can choose to stay in the budget-friendly Solitary Confinement room, which has a queen bed and an iron closet, which used to be the jail’s gun safe. Or, if you’re traveling with the family, the Gang Lock-Up Suite offers two separate bedrooms and a living room.

Book a stay here, and you’ll also get tons of freebies, from on-site parking and continental breakfasts to Wi-Fi and freshly-baked cookies in the afternoons!

That completes our list of the 12 best hotels in Newport, Rhode Island! Did we miss any cool boutique hotels in Newport? Comment below so we can add them to the list!

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