Newport has long been a seaside playground for the affluent, and today it boasts several luxury hotels that let visitors experience that opulence firsthand. From gilded mansions-turned-hotels to chic modern boutiques on the harbor, Newport’s high-end accommodations promise lavish amenities, stunning views, and pampering service.
The Chanler at Cliff Walk
Newport’s only Forbes Five-Star hotel The Chanler is an ultra-luxurious mansion retreat perched right on the famed Cliff Walk. Built in 1873 as a private estate, this boutique hotel offers 20 exquisite rooms each decorated in a distinct historical theme (from Regency to French Provincial). Expect heated bathroom floors, plush canopied beds, and private outdoor hot tubs in some rooms. The waterfront lawn and terraces boast sweeping Atlantic Ocean views. With a renowned fine-dining restaurant on site and a Cadillac XT6 house car at your service, The Chanler delivers unparalleled luxury in an intimate setting.
Castle Hill Inn
Set on a private 40-acre peninsula at Newport’s western tip, Castle Hill Inn is a grand seaside escape blending historic charm and resort-style luxury. The 19th-century main mansion (a former summer residence of a marine biologist) and surrounding beach cottages offer refined rooms with coastal elegance. Guests can savor panoramic ocean views from the lawn (dotted with Adirondack chairs perfect for sunset cocktails). Amenities include a spa, private beach, and complimentary afternoon tea. A member of Relais & Châteaux, Castle Hill Inn is known for its award-winning restaurant and extraordinary service amid storybook surroundings.
The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection
Once the 1909 mansion of Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, this downtown boutique hotel exudes Gilded Age glamor with a modern twist. The red-brick Georgian facade gives way to stylish interiors featuring velvet settees, curated artwork, and a clandestine cocktail bar. Couples can enjoy the mansion’s cosy parlors and a secluded garden terrace that feels like a private oasis. Don’t miss the rooftop deck for one of Newport’s best views of the harbor at sunset. From the indulgent spa to the gourmet on-site dining, The Vanderbilt delivers a romantic, decadent hotel experience that harks back to Newport’s high society heyday.
Brenton Hotel
Newport’s newest luxury boutique hotel (opened 2020) sits right on the downtown waterfront, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing harbor views. Its 57 rooms and suites feature a clean, modern design with indulgent touches like built-in window daybeds oriented toward the sea. Guests love dining in The Living Room or on the rooftop overlooking the marina. The Brenton offers unique perks, from picnic-style room service to a private 36-foot Hinckley yacht for coastal excursions. Attentive service and an unbeatable location steps from the wharves make the Brenton ideal for those who want contemporary luxury in the heart of Newport.
Forty 1° North
This sleek waterfront hotel and marina brings a modern, eco-chic vibe to Newport’s luxury scene. LEED-certified and stylishly designed, Forty 1° North offers rooms, suites, and lofts with a breezy contemporary look (think neutral tones, hardwood floors, and lots of natural light). Many accommodations have private decks right over the water. Guests can sip craft cocktails in the intimate Library Bar or dine dockside at the hotel’s upscale grill. With yacht slips on site and immediate access to the lively downtown scene, Forty 1° North is a favorite for travelers seeking a trendy, upscale stay by the harbor.
Newport Harbor Island Resort
Formerly known as Gurney’s, this expansive resort on Goat Island has been freshly updated and reimagined for luxe getaways. Surrounded by water on all sides, it offers sweeping views of Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay. Rooms are chic and coastal-inspired, and many have balconies overlooking the marina or iconic Newport Bridge. The resort’s amenities are as indulgent as they come: indoor and outdoor saltwater pools, a waterfront spa, private cabanas on a sundeck, and even a historic lighthouse on the grounds For a unique touch, a small herd of goats lives on-site (a nod to Goat Island’s name), delighting guests of all ages. With multiple dining options (from a cocktail bar to a seafood restaurant), this resort delivers a full-service luxury experience just a short shuttle ride from downtown.
Hotel Viking (featured picture above)
A fixture of Bellevue Avenue since 1926, the Hotel Viking is a historic grand hotel that offers modern luxury with a dash of Jazz Age nostalgia. Its elegant lobby and original brass letterbox hint at nearly a century of hosting Newport’s elite. Rooms and suites are recently renovated, blending classic style with contemporary comfort (pillow-top mattresses, marble baths). The on-site spa, indoor pool, and rooftop bar (with views over the mansions) make it easy to indulge. From afternoon tea in the lounge to nightly live music in the tavern, the Viking envelops guests in a refined, old-world ambiance. It’s perfectly located for shopping the boutiques of Bellevue or touring the nearby mansions.
Each of these Newport properties lets you live lavishly by the sea, whether you prefer the intimacy of a boutique inn or the amenities of a grand resort. Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy Newport’s signature blend of history, scenery, and sophisticated hospitality – a truly indulgent coastal escape.
