Newport in Rhode Island is glamorous in an understated way – perfect for a weekend of watching sailing boats and eating oysters.
The Attwater (Photo: Booking.com)
Newport, in the tiny state of Rhode Island, is one of those immaculate US towns that almost doesn’t seem real. It is full of perfectly-preserved Colonial architecture, finely polished pubs, serene New England coastline and expensive sailboats bobbing in the calm waters as the sun goes down. In short, it is a wonderful place to spend a few days, whether you plan to take the enchanting 3.5-mile Cliff Walk or just sit near the sea and eat oysters. Luxury hotels are, as you might imagine, easy to find but some really are the pick of the bunch.
The Attwater
The Attwater is a cute boutique hotel set on a quiet street just a block off Bellevue Avenue in the central historic district. This means that everything, whether it’s sailing, eating or nightlife, is nearby. The interiors of The Attwater are newly renovated and it shows, with a crisp, high quality aesthetic. The colours are bold and contemporary, with a slight nautical twist, but it’s clear this hotel wants to attract a younger and trendier crowd too. The rooms are bright and with quirky nautical touches. There is also a fitness room and secluded back patio deck to relax on. From $225.
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Serenity Inn Newport
Serenity Inn Newport (Photo: Booking.com)
This delightful bed and breakfast is located in a historic hill neighborhood just five minutes’ drive from Newport’s city centre. The Victorian home, built in 1855, retains a classic European look inside but has been updated with a more clean-cut aesthetic overall, aside from some quirky big print wallpaper here and there. There are a range of room options to suit all budgets but our recommendation would be to stretch to Room 10, a queen room with large balcony and outdoor sofa overlooking the rooftops of Newport and the sea. The breakfast on offer is fabulous and the staff are happy to help with advice on where to check out in Newport. Hard to fault. From $123.
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Marshall Slocum Inn
Built in the 1800s, this Federalist style boutique hotel in Newport has a simple, nautical style and is the perfect antidote for stuffy chain hotels. It is packed full of period antique furniture, sailing artwork and period features such as an original hardwood floors. But the experience is anything but old fashioned, with many modern touches such as a tablet in each room to stream channels like Netflix and Hulu Plus. The location, while leafy, is close to the amenities – the harbour front is just 10 minutes walk away from the hotel. Along with rooms in the main house there is also a cottage available with private entrance and vaulted ceilings. From $149.
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