<p>Am going to visit D in Boston next month, and we’d like to spend a couple of days in Newport, doing the touristy thing (mansions, maybe some shopping).</p>
<p>Since Newport is so close to Boston, none of her friends have actually gone there and stayed overnight - they usually do a day trip - so nobody has any recommendations for places to stay. She heard something about an island off of Newport that has some places to stay at, but can’t remember where she heard about it from. </p>
<p>That is probably Goat Island, which is a tiny island connected to Newport via a causeway - not much there other than a Hyatt and a marina. The priciest hotels in Newport are the Chanler - well positioned at the end of the Cliff Walk with spectacular ocean views, or the Vanderbilt - just opened in the center part of town and walking distance to shops and restaurants. Both are small, boutique type hotels that have the charm of an inn. The Inn at Castle Hill is lovely - very old fashioned, gorgeous views and the restaurant has good food.</p>
<p>Hotels include the Viking - moderately priced and located near the Vanderbilt - but still quite nice. The Hyatt was renovated a few years ago, but it’s location makes it difficult to walk anywhere. There is also a Marriott right in town that is fairly typical. </p>
<p>I have stayed at all of these and I would choose the Inn at Castle Hill, the Chanler, or the Vanderbilt. The others are fine too, but they lack the intimacy and charm of the others.</p>
<p>Let me know if you need restaurant recommendations - I’ve probably been to every restaurant in Newport!</p>
<p>A few B&Bs:</p>
<p>Hilltop Inn </p>
<p>The Hydrangea Inn</p>
<p>The Francis Malbone House</p>
<p>All within walking distance of Memorial Blvd/Thames. There are other well known B&Bs on the other side of the island. Not sure if you want to be in the center of the activity or in a quiet location.</p>
<p>My bubble was burst a bit when someone let me know Columbus Day weekend is a very busy time there, so I did a quick search on gourmetmom’s suggestions, and the only places I could find any availability was The Hotel Viking and the Marriott. I liked the more intimate feel of The Hotel Viking, but it seems a bit further away from stuff. Or is it an easy walk to things?</p>
<p>The Viking is very nice - a small hotel with an indoor swimming pool and a lovely spa. It is within easy walking distance of the Bellevue Ave shopping area and the harbor. The location is uphill from the harbor, so there is a very short but slightly steep walk back to the hotel. The area is very quaint and charming; I think it has a better location than the Marriott, which is on the edge of town.</p>
<p>Teriwtt-
Also look in to the Jailhouse Inn. It is right near the harbor… on the National Register for Historic Places as it really WAS a jailhouse before it was an inn. I stayed there 10 years ago for a friend’s wedding in Newport and it has since been renovated.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, it requires a two-night stay minimum, as do some of the places gourmetmom suggested. But thanks for the suggestion. It looked interesting.</p>
<p>My friend has stayed at the Viking…which they liked. I stayed at the Marriott…which as others have said is a typical Marriott. If the Viking is available, I’d book that…if you do a reservation that can be cancelled, you can keep looking…but at least you’ll have somewhere to stay on one of the busiest weekends in New England.</p>
<p>Last year, DH and I had a short getaway to Block Island and Newport. Thanks to some of Gmom’s suggestions, we had a great time. Because the ferry was not running the day we planned to go to Block Island, we ended up staying for two days at the Hyatt. We really didn’t mind the walk into town and the view from the room was lovely.</p>
<p>PS - I am giggling about Goat Island. Honestly, don’t expect to see much of an island. And I am also reminded that the first time we visited Providence was over Columbus Day weekend - I realized that people in this state take Columbus Day very seriously! Here in the more German-settled PA, not so much, but clearly there is an Italian population in Providence and nearby who truly regard this as a holiday.</p>
<p>I actually spent my wedding night at the Hyatt on Goat Island - the reception was in Newport and we had a flight the next evening from Logan. The windows were open, and all I really remember was something clanging against the mast of a boat all night. But yes, to call it an island…it’s just a hotel surrounded by water. Given the availability, the Viking should be very nice. Be sure to make your dinner reservations as soon as you can - the good restaurants book early too.</p>
<p>New Englander here…it’s the “leaf peepers”. Columbus Day is very near the peak foliage time of the year…folks travel to places all over these parts that weekend. It’s a time when we “local folks” stay close to home!!</p>
<p>In places line Newport and towns on Cape Cod, it’s also the official “end of summer” for many of the merchants who are seasonal.</p>
<p>We’ve stayed at the Marriott many times. It’s walking distance to most places, except for the mansions. Parking in Newport is not good, but the mansions have parking lots. The Marriott has a nice pool and hot tub, if that’s a consideration. (LOL) We love the Black Pearl–best chowder ever. Also, Puerini’s for incredible veal and homemade pasta. If you can, drive along Ocean Drive and look at the beautiful landscape. That’s where MY ashes are going!</p>
<p>We’ve stayed at the Viking a couple of times. Rooms are nice, and it’s an easy walk to downtown. Since it’s a holiday weekend, expect long lines for mansion tours and lots of people in town. We have a 2nd home on the RI shore about 40 mins from Newport, and only ever go there during the off-season. It is a fun place, though. :)</p>
<p>We will be in Newport next week, staying 1 night (Thurs 10/13). Since we won’t have time to linger for breakfast, I looked at Marriot. Surprisingly it is booked on a weeknight. Now looking at Jailhouse - seems nice.</p>