The best hotels in Newport, Rhode Island

The Hotel Viking is located in the heart of historic Newport, walking distance to nearly all the town's seaside attractions.

A member of Historic Hotels of America, the hotel first welcomed guests in 1926. It maintains tradition, including the original brass letterbox in the lobby, but blends stately decor with up-to-date amenities such as excellent in-room Wi-Fi, flat-screen LCD TVs, and yoga classes.

Guest rooms are decorated in a soft color palette with rich touches of velvet, needlepoint, and tapestries. The classic finishings, including pine plank wood floors and fireplaces, is reminiscent of an English country inn. Marble showers, pillow-top mattresses, and Egyptian cotton linens take it up several notches for a modern crowd.

The hotel's full-service spa offers treatments with an eye towards the traditions of Bali and Thailand, including a Balinese massage and bamboo ginseng scrub.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 15 out of 24 hotels in Newport

Booking.com Rating: 7.7 out of 10

Pros: This hotel enjoys an in-town location, a spa, and a touch of class for a modest price.

Cons: Valet parking costs $40 per day. Some complain that rooms are very small.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The hotel is open though the pool, fitness center, and spa are closed. Additional health and safety features include:

• Enhanced cleaning protocol in each guest room.
• Elevated cleaning of high-touch surfaces including the front desk, door handles, and public restrooms.
• No-contact room service dining.
• Temperature checks for employees and guests.
• See additional COVID cleaning information here.

The Wayfinder is a new boutique hotel opened by a group of local chefs, artists, and entrepreneurs. Their collaboration aims to highlight Newport's charm from a homegrown perspective.

This five-acre property is a leading development in the city's North End, set alongside Newport's biggest green space, Miantonomi Park, plus a brewery and an expansive bike path.

The vibe is relaxed and approachable with a fireplace as the lobby's anchor point. Rooms and suites are decorated with custom furnishings in a cool coastal color scheme with dashes of nautical blue, beige, and cream. Each room features local art, Newport-made bath products, bed throws made at a Rhode Island-based linen store, and a minibar stocked with locally-sourced provisions.

The Wayfinder offers innovative programming like pop-up flea markets and a rotating roster of Rhode Island food trucks. For an additional fee ($50 for up to two pets) pets are welcomed with treats, water bowls, and comfy beds.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 19 out of 24 hotels in Newport

Booking.com Rating: 8.5 out of 10

Pros: The outdoor seasonal pool has a raw bar serving fresh-shucked local shellfish and classic cocktails, plus poolside yoga.

Cons: There's no elevator, so this is not a great option for anyone with mobility issues.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The hotel is open and has implemented the following additional safety measures:

• Daily housekeeping by request only.
• Bellman/luggage service is not available.
• Social distance floor markers have been added.
• Room keys are being sanitized.
• Guests may utilize digital check-in.
• Every attempt is being made to leave rooms unoccupied for at least 72 hours between guests.
• For additional info on upgraded cleaning procedures, click here.

The Mill Street Inn is a former 19th-century mill converted to an all-suite hotel. Historic features such as original beams and exposed brick walls have been preserved, adding charm. A cornerstone of the design is spaciousness, with generous corridors and large public spaces. The central location is also a winner for those who favor exploring on foot.

Guest rooms are a mix of Townhouse, Deluxe, and Studio Suites. The Townhouse Suites offer the most room, spread over two levels, and ideal for families or big groups. All suites feature elegant modern decor mixed with intact original industrial accents. Marble bathrooms with Roil bath products, feather beds, and rainfall showers should please discerning visitors.

As an added perk, a continental breakfast and afternoon tea are included in the room rate.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 3 out of 24 hotels in Newport

Booking.com Rating: 9.5 out of 10

Pros: For visitors who favor preservationist design, this imaginatively transformed mill offers visual appeal and plenty of room thanks to its all-suite offerings.

Cons: There's no elevator in this historic building, so it's not a good option for anyone with mobility issues.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: Mill Street Inn is open and welcoming overnight visitors. Additional cleaning and safety practices include:

• Disposable masks at the front desk.
• Room keys are cleaned with a UV wand.
• Evening turndown service has been paused.
• Additional health and safety protocols may be found here.

Gilded is a recently renovated property with a cheeky, style-conscious take on the Gilded Age. Think historic meets hip alongside a mix of bold Beaux-Arts furnishings and modern amenities.

The 17 guest rooms offer plush King or Queen-sized beds with custom-made padded headboards, iPod docking stations, and LED Smart TVs. Colorful throw pillows and bold printed wallpaper add dimension and gold mirrors, plush carpeting, and lacquered surfaces feel delightfully over the top.

The black velvet pool table and secluded patio with a firepit are nice additions to the common areas, and a curated small plate breakfast is included in the room rate.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 7 out of 24 hotels in Newport

Booking.com Rating: 8.9 out of 10

Pros: There's an abundance of design-forward touches both in-room and in the public spaces. Free parking and a light breakfast included in the rate are nice perks.

Cons: Some guests complain that there are limited breakfast options.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: Gilded has re-opened for the summer for weekend stays only with the following additional safety measures:

• Hand sanitizer dispensers placed at key spots including the hotel lobby.
• No daily housekeeping for those staying multiple nights. Fresh towels and linens will be delivered to your door in a sealed bag.
• All high-touch public spaces will be sanitized hourly including handrails and entry doors.
• Breakfast can either be picked up or delivered to your door.
• For additional information, click here.

Centrally located on Commercial Wharf, brand new Hammetts Hotel places guests in the heart of Newport. The hotel is also home to the innovative Sarah Langley Gallery, established to engage both hotel guests and the community in artistic conversations. Exhibits rotate on a seasonal basis with plenty of opportunities to connect with artists, curators, and galleries, though this could be impacted by COVID-19.

The gallery is located in the central corridor of the hotel, while the sun-drenched lobby features floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant seating. There's also a private deck, fitness center, and waterfront restaurant on-site.

Room decor draws from Newport's seafaring heritage with a crisp grays, whites, unfinished woods, and pops of reds and navy dropped in for good measure. Adding a smattering of industrial chic accents are antique black iron sconces and polished nickel pendant lamps, and beds are outfitted with luxury Mascioni linens. Pay attention to art work in the rooms, which are all from artists with strong ties to Newport.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 8 out of 17 specialty lodgings in Newport

Booking.com Rating: 9.4 out of 10

Pros: This art-infused hotel is a winner for guests who crave eye-candy.

Cons: If you prefer a low-key stay, this quirky, personality-filled property is not for you.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The hotel is open and has taken several steps to ensure guest safety while still providing warm hospitality, including the addition of rigorous cleaning protocols such as:

• Increased frequency of sanitization.
• Guests are greeted by a parking attendant who will provide self-parking assistance.
• Plexiglass has been added to the front desk as a safeguard.
• Guest rooms will remain unoccupied for 24 hours after departure.
• Hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the property.
• Masks will be provided at check-in.
• Additional COVID-19 safety standards may be found here.

Located along Newport's waterfront, the Newport Marriott is an upscale property from a trusted brand for those who prefer to earn and redeem points while away from home. The lobby bar is a popular watering hole where cocktails and nibbles pair with panoramic views.

Ample guest rooms have large windows that let in natural light as well as bedside USB and outlet data ports, 55-inch HDTVs, and free high-speed Wi-Fi. Bathrooms are spa-like, with walk-in showers, abundant counter space, and natural wood accents.

The large fitness center offers state-of-the-art workout equipment, an indoor lap pool, and a whirlpool. There's also a spa for post-exercise relaxation.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 8 out of 24 hotels in Newport

Booking.com Rating: 8.6 out of 10

Pros: A modern hotel with stunning harbor views, the location is a true highlight.

Cons: Some guests complain certain rooms have only showers and no bathtubs.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The property is open. The Newport Marriott is adhering to the chain's Commitment to Clean with:

• Increased cleaning of high-touch surfaces.
• Rigorous cleaning of guest rooms with hospital-grade disinfectants.
• Electrostatic sprayers used to sanitize surfaces.
• Hand sanitizing stations throughout the hotel.
• See additional COVID-19 safety and cleaning protocol here.

Spend the night at The Vanderbilt and you're sure to feel like a spoiled rich kid. This vintage Newport mansion was once owned by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, scion of the illustrious Vanderbilt family, and with only 33 rooms and suites, the staff caters to guests' whims and then some.

Common areas include a stately fireplace, museum-quality art, and a very British snooker room. Guest rooms are decorated with splashes of seafoam green and coral, drawing on its coastal location for inspiration, as well as every conceivable amenity, including oversized bathtubs, fine linens, and stellar views of Newport.

The property features a spa, great dining, and indoor and outdoor pools, though, the use of the pools could be impacted by COVID-19.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 6 out of 24 hotels in Newport

Booking.com Rating: 9.2 out of 10

Pros: Thanks to plenty of pampering and loads of luxuries, you'll feel like your surname is Vanderbilt by the time you check out.

Cons: The $50 a day resort fee is steep and adds up quickly.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The hotel is open and has increased its already rigorous cleaning regime to include:

• Wellness stations with hand sanitizer and wipes.
• Complimentary masks.
• The fitness center will limit the number of guests permitted at the same time.
• Dining venues will space tables.
• Room service will be left at your door.
• Additional info may be found here.

This sleek waterfront hotel and marina offers numerous configurations of guest rooms, suites, cottages, and lofts, making it ideal for just about any traveler, from families to solo adventurers.

Eco-conscious vacationers will like that the hotel is LEED-certified and incorporates eco-friendly elements into its architecture and design. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the hotel with natural light, walkways are made of recycled glass and crushed shells mixed with a minimum amount of concrete, and CFL lightbulbs reduce energy consumption.

Guest rooms include in-room fireplaces, hardwood floors, sumptuous Frette linens, wet bars, and mosaic-tiled bathrooms, while cottages and lofts offer extra space and full kitchens, which may be especially appealing right now.

The staff works hard to give each guest an optimum experience with interesting programmings such as waterside Vinyasa yoga and wine tasting classes.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 5 out of 24 hotels in Newport

Booking.com Rating: 9.0 out of 10

Pros: Forty 1 North is tucked away from the street noise, so all you'll hear is the water lapping in the harbor and the sound of the seagulls.

Cons: Several guests complained about over-priced cocktails ($20) at the bar, so you may be better off imbibing elsewhere.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: The hotel is open. While it doesn't have specific enhanced cleaning stipulations listed on their website, all high-touch surfaces, guest rooms, and public spaces are being cleaned very frequently. We will update this listing if more information becomes available.

Gurney's is on Goat Island, across the causeway from the town's main attractions. The location feels incredibly secluded but is still within easy walking distance or a quick water taxi ride from the center of Newport.

Rooms are furnished in soft, neutral colors with accents of natural texture and maritime touches that capture the town's nautical spirit. Those with expansive water views may even trick you into thinking you are on a boat. Speaking of boats, the resort has its own 22-slip marina, which boating enthusiasts can make good use of.

The outdoor pool is a winner, but if the weather isn't cooperating, the indoor pool is a fine alternative. High-speed internet and daily doorstep newspaper delivery are also included.

And, it's not called Goat Island for nothing. A visit with the resort's adorable resident goats can also be arranged via the hotel.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 9 out of 24 hotels in Newport

Booking.com Rating: 8.2 out of 10

Pros: This elegant hotel has a more secluded location, but Newport center is still easily accessible. The resort's marina makes it a popular choice for those looking for a boat slip.

Cons: Some rooms are very small, especially for the higher price.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: Gurney's is currently opened and has numerous COVID-19 response measures in place, including:

• Hand sanitizing stations and antibacterial wipes are available throughout the hotel and grounds.
• Complimentary masks.
• Expanded in-room dining options.
• Self-parking rather than valet.
• The fitness center is temporarily closed.
• See additional info here.

Castle Hill Inn is a romantic retreat on a private 40-acre peninsula with panoramic ocean views. If you love the sea, it's essentially nautical nirvana. Sit in one of the Adirondack chairs on the expansive lawn and watch the sailboats breeze by.

Immersed in nature, this hotel is a luxurious yet non-pretentious property with an eclectic assortment of guest rooms, cottages, and beach houses for plenty of privacy. As an added bonus, the cottages and beach houses are separately nestled along the seaside, so social distancing is inherent in the property's layout.

The clean, minimalist design is light on the frou-frou and heavy on creature comforts. An indulgent afternoon tea and fortifying breakfast are included in the rate, which makes the higher price point more palatable.

If you crave Hollywood nostalgia, book a room at Harbor House and your porch will overlook the rocky enclave that movie star and Princess Grace Kelly favored for a bracing Atlantic dip when she stayed at the hotel.

Trip Advisor Ranking: 2 out of 24 hotels in Newport

Booking.com Rating: 9.0 out of 10

Pros: This gorgeous hotel is elegant enough to please Jay Gatsby. The staff is uniformly welcoming and ultra-professional.

Cons: Some guests sleeping in the main building complain about late-night noise from the bar.

COVID-19 cleaning procedures: Castle Hill Inn is hosting overnight guests. Specific enhanced cleaning includes:

• Single serving condiments offered to diners on request.
• Room service is delivered to your door or terrace to avoid the staff entering your room.
• All guest rooms are sanitized with an ozone generator and hospital-grade disinfectant prior to arrival.
• All printed material has been removed from guest rooms, with the exception of single-use room service menus.
• Housekeeping is available in full or limited service options, as guests desire.
• Keys will be sanitized and placed in single-use bags.
• Beach chairs are arranged to maintain physical distance.
• See more info here.