That feeling when the ocean takes 100 pounds off your shoulders: Classic. Nothing beats spending an entire vacation next to the ocean. We rounded up the top waterfront hotels in Newport, some of which are destinations in their own right with onsite pools, spas and maybe even your own private hot tub overlooking the Atlantic. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly retreat with plenty of games to keep everyone occupied, or a romantic escape for two with panoramic ocean views, this list of the best waterfront hotels has you covered. 

 

Hotels on the Water

Sweeping views and a coastal breeze. Classic.

Brenton Hotel

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31 America's Cup Ave, Newport, RI

Fifty-seven sumptuously appointed rooms and a penthouse-level suite come with all the bells and whistles at Brenton Hotel overlooking Newport Harbor: King beds face floor-to-ceiling windows, private balconies offer sea breeze-accompanied harbor views, chaise sitting areas in each room, picnic-style room service, on-site restaurants The Living Room and The Rooftop, Peloton delivery to your room, and the Brenton One, the hotel's private 36" Hinckley Picnic Boat, at your beck and call. 

When adventure calls, opt for a staff-led outdoor activity like a guided run on Bellevue Avenue or a bike tour of Ocean Drive.

   

Castle Hill Inn

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590 Ocean Ave, Newport, RI

Castle Hill Inn is the reimagined Relais & Châteaux version of this former private residence to Harvard University marine biologist and naturalist Alexander Agassiz. Built in 1874, Agassiz filled the shingle-style mansion with Chinese and Japanese bronze sculptures and porcelain, many of which you can find today throughout the hotel.

Years after Agassiz died, the property housed Naval officers while operating as an impromptu base during WWII. Once the war ended, it became a summer hotel, hosting Hollywood royalty like Grace Kelly during the filming of High Society in the 1950s, and renowned novelist Thornton Wilder. 

Today, CHI is home to 33 enchanting guest accommodations, including waterfront beach cottages, elegantly appointed rooms and the beloved Turret Suite with panoramic views of the bay, the Atlantic Ocean and the onsite lighthouse— all situated on Newport's historic Ocean Drive.

   

The Chanler at Cliff Walk

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117 Memorial Blvd, Newport, RI 

Aromatherapy bath service, private outdoor hot tubs, evening turn-down service and in-room massages. The Chanler at Cliff Walk defines luxury with 20 elegantly furnished guest rooms and villas, each inspired by a particular historical period. Set above the crashing waves of the Atlantic and Newport's famed Cliff Walk, the 17th-century mansion was once the private residence of John Winthrop Chanler, New York Congressman, and welcomed prominent guests of the time like poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and President Theodore Roosevelt. 

Explore perfectly manicured grounds, complimentary Tokyobikes for exploring the city and award-winning meals at Cara for dinner and the outdoor Cafe overlooking the Atlantic for lunch.

   

Gardiner House

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24 Lee's Wharf, Newport, RI 

Gardiner House, a new waterfront boutique hotel in Newport, opened its doors in 2023 after 5 years in the making. Led by co-owners and local Newporters, Howard Cushing and Wirt Blaffer, the hotel feels and flows like a seaside house full of playful design that transports its guests to an enchanted world of art, whimsy, culinary delights and breathtaking views of Newport Harbor.

The hotel's colorful public spaces are complemented by Gardiner House’s 21 unique guest rooms and suites. The heartbeat of the hotel is found in the Studio Bar, a warm, inviting and timelessly chic space for all of Newport to start or end a night out. The hotel also boasts beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces with unmatched harbor views including The Sun Porch and the 2,400 sq. ft. Gardiner Ballroom.

   

Newport Harbor Island Resort

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1 Goat Island, Newport, RI 

A seaside oasis, Newport Harbor Island Resort offers a wide variety of waterfront eateries featuring ingredient-driven menus with healthy bites, locally sourced dishes, and seasonal classics. Additional amenities include a 22-slip marina, spa; a seasonal kids club; complimentary bikes; Newport's only outdoor resort pool, a year-round heated indoor pool, and a well-equipped fitness center.

   

Newport Marriott

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25 America's Cup Ave, Newport, RI 

Located along Newport's waterfront, the Newport Marriott offers an upscale overnight stay within walking distance to Newport's attractions. Drop your bags and make your way down to Skiff Bar, the hotel's onsite bar with plush outdoor seating overlooking the harbor, for light bites and cocktails.

MainSail Restaurant at Newport Marriott offers a more formal dining experience and overlooks the adjacent harbor. Menu options here include American favorites from locally sourced ingredients.

   

Hammetts Hotel

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4 Commercial Wharf, Newport, RI 

There's no exclusivity at this laid-back property that opened on Newport's waterfront in June 2020. Designed to celebrate Newport’s past, present, and future, Hammetts Hotel feels like a peaceful hideaway in the middle of downtown. There's no frills here, but what it lacks in extras it makes up for in atmosphere. Rooms are designed with modern simplicity in mind, stocked with everything you need and nothing you don't. At the center of it all is the art that ties this place to the fabric of the city, with a rotating gallery in the lobby and pieces from local artists a staple in the gathering spaces and guest rooms. 

Once you've dropped your bags, head out to the hotel's deck overlooking the harbor. When it's time for a bite, grab a drink and small plates from their onsite restaurant, Giusto, an open air space inspired by the simplicity of traditional Italian cooking. 

   

Forty 1° North

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351 Thames St, Newport, RI

Eco-friendly travel reaches its pinnacle at Forty 1 North, a sleek waterfront hotel off Newport's popular lower Thames Street where overnight accommodations include your choice of guest rooms, suites, cottages and lofts. The LEED-certified hotel 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.

Explore one of the many nooks designed for lingering, including The Library, the hotel's most intimate bar with billiards table, fireplace and plush seating, and the Oval Bar + Lounge, offering a sophisticated menu of curated drinks with a side of understated glamour. Onsite dining here includes The Grill, the hotel's dockside restaurant (it's open-air in the summer months) offering up a fresh, upscale menu. In the warmer months, head outside to The Pavilion Bar, a summertime staple overlooking Newport Harbor and a collection of pretty impressive superyachts. 

   

OceanCliff

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65 Ridge Rd, Newport, RI

Located on 10 acres of expansive lawns with unobstructed views of the bay, OceanCliff on historic Ocean Drive occupies what used to be Bronson Villa. Owned by Arthur Bronson of New York, the Villa was built in 1864 by the architectural firm Peabody & Stearns from Boston who happen to have designed The Breakers and Doris Duke's Rough Point. For years, the waterfront estate was used as the Bronson's summer residence until it was sold to wealthy industrialist, Mr. Gaun M. Hutton, who built the Trans-Siberian railroad in Russia for Czar Nicholas. In1954, it was sold and converted into an oceanfront retreat to host lavish parties and society affairs.

Twenty-four rooms are distinctly reminiscent of the nineteenth century while ocean views and in-room jacuzzi tubs set the stage for an overnight oasis. For the best views in the house, make your way to The Upper Deck, or enjoy a menu of fresh, local offerings at The Safari Room, the property's onsite restaurant overlooking the bay. 

   

Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina

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9 America's Cup Ave, Newport, RI 

On iconic America's Cup Avenue you'll find Newport Harbor Hotel surrounded by historic cobblestone streets and some of the most impressive super yachts around. Marina lawn games, a collection of paddle boards and kayaks, an indoor saltwater pool and dockside dining at onsite restaurant Saltwater make this 133-room property a hub for summertime visits. 

   

Featured Image: Gardiner House by Nick Mele Photography

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