Where to Stay in Newport & Aquidneck Island | Hotels, Inns & Rentals
- This Cafe Life
- Sep 26
- 3 min read
Newport and the surrounding towns of Middletown and Portsmouth have a wide range of lodging, each with its own character and advantages.
At This Café Life, transparency matters. We want you to know that some of the links on our website are affiliate links. This means that if you click on a link and book travel, buy a product, or sign up for a service, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you.
Luxury stays
The Chanler at Cliff Walk is sublime. The rooms are immaculately furnished, almost elaborately, and we love Remy's Loose, a salon straight out of Paris.
Castle Hill Inn sits on its own peninsula with private beach cottages and a 40-acre estate. It's sophisticated, yet pretty low-key. The best part of a visit is enjoying drinks and appetizers on the lawn watching sunset.
The Vanderbilt in downtown Newport is a restored mansion with stunning interiors. I especially love the dining room — it has a social club feel, and I’m absolutely obsessed with the design details.
Waterfront hotels & resorts
Staff Pick: Hammetts Hotel - We love Hammets for its location, its outdoor spaces, and its connection to Newport and Rhode Island. Owned by locals, who have multiple properties and restaurants, they know how to do it right.
The Brenton Hotel One of Newport’s newer properties, sleek rooftop bar, harbor views.
Newport Harbor Island Resort on Goat Island is iconic and often hosts weddings & groups and is very busy during music festivals. Has a marina, spa and pools.
Historic inns and bed & breakfasts
Marshall Slocum Inn, Francis Malbone House, and Mill Street Inn all capture the colonial and 19th-century spirit of Newport, while still being close to the mansions and downtown. Expect fewer rooms and more individualized service — a great fit if you enjoy character and connection rather than big-hotel polish.
Mid-range and central hotels
Easy access to town while keeping rates a little more approachable. Hotel Viking on Bellevue Avenue mixes historic style with a rooftop bar and spa. Gardiner House, a boutique waterfront hotel, offers unique rooms and harbor views. For those who prioritize beach proximity, Atlantic Beach Hotel sit right across from Easton’s Beach. These options balance convenience, comfort, and value.
Vacation Rentals
Family Pick: Home rentals are one of the best ways to experience Aquidneck Island. We usually rent off Sachuest Point on Middletown. Rentals give families and groups more flexibility. With kitchens, living rooms, and multiple bedrooms, it’s easy to cook together, spread out, and enjoy downtime in a way hotels can’t match. Often the cost per person is lower than booking several hotel rooms, especially for larger groups. Rentals also let you feel like a local — shopping the farmstands, grilling after a day at the beach, or gathering by the fire after exploring. Browse Newport vacation rentals on VRBO →
Tips for choosing:
Stay near Bellevue Avenue if you want to walk to the mansions and shopping, pick Middletown if you want easy access to Second Beach and nature reserves, or look to Portsmouth if you’re pairing a getaway with golf or vineyards.
Which is right for you?
Luxury seekers → The Chanler, Castle Hill, Vanderbilt
On the water → Hammetts, Brenton, Harbor Island Resort
Historic charm → Marshall Slocum, Francis Malbone, Mill Street Inn
Budget-friendly → Hotel Viking, Gardiner House, Atlantic Beach Hotel
Families/groups → VRBO rentals in Middletown/Portsmouth
Autumn is the perfect season to experience Newport’s charm — crisp air, coastal walks, and fewer crowds. For a deeper dive, check out our comprehensive Visitor's Guide to Newport → For dining inspiration see our full Newport Dining Guide →
Running This Café Life involves time, hosting, and resources. Affiliate partnerships allow us to keep sharing in-depth travel guides, recipes, photography, and cultural stories with you for free.
Comments