Picked by a Local – Best Hotels in Rhode Island
May 28, 2019
Don’t miss out on an authentic vacation experience. Hotels and inns are easy to come by, and you can read the online reviews, but when you want an authentic travel experience, you want to know where the locals would go.
When you are traveling to such a historic location, it helps to know where the locals recommend going. Those of us living in Rhode Island know the best hotels to keep you close to the action, but also offer other amenities like good parking, quality on or off-site eats, shuttle services, and events. They’re not overpriced for the sake of being overpriced, and they offer certain desirability and comforts you might not be able to identify while scanning TripAdvisor reviews.
These Rhode Island hotels and inns are steeped in charm and local history and they offer amenities you won’t find just anywhere. With Summer just around the corner, now is the time to plan your next vacation to The Ocean State. Once you decide when you want to visit, it’s time to decide which of these wonderful Rhode Island hotels and inns you want to stay in. These hotels are all true blue Rhode Islander favorites – some for their history and architecture, some for their food, and all for their love of local culture.
Follow Rhode Island Red Food Tours on social media to keep up with all of the fun happenings in Rhode Island this month (and every month!)
Taking a Rhode Island Red Food Tour is a must for all visitors! How else will you experience the best restaurants in Newport and Providence? Sip and sample dishes from some of the best spots in Rhode Island. Find your favorite and return again and again. Along the way, you’ll learn about the state’s history and architecture. Bring your friends and family along for a fun-filled day!
Newport County Hotels & Inns
The Chanler At Cliff Walk is special for so many reasons. Conde Nast readers agree, ranking it #18 in the U.S. It’s no wonder with its historic charm and breath-taking views. If the romantic scenery is not enough to get the timbers burning, the rooms fitted with fine antiques, fireplaces, and stone bathrooms with heated floors will!
While you are there, be sure to have a romantic dinner at Cara Restaurant in their elegant dining room. Don’t miss brunch in the splendor of the oceanfront veranda. The local artisanal dishes alone will have you booking another night.
The magnificent Hotel Viking opened in 1926 and has remained a destination ever since. Located just over one mile from the gorgeous Cliffwalk, Hotel Viking hosts everything from weddings to corporate events. It’s a very romantic destination for a special occasion (or just because!.) Hotel Viking’s concierge services will set you up with food and historic walking tours, sailing charters, helicopter rides, and bicycles. Although many couples choose Hotel Viking for a romantic getaway, they are family-friendly. Their spa even offers treatments for kids! It’s not right downtown but they do have a first come, first serve car service that will bring you there. They also offer a shuttle to the train station and airport. Amongst Newport hotels, this one is clearly a cut above the rest.
The Vanderbilt Hotel is currently a Five Star Boutique Hotel, but this Newport mansion was originally built in 1909 by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt I. The hotel is located centrallywithin the historic district, enabling you to stroll the charming historic streets, catch a current movie at the Jane Pickens Theatre, and shop Washington Square, Thames and Spring St. This luxury boutique hotel boasts two restaurants featuring local, seasonal ingredients and a fabulous rooftop deck for sunset cocktails overlooking stunning Newport Harbor.
Castle Hill Inn is one of the most prestigious hotels in Rhode Island. It offers award-winning dining in four separate dining rooms, and on the lawn during spring, summer, and early fall. The rooms are nothing short of magnificent, with each room presenting distinct interiors and views of the beach, the hill, or the harbor. Castle Hill Inn also happens to be on 40 acres of private land complete with a sandy beach and a private rocky shoreline named after Grace Kelly. Kelly stayed there while filming High Society in 1954.
Boutique hotels are all the rage right now. Among the best in Rhode Island are Lark Hotels, Gilded and The Attwater. Gilded is a 17-room hotel that prides itself on taking a modern twist on Gilded Age decor. Its sassy decor makes for a truly unique stay. Gilded offers curated small plates, billiards rooms, complimentary iPads, and personalized concierge services. Coastal Living described it best by calling Gilded a “gorgeously sassy little boutique hotel.” The Attwater is nautical-inspired, which is perfect for Newport! Amenities include secluded back decks, beach bags and chairs, spa services, and complimentary daily housekeeping services. If you want to feel like you’re at the beach 24/7, the Attwater is just the place for you!
When it comes to luxury in the B&B category, the Cliffside Inn is up there with the best of them. The inn is the former summer home of noted Victorian-Era artist, Beatrice Turner. You can even choose her bedroom where you will find her hand painted door panels. As if surrounding yourself in this artist’s retreat is not enough, just stroll down to the Newport Cliff Walk, just a few steps away for the ultimate inspiration. They offer luxurious amenities like in-room couple massages, daily flower bouquets, hand-dipped strawberry covered chocolates, and French champagne. The romance cannot be denied!
Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina is an island resort on Goat Island, located just minutes from Newport. Gurney’s has 257 guest rooms and expansive grounds with 360-degree water views. Scarpetta, their onsite restaurant, is a waterfront delight with classic Italian offerings. Relax at the Seawater Spa with a massage or enjoy their relaxation room. There is also an outdoor saltwater pool, indoor heated pool, fitness center, and salon. The Gurney has a state of the art marina with 22 slips. Gurney’s stunning views and amenities have something for everyone. Whether you’re ready to relax or itching to adventure, Gurney’s is where it’s at.
Forty 1° North is modern elegance meets historic Newport with an environmentally-friendly approach. As the first LEED Certified Hotel in Rhode Island, they offer environmentally-friendly amenities in addition to state-of-the-art technology. To bring the outside in, the hotel’s suites have floor-to-ceiling windows and over-sized balconies. In addition to rooms and suites, Forty 1° North offers cottages and lofts for more space. There are several restaurant and bars associated with Forty 1° North, including The Grill, Christie’s, The Library, The Pavilion Bar, and more. Enjoy the sunshine and fresh seaside breezes during a stay at Forty 1° North.
OceanCliff Hotel & Resort is known for being a wedding destination in Newport. They are also a year-round hotel. Situated in Ocean Drive, near Fort Adams State Park, the location offers beautiful views and plenty of places to explore. Onsite amenities include a swimming pool and hot tub, complimentary shuttle services, and views of Narragansett Bay. OceanCliff Hotel & Resort offers great locale at a reasonable price in Newport.
The Stone House is a luxury resort in quaint Little Compton, R.I. The resort sits on 2.7 acres of land near the tip of Sakonnet Point. The resort was once a family residence but was converted into an inn in 1920. Fun fact: there is a tap room in the basement that was a speakeasy during the Prohibition! The Stone House was recently renovated to incorporate green technologies. Amenities at Stone House include a restaurant, private beach, and outdoor terrace. The grounds are gorgeous and are reason alone to plan your stay.
Tiverton Four Corners School House No. 1 in Tiverton, R.I. is unlike any hotel on this list. The historic schoolhouse only has two bedrooms, which is perfect if you’re looking to take a vacation with the family. Even though it’s located in the historic Tiverton Four Corners, the School House has been updated with modern touches. It has an open floor plan with a spacious kitchen and living area. A reminder of the home’s historic past, there is a working, vintage 24-inch cast-iron school bell!
While you’re visiting the Ocean State, take a Rhode Island Red Food Tour! With tours in Newport and Providence, you’ll sip and sample some of the best dishes in the state. Experiencing local food is the best way to truly get to know a new place. Providence is a foodie hot spot and Newport offers the freshest seafood around. You really can’t go wrong with food in Rhode Island!
Providence Hotels & Inns
The Dean Hotel has an eclectic, modern style in historic downtown Providence. The Dean Hotel prides itself on being a reflection of Providence. With custom furniture and craftwork from local artisans and artisans from all around the world. A historic building, The Dean Hotel was transformed into a modern hotel right in the heart of Providence. The hotel is home to four different restaurants and lounges. North is a non-traditional restaurant known for its collaboration with local farmers and fishermen. The Boombox is Providence’s first and only karaoke lounge. Bolt Coffee is artisanal coffee at its best. The Dean Bar is an intimate and discreet cocktail lounge. The Dean Hotel is hip and sophisticated, but not intimidating. There is plenty to do at the hotel and since it’s located in downtown Providence, the city is right at your fingertips.
The Old Court Bed and Breakfast was built in 1863 and is a true mix of Victorian styles and ornate Italian designs. The Old Court has ten rooms, each decorated to reflect different nineteenth-century styles. The rooms’ wallpaper is art in itself! Rooms have views of the Capitol and downtown Providence. Breakfast is prepared every morning in the first-floor dining room. The Old Court aims to transport you to a much more gracious time.
Hotel Providence is a boutique hotel in downtown Providence. The hotel’s style was inspired by Tolstoy, Byron, Dumas, and Besson. Books and art fill the hotel’s classically-styled rooms. Hotel Providence is a historic building with a long history. It was operated as a hotel for 94 years before shutting down in 1976. It re-opened as a dormitory for Johnson & Wales students before becoming the current Hotel Providence. The hotel offers guest rooms and suites. If you’re looking to stay in the lap of luxury, check out their Premier Suite with a Whirlpool Tub! Hotel Providence is old school elegance paired with modern luxury.
Christopher Dodge House is a luxury bed and breakfast within walking distance of downtown. It has been completely restored, but the original charm remains intact. It features 11-foot ceilings, marble fireplace enclosures, ornate plastic moldings, and the original tin ceilings. The building was built in 1858 and was the Dodge family residence. In 1901, it was converted into apartments. The current owners bought and restored the building. If you’re looking for true New England charm, a stay at the Christopher Dodge House is a must.
Graduate Providence (formerly the Providence Biltmore Hotel) is located right in downtown Providence. As a historic landmark, Graduate is bursting with old school charm. Graduate Providence was built in 1922 and it still has many original touches, including an ornate ceiling and a glass-and-brass elevator. For modern amenities, the hotel has a 24-hour fitness center, is pet-friendly, offers complimentary bike rentals, valet services, and loaner headphones. They offer a variety of rooms that suit your every need. At Graduate Providence, there’s a thoughtful touch and surprise around every corner.
Omni Providence Hotel is a landmark hotel connected to the Rhode Island Convention Center, Dunkin Donuts Center and Providence Place Mall. With such a premier location in Downtown Providence, the Omni is luxury within walking distance of some of Providence’s most exciting spots. The hotel boasts 564 oversized guest rooms and suites with views of Downtown Providence. Centro Restaurant is located in the hotel and features central Italian cuisine, in a modern and hip environment. Fleming’s Steakhouse is located on the ground floor of the hotel and is a great spot for a fine prime steak and award-winning wine menu. Morsel’s at Omni Providence is the hotel’s coffee shop. Omni Providence offers a fitness center and indoor pool. Stay close to the city hustle and bustle and enjoy the comforts of the Omni Providence Hotel.
South County Hotels & Inns
Watch Hill Inn has stunning views of the water. It’s a historic inn but has been modernized to today’s standards. All of the modern comforts are available to guests. There are 21 rooms ranging from “Simple” to “Seriously Suite.” There is complimentary breakfast in the morning and complimentary selection of local beers and wines at night. Guests also have access to resort amenities through Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn. There is access to Ocean House’s private beach and Forbes’ Five Star Oh! Spa. Guests have unrestricted use of Weekapaug Inn’s fleet of kayaks, paddle boards, and sailboats. We could go on and on about the amazing amenities available at Watch Hill Inn! As they say, rise and shine where chic meets shoreline at Watch Hill Inn.
The Break is a boutique, “ultra-chic” hotel in Narragansett. There is a turquoise color scheme throughout the hotel, giving it a whimsical and retro vibe. There are twelve rooms and four suites within the hotel, each with customized interiors and the essential beach comforts. Each room has a fireplace and heated bathroom floors – heaven! If you ever leave your room, there is a year-round saltwater pool, a Peloton bike, and complimentary backpack beach chairs and bicycles to take on your vacation adventures. Stay in for dinner at Chair 5, the hotel’s signature restaurant and rooftop indoor/outdoor bar. Inbetween relaxation and meals, check out their Micro-Spa for a relaxing massage or facial.
Ocean House is one of Forbes’ Verified World’s Most Luxurious Hotels and Spas. That’s a phenomenal honor for a deserving hotel. Ocean House is perched high on the bluffs of Watch Hill, providing the most incredible ocean views. An iconic New England seaside resort, Ocean House is the first and only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star hotel in Rhode Island. Whoa. Ocean House is a widely celebrated luxury hotel with uncompromising service, beachfront location, and more amenities than you could think of. There are 49 guestrooms and 18 signature suites, all inspired by the hotel’s oceanfront setting. While you’re staying at Ocean House, they have many exclusive experiences to enjoy including yachting, beach cabanas, tennis, a screening room, and their Forbes Five-Star spa, Oh! Spa. We could go on and on about their amenities and location. Ocean House truly blows them all out of the water.
Weekapaug Inn is located on the Rhode Island shoreline overlooking Quonochontaug Pond and the Atlantic Ocean beyond. A luxury hotel, Weekapaug Inn offers classic New England accommodations that combine casual comfort and luxurious furnishings. The Inn is designed to create extraordinary guest experiences. Weekapaug has 31 guest rooms, including four Signature Suites. Each room has modern Yankee decor, marble-accented bathrooms, feather-top beds, and luxury linens. The Restaurant, the Weekapaug’s main dining venue, offers an incredible farm-to-table menu highlighting the best in local, fresh cuisine. While you’re a guest, Weekapaug Inn offers ever-evolving complimentary activities. Explore the great outdoors with the Inn’s Resident Naturalist, enjoy a wine tasting with their talented Sommelier, kayak, and so much more. There’s truly something for everyone at Weekapaug. And if you can’t find the perfect fit, they offer some accommodations at their sister property, Ocean House.
Now that you know where to stay, figure out where you want to eat. Taking a Rhode Island Red Food Tour is the best way to discover your favorite restaurants in Newport and Providence. Sip and sample offerings from some of the best restaurants in the state. Then, return to your favorite spots for a full meal! You definitely will not leave Rhode Island with an empty stomach.
Block Island Hotels & Inns
Hotel Manisses is a posh Block Island favorite, ranking at the island’s #1 boutique hotel. The hotel is a newly renovated Victorian landmark with standard, deluxe and premium room options. Amenities include expansive gardens and porches, pre-arrival concierge services, supreme bedding and linens, outdoor areas for lounging and more. The Manisses Restaurant & Bar has contemporary craft cocktails paired with fresh seasonal cuisine. Explore the island and retreat back to Hotel Manisses for some well-deserved pampering.
Spring House Hotel is Block Island’s oldest and largest hotel. Spring House has an unbeatable view of the ocean and the island’s rolling foothills. Relax on their wraparound veranda or Adirondack chairs on the lawn. The hotel has 50 rooms, three onsite apartments, four on-property guest homes, five off-site townhouses, and a single family home. It really is big! Spring House is located just a short walk uphill from Old Harbor, making it easy to get back to the ferry or explore the shops. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served during their peak season (June-September). Their onsite restaurants specialize in farm-to-table cuisine. One of our favorite features of the hotel are its three gardens, which are in a constant state of bloom.
The Surf at Block Island Beach House overlooks the picturesque Crescent Beach and offers several beachfront hotel rooms (some with private balconies!) The Surf has a laidback summer vibe. Enjoy the views and ocean breeze on their back porch or join the party at their beach bar. They have three onsite food and beverage venues – The Surf, Coffee & Cocktails, and Beach Bar. The Surf at Block Island Beach House is Block Island’s only beachfront location, making it an extra special vacation experience.
The Darius Inn is Block Island’s go-to inn for people vacationing with their dogs. No need to leave Fido at home! The Darius Inn is dog-friendly and has a reasonable “pet fee” of $50 per night. The inn has six guest rooms and five pet-friendly suites. The Darius is walking distance from the ferry landing and just steps to the beach. Accommodations include happy hour, grill access, complimentary beach towels, and more. You can even add a daily healthy, homemade breakfast to your stay. Vacation with the whole family (even the furry members) at The Darius Inn!
