Ivy Lodge
The Ivy Lodge, a Victorian cottage, has the advantage of being located right in Newport's mansion district. Because of this, it's a short walk not only to see the mansions, but also to downtown Newport, The Cliff Walk and the beaches. When you enter Ivy Lodge, the first thing you see is its impressive 33-foot Gothic oak entry hall and winding stairs leading to second- and third-floor balconies.
The lodge has eight classic Victorian rooms filled with period antiques and furnishings. They also have luxurious features including one- or two-person whirlpool tubs, raised hearth fireplaces, wet bars and mini-fridges. Most rooms are also equipped with cable TV and individually controlled heat and AC.
Breakfast at Ivy Lodge is big and filling. It includes coffee, tea, juice, fresh fruit, granola, baked goods like mandarin orange or coconut muffins, apple tartan and several breads for toasting. The main homemade course varies but can include pineapple or blueberry pancakes or French herbed baked eggs. All through the day, drinks are available as are homemade chocolate chip cookies.
Ivy Lodge
12 Clay Street
Newport, RI 02840
401-849-6865
ivylodge.com
The Chanler Hotel at Cliff Walk
The Chanler Hotel at Cliff Walk claims it has the best view of the ocean in Newport. This imposing well-restored French Empire boutique mansion dates back to 1873. Inside, its 20 rooms are luxuriously furnished. It is located just steps from the beach and a mile from downtown Newport. Conde Nast Traveler Magazine readers voted The Chanler at Cliff Walk the fourth best small hotel in America.
All the rooms have gas fireplaces, sitting areas, and double Jacuzzis, supplemented by multi-nozzled shower stalls. Each room is decorated in a unique historical theme--Mediterranean, Renaissance, Tudor--but chairs, sofas, and mattresses are are all very modern; plush and deep. During the peak seasons, there are about three staff members for every guest. The Spiced Pear restaurant is considered one of the best in town, with menu items like Kobe beef, Kurobuta pork, Iranian caviar, and more. The hotel offers in-room massage and access to a nearby health club
The Chanler Hotel at Cliff Walk
117 Memorial Blvd.
Newport, RI 02840
401-847-1300
866-793-5664
thechanler.com
Francis Malbone House
The Francis Malbone House is a boutique bed and breakfast Inn within an original 1760 Colonial house. In 1996, a wing was attached to the house, adding nine modern rooms, making it 20 rooms altogether. The new rooms offer king-size beds and reproductions of period furniture. They also have sunken gardens and Jacuzzis. In the historical rooms, antiques outnumber reproductions. Real Oriental rugs are displayed on wood-buffed floors, and silks and linens are everywhere. Most have gas fireplaces.
The dining room at Francis Malbone has been completely renovated. It now has a 15-foot dome ceiling, a sparkling chandelier and an over-sized wood-burning fireplace. The complimentary breakfast is served here, described by the owners as "bountiful." Around 3 p.m. in the afternoon, in keeping with the period of the Inn, afternoon tea is offered for free, with homemade cookies, cakes, pastries, cheese and crackers and tea sandwiches, fresh coffee and hot tea, lemonade and iced tea. And as you sip your tea or lemonade on the front lawn, you can view the most interesting parts of Newport's Harbor waterfront right outside the property.
The Francis Malbone House
392 Thames St.
Newport, RI 02840
800-846-0392
malbone.com/
