After a long day of travel delays, I stepped into my room at the Newport Harbor Island Resort in Rhode Island and couldn’t help but smile as I gazed out at the waters of Narragansett Bay. Out one window, a sailboat and a speedboat puttered by. Out another window, I glanced in awe at the massive Claiborne Pell Bridge. Despite my visit in cooler weather, I stepped onto the balcony to feel the fresh breeze of the Ocean State. Those frustrating travel delays were officially left in the past.
The hotel was freshly updated as of spring 2024, and you'll see the attention to renovation in all parts of the hotel, from its lobby to the guestrooms and meeting spaces.
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With its tan, blue, and white design scheme, the hotel’s design offers a quiet retreat. Its style, while chic, doesn’t interfere with the views beyond its four walls. Despite its maritime location, Newport Harbor Island Resort in Rhode Island does nautical in a refined, luxe style, mixing water tones with contemporary nods. My sprawling room made space for a large bed, a desk area, a sitting area, and a spacious entryway for coats and boots.
In the bathroom, I was happy to find Jonathan Adler champagne-scented body wash and lotion. The shower had excellent pressure, though I wished for a bathtub.
It can be hard to want to pull yourself away from the beautiful guest room, but it’s worth it for the spa, gameroom, kids’ club, fitness center, gift shop, and indoor and outdoor pools. When the weather permits, you can rent a bike, kayak, or paddleboard.
Make time in your schedule to visit The Firepits, the hotel’s outdoor patio experience complete with cozy fireplaces. During the summer, the al fresco area fills up with diners enjoying the views and the warm weather. Even in cooler weather, you can enjoy the space. I visited on a chilly fall evening, bundled up in a coat and huddled around the fire pit while sipping red wine and eating a warm chocolate chip cookie cake. Island life is sweet indeed.
Neighborhood
The hotel is located on Newport’s picturesque Goat Island, a popular spot for maritime activities. Some rooms even feature views of Narragansett Bay, Newport Harbor Light House, and the massive Claiborne Pell Bridge. The island itself offers a quiet retreat, but you can walk into town or use the resort’s shuttle service. During warm weather, there’s a water taxi into Newport as well.
Nearby
- Newport Harbor Light: This historic lighthouse helped to guide and protect the area’s bustling shipping industry in the early 1800s, per the American Lighthouse Foundation.
- Colonial houses: Just a 10-minute across the bridge into town, you’ll find some of Newport’s beautiful colonial houses. The town is home to more than 300 pre-Revolutionary War buildings, the Providence-Journal reported.
- Bowen’s Wharf: A 20-minute walk from your hotel or accessible on the hotel's shuttle, Bowen’s Wharf is a popular marina packed with restaurants, boutiques, and galleries.
Time Out tip
The hotel’s grab-and-go cafe is a solid spot for a quick coffee, pastry, and breakfast sandwich in the morning. Called The Bakery, this cafe offers breakfast wraps, bacon-egg-and-cheese sandwiches, berry parfaits, scones, muffins, and more, alongside coffee drinks.