Edged by the sparkling Narragansett Bay, Newport, Rhode Island is an idyllic seaside city. It’s steeped in culture and offers a temperate climate, unparalleled ocean views, and wonderfully fresh seafood. Visitors can enjoy whale-watching tours, sailing, strolling the waterfront or soaking up the history of this fascinating city. Part of the allure lies in the wonderful accommodations on offer. At once elegant and inviting, Castle Hill Inn welcomes couples and families with the promise of a luxurious and relaxing stay.
Accommodation type: 4-star hotel
No. of Rooms & Suites: 35
Pricing: starts at $321 for single rooms, up to $938 for cottages
High season: May through September
Nearest airport: T.F. Green Airport (PVD), Warwick
Suitable for: couples, honeymooners, families with children over 13
Awards:
- Forbes Travel Guide Four Star Winner, 2015
- Wine Spectator, Best of Award of Excellence for the Castle Hill Dining Room Wine List
- Condé Nast Traveler’s Prestigious Gold List
Accommodation
Built in 1874 by Alexander Agassiz, a noted Harvard University naturalist, the house commands a striking position high on Castle Hill, overlooking the bay. Used as his summer home, it became the repository of some of Agassiz’s collections gathered from the Far East. Many of which are still available to view today. However, in 2003, the property went through a renovation, updating the interior while still maintaining historical accuracy in the color scheme and furnishings.
The nearby Castle Hill Light is a three-story lighthouse built on property deeded by Agassiz to the United States government. A landmark guiding ships since 1890, it also acts as the beginning or end point for local yacht races. They say that Grace Kelly particularly loved swimming in the cove beneath the house and often spent time tanning on the shore when not filming “High Society.”
Facilities
The Dining Room provides guests with a seasonal array of dishes inspired by New England’s long history. They source local quality products like homemade cheese and produce in addition to securing the finest seafood to come out of Narragansett Bay. Maine lobster, Georges Bank scallops, Rhode Island oysters and Berkshire pork each form a hearty base for dishes that are flavorful and visually stunning.
For those who love dining in the open air, The Lawn is a laid-back tribute to the breezy vacation vibe that has long been part of Newport’s character. Brunch, lunch, and dinner allow guests take advantage of the sweeping views and delectable menu offerings.
Natural wood, period textiles, historically accurate furnishings and windows opening to wide sea views are all to be expected by guests. The downstairs drawing room features a grand fireplace with ornate woodwork. In addition, the dining room’s coffered ceiling highlights the large windows looking over the cove.
Complimentary Activities
Each morning, guests get a delicious complimentary breakfast. Every afternoon, a tea service that includes a delightful spread of scones, cookies and other treats made by the on-site pastry chef is available from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Bottled water, turndown service, valet parking, Wi-Fi and the use of luxurious bathrobes are also complimentary. Diners may also receive a complimentary dessert when purchasing a lunch or dinner entree.
Guests also have complimentary use of bicycles to explore the peninsula or enjoy the ride into the center of the city.
Travel Options
The closest airport, located just 25 miles from the city, is T.F. Green Airport (PVD) in Warwick. From there, guests can arrange taxi or shuttle service. Car rental is also available, and I-95 South to Highway 138 will take travelers into Newport in about 35 minutes.
Both Boston and New York City offer Amtrak train service to Kingston. From there, travelers can take the Number 64 bus right into Newport.
The traditional arrival into Newport was by boat, and there are still a number of marinas for docking or ferry companies providing travel service to points around Aquidneck Island. The marina below Castle Hill Inn offers twilight tours of the bay for guests to enjoy the sunset. It’s also a perfect docking site for guests of the Inn who arrive via the water. The Inn’s own boat, Mistress, gives 40-minute tours that end at Bowen’s Warf daily from June 20 to September 7.
Main Attractions Around Castle Hill Inn
Cliff Walk
Stretching more than three miles along Newport’s famously jagged shoreline, the Cliff Walk allows visitors an opportunity to take in the deep blue Atlantic waves as they crash below. In addition, you can meander right past many of the most famous mansions in the city. The walk is a popular pastime, leading to many areas where visitors can stop and unpack a lunch. Even more, they can just uncork a bottle of wine and enjoy the view.
Castle Hill Light
Built in 1890, the lighthouse is constructed of granite blocks and still guides ships to this day. It’s not open to the public, but footpaths lead to it from Castle Hill Inn, so you can visit it. In addition, the spot is a beautiful area for photographs.
Newport Mansions
One of the main attractions of Newport, these 11 Gilded Age wonders provide visitors with a glimpse into the lives of famous names as Astor and Vanderbilt. Mostly used as summer residences due to Newport’s cool sea breezes, the houses are lavish examples of Victorian-era architecture. The Breakers, Marble House, and The Elms are among the most popular to visit.
Thames Street
All the charm of a New England seaside village is present in Newport’s tidy waterfront. Chowder houses, little boutiques, galleries and other fun delights to explore will create a wonderful experience for visitors.
The Castle Hill Inn offers an exclusive and private retreat that is still conveniently close to the best attractions that Newport has to offer. It distils all of them into one exquisite experience. From the breathtaking ocean views to the fun of exploring the city’s grand homes, visitors will enjoy the time they spend in this wonderful part of the world. If you’ve had the opportunity to visit Newport, let us know what your favorite experience was in the comments below. Also, if you’re looking for another luxury location with unique views, try the Amangiri resort in Utah.