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Newport is hands down one of the most stunning cities in Rhode Island. Once nicknamed a playground for the rich and famous, Newport is home to stunning clifftop views, a vibrant atmosphere, and beautiful colonial architecture. Visitors flock to the city for its sought after attractions including the Rose Cliff Mansion, Brenton Point State Park, and a beautiful selection of beaches.
Its luxurious reputation can sometimes cause confusion amongst visitors, and make budgeting in Newport a challenge. Despite previously being known as a lavish location, Newport has progressively opened up to a larger range of visitors with a new contemporary feel drawing in a wider selection of younger and more laid back tourists.
To help you out, we’ve created this guide on where to stay in Newport, Rhode Island. It breaks down the four best neighborhoods in the city for any travel style, so you can find the place that’s best for you. Check it out!
Where to Stay in Newport
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our best recommendations for places to stay in Newport, Rhode Island.
Newport Waterfront 1 Bedroom | Best Bed & Breakfast in Newport
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Located in the sought-after neighborhood of Newport Marina, this beautiful townhouse has spectacular views overlooking the docks of Newport Harbor. The immaculately decorated bed & breakfast is said to feel like a home away from home with a cozy and warming atmosphere.
Pelham Court Hotel | Best Hotel in Newport
Located in the heart of Newport’s center is the beautifully renovated carriage barn which dates back to the 1800s. The extensive renovation turned, what was once one cottage, into a seven-bedroom hotel with a relaxed yet elegant environment.
The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina | Best Budget Accommodation in Newport
Whilst Newport isn’t known for having an array of budget-friendly accommodation options, there are a few cheap hidden gems scattered around the city. The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina provides guests with reasonably priced rooms that directly overlook the harbor. Guests are provided with spacious rooms along with an onsite restaurant and an indoor heated saltwater pool.
Newport Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Newport
Downtown Newport
Without a doubt, the place to be if you want to be right amongst the hustle and bustle of Newport’s charm. Located in the center of the city and just a few minutes away from the harbor front, you’ll find a great host of charming colonial architecture, chic bars, and some of the best alfresco scenes.
Middletown
The laid-back neighborhood of Middletown is just a short drive away from the center of the city and has a slow-paced atmosphere with lots of appeal in its own right.
Newport Harbor
Newport Harbor is undoubtedly one of the coolest places to stay in the city with its beautiful waterfront condos, swanky restaurants, pristine sailing yachts, and cute pockets of greenery.
Easton Pond
If you like being amongst nature and spending your vacation doing outdoor activities then the neighborhood of Easton Pond is for you. It’s one of the best places to stay in Newport for families due to its offers a great mix of outdoor activities to keep the kids entertained.
The sought-after city of Newport has been widely renowned for its glamorous waterfront homes, spectacular colonial architecture, and a plethora of dazzling yachts. With each neighborhood offering something different for each traveler and their budget, it is important to make the right choice for your wants and needs.
Downtown is the obvious choice if you’re looking to base yourself amongst the hustle and bustle of Newport. You will find the largest selection of shops, restaurants, and cafes. It is also a hugely popular location amongst tourists due to its convenience, and a great selection of accommodation options!
If you’ve mentioned visiting Newport to someone who’s already been, you would have probably heard that it isn’t the cheapest city to visit. This can mean accommodation prices in the downtown region can set you back a fair few dollars. However, if you venture out of the city center, you will have more luck finding budget-friendly places to stay and eat. One of our favorite areas to stay in Newport if you’re on a budget is Middletown, it is just a short drive away from the city center and has its own unique charm.
If you’re looking for a luxurious getaway, then look no further than Newport Harbor. Living up to Newport’s sought-after reputation here you will find lavish yachts, chic cocktail bars, and beautifully decorated waterfront condos.
Finally, if you’re heading to Rhode Island city for its outdoor activities, then you have to stay in Easton Pond. The small but cute neighborhood is in a prime location to explore Newport’s spectacular natural beauty, including pristine lakes, white sandy beaches, and luscious hiking trails.
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Newport’s 4 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
No matter what you’re after, there’s a neighborhood in Newport that’s ideal for you. Here are the best neighborhoods in Newport, broken down by interest.
Downtown Newport – Where to Stay in Newport for First Time Visitors
Without a doubt, Downtown Newport is the place to be if you want to be right amongst the hustle and bustle of Newport’s charm. Located in the center of the city and just a few minutes away from the harbor front, you’ll find a great host of charming colonial architecture, chic bars, and some of the best alfresco scenes. For this exact reason, along with being the home to lots of the most popular attractions, downtown is our top pick on where to stay in Newport if you’re a first-time visitor.
You won’t struggle to find the right accommodation option for you in the buzzing district. Downtown Newport is home to a vast selection of hotels, B&Bs, and apartments. To help you out, below we have listed three of our favorite accommodation options in the neighborhood, all of which offer something unique to tailor to different visitors’ wants and needs.
Apartment in the Heart of Newport | Best Bed & Breakfast in Downtown Newport
This sunny, victorian apartment is full of character and is perfectly located in the heart of Newport’s downtown neighborhood. It is within walking distance to a great host of chic bars, restaurants, and cafes, along with downtown’s top attractions.
Pelham Court Hotel | Best Hotel in Downtown Newport
Located in the heart of Newport’s center is this beautifully renovated carriage barn which dates back to the 1800s. The extensive renovation turned, what was once one cottage, into a seven-bedroom hotel with a relaxed but yet elegant environment.
Admiral Fitzroy Inn | Best Budget Accommodation in Downtown Newport
Being ideally located in such a sought-after city can pose challenges for finding budget accommodation, with many of the downtown options offering lavish facilities and high prices. The Admiral Fitzroy provides a charming atmosphere just a few minutes’ walk from downtown with budget-friendly prices. Perfect for couples and small groups, the Inn provides a variety of en-suite colonial rooms.
Things to See and Do in Downtown Newport
- Explore history at Touro Synagogue National Historic Site
- Discover Newport’s art scene at Newport Art Museum
- Visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame
- Take in the views at The Elms
- Indulge in top-class cuisine at 22 Bowen’s Wine Bar & Grille
- Let your hair down at Pour Judgement- one of the Newport’s top bars
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View on OspreyMiddletown – Where to Stay in Newport on a Budget
The laid-back neighborhood of Middletown is just a short drive away from the center of the city, and has a slow-paced atmosphere with lots of appeal in its own right.
Along with it having a decent selection of restaurants and shops, there are also plenty of regular buses and taxis allowing easy access to the city’s top attractions.
Due to its slightly further out location, Middletown has a great selection of budget accommodation options.
Beautiful and Spacious 4 Bed House | Best Bed & Breakfast in Newport East
This spacious and elegantly spacious four-bedroom home is perfectly located near some of the city’s best beaches, and is just a short drive to downtown Newport. Equipped with a beautiful terrace patio looking out over luscious views of the nearby greenery, it is a perfect place to unwind and relax.
The Carriage House Inn Newport | Best Hotel in Newport East
This fully renovated Victorian-era home has been transformed into a boutique hotel that embodies a historic charm. With modern amenities just outside of the city center, it is an ideal base to explore Newport. A variety of rooms makes it the perfect hotel for families and couples on a romantic getaway.
Rodeway Inn Middletown | Best Budget Accommodation in Newport East
A basic, but clean motel in the heart of Middletown, the Rodeway Inn offers guests a great location to explore at a steal of the price. There is a traditional interior with a variety of rooms, all of which are equipped with an en suite.
Things to See and Do in Middletown
- Go wine tasting at Newport Vineyards
- Tackle a hike at Norman Bird Sanctuary
- Spend the day relaxing on Third Beach
- Make a trip to explore Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
- Go fruit picking at Sweet Berry Farm
- Learn history at The Whitehall Museum House
Newport Harbor – Coolest Area to Stay in Newport
Newport Harbor is undoubtedly one of the coolest places to stay in the city with its beautiful waterfront condos, swanky restaurants, pristine sailing yachts, and cute pockets of greenery.
Located just a short walk from the downtown area, this plush neighborhood offers panoramic views over a well-kept harbor whilst also having a bustling atmosphere.
Whether you love outdoor adventures or just want to take a stroll along the promenade to relax and enjoy a drink in the Rhode Island sunshine, Newport Harbor is the place for you.
It must be said that Newport Harbor isn’t the most budget-friendly area, however, if you’re looking to splash the cash it is certainly worth it!
Newport Waterfront Townhouse | Best Bed & Breakfast in Newport Marina
Best described as a New England Seaport escape, this beautiful townhouse has spectacular views overlooking the docks of Newport Harbor. Immaculately decorated, this bed & breakfast is said to feel like a home away from home with a cozy and warming atmosphere.
Newport Marriott | Best Hotel in Newport Harbor
The Newport Marriott offers guests scenic views overlooking the shimmering Rhode Island waterfront. The hotel is equipped with nautical-themed rooms and luxurious amenities perfect for relaxing after a long day of exploring.
The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina | Best Budget Accommodation in Newport Harbor
Whilst this isn’t exactly budget-friendly for all travelers, The Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina provides guests with reasonably priced rooms looking directly over the harbor. Guests are provided with spacious rooms along with an onsite restaurant, and an indoor heated saltwater pool.
Things to See and Do in Newport Harbor
- Take a day trip to Goat Island
- Go on a sailing adventure
- Wander along the harbor promenade
- Explore Touro Synagogue National Historic SiteSave
- Have dinner with a view at Bluewater Grill
- Live the life of luxury at Harborside Restaurant and Grand Ballroom
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Grab an eSIM!Easton Pond – Where to Stay in Newport for Families
If you like being amongst nature and enjoying outdoor adventures, then the neighborhood of Easton Pond is for you. It’s one of the best places to stay in Newport for families with its great mix of activities to keep the kids entertained.
With it being a short drive from the city center, it also means that there are a few more budget-friendly places to stay. Those looking to save some cash will love Easton Pond!
Despite not having as much of a bustling atmosphere, there is still a good selection of shops, restaurants, and bars. But of course, the key draw to staying here has been left to nature with the chance to try paddle boarding, hiking, and mountain biking.
Charming Beach Cottage | Best Bed & Breakfast in Easton Pond
This charming cottage is just steps away from a gorgeous sandy beach, and has stunning views overlooking the ocean. The cottage is just a few minutes’ walk away from Easton Pond’s great selection of cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Atlantic Beach Hotel Newport | Best Hotel in Easton Pond
This large hotel complex is primely located with direct access to some of Rhode Island’s best beaches! Guests at the hotel can enjoy top-class facilities including a heated indoor pool, a health center and an on-site restaurant.
The Sea Breeze Inn | Best Luxury Accommodation in Easton Pond
The Sea Breeze Inn provides guests with a luxurious and spacious home looking out to beautiful ocean views. The owners pride the property on being a home away from home with little touches that create an elegant yet homely atmosphere.
Things to See and Do in Easton Pond
- Enjoy watersports on Second Beach
- Relax on the cream-coloured sands at Third Beach
- Spot wildlife at Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge
- Visit Prescott Farm
- Go wine tasting at Greenvale Vineyards
- Have a dip in Easton Pond
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Hide Yo’ Money!What To Pack For Newport
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Newport
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Newport
Whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Newport for its culture and history, or you want to spend your days exploring its fantastic landscapes, it’s important you choose the right neighborhood.
We hope this guide has helped make planning your trip that little bit easier so you can get on with enjoying your time in the sun, having a cocktail or two, all whilst also learning about Newport’s rich culture.
Did you check any of these spots out? Let us know in the comments!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around USA.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in USA.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in USA instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in USA to plan your trip.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for USA.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
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