Forty 1⁰ North

The trendy Forty 1 North isn’t flashy about its luxury, preferring an understated approach. Even though it attracts a see-and-be seen crowd, and mega-yachts pull up into its marina (it's hard not to gawk at them while dining at The Pavilion), the vibe is surprisingly unpretentious. Many yacht owners stop by just for the day, while local trendsetters spend weekend nights enjoying cocktails outdoors at the hotel.

It is disappointing that a hotel of this caliber doesn’t have a fitness center on-site, although they do offer free passes to a large gym in Middletown. Nor do they have a spa on site, although guests can have spa treatments in their rooms. Even though the rooms are luxurious, the rates seem high considering the lack of amenities.

Forty 1 North enjoys a spectacular waterfront spot overlooking Newport Harbor, walking distance to plenty of shopping and dining. It's right off the popular Thames street downtown.

Newport is famous for the restored, historic New England mansions dotting the coast and its downtown area. Architecture and history buffs will find plenty to explore in the National Historic Landmark District, at the Newport Historical Society, and all along Bellevue Avenue where some of the most impressive homes are located, such as the famous Breakers Mansion. Some of the mansions are open for guided tours, while others you can just stand and gawk at.

Aside from being rich in history and architecture, Newport also plays hosts to a number of music and film festivals each year, including the Newport Jazz Festival (past performers include Miles Davis and Duke Ellington), Newport Folk Festival in Fort Adams State Park, and Newport International Film Festival.

Tennis, yachting, and golf are popular in Newport, as you might be expect of an area teeming with wealthy individuals. The International Tennis Hall of Fame and the Newport Country Club are both in town.

If nature is more your thing, check out Gooseberry Beach located on Ocean Drive or enjoy the extremely popular Cliff Walk. It’s been designated a National Recreation Trail and runs about 3.5 miles along the shore.

Sometimes you just want to shop and eat, however. Downtown Newport is bursting with shops, cute boutiques and galleries. After you’ve exhausted your credit card and feet, pop into one of the many waterfront restaurants serving up fresh seafood and other local cuisine.

• 36-minute drive to T. F. Green Airport
• 80-minute drive to Boston Logan Airport
• 5-minute walk to downtown Newport
• 10-minute walk to Museum of Newport History
• 6-minute drive to Breakers Mansion
• 6-minute drive to Cliff Walk
• 28-minute drive to Kingston and Amtrak station
• 4-hour drive to New York City

The modern, stylish rooms at this boutique hotel have color schemes that vary by room; some rooms are decorated in blues and grays, others oranges and browns. The furnishings are chic and and clean-lined, and high-end amenities include in-room iPads, flat-screen TVs, sophisticated iPod docks, plush robes, and wet bars with treats from Dean and Deluca.

The bathrooms are a highlight, with mosaic tiling and Malin + Goetz toiletries. Some of the higher-end rooms have huge two-person soaking tubs and separate showers.

Some rooms have fantastic water views, as well as their own decks. Rooms and Suites have gas fireplaces, while Lofts and Cottages have full kitchens.

• Gorgeous, contemporary rooms
• Luxurious bathrooms with Malin + Goetz toiletries, as well as plush robes and slippers
• Free Wi-Fi
• iPad for guests in every room
• 40-inch LED flat-screen TVs
• Sophisticated iPod docks
• Wet bars with Dean and Deluca treats
• Gas fireplaces in rooms and suites
• Premium Water View Rooms and suites have two-person soaking tubs and separate showers.
• Some rooms and suites have decks with marina views.
• Lofts and Cottages have full kitchens.

• Marina docking services with slips at 34 to 250 feet; can accommodate yachts
• Communal library with flat-screen TV, billiards table, fireplace
• Personal shopping, baby-sitting, and personal chef services available for a fee
• Free passes to Bridge to Fitness Health Club in Middletown, RI
• Pets allowed (restrictions and fees apply)
• View full list of amenities

• The Grill offers seafood and meats dockside, overlooking the Harbor.
• Christie’s serves Asian-inspired tapas, salads, sandwiches, and specialty cocktails .
• The Pavilion Bar is an outdoor hot spot (open seasonally).
• Indoor bars include The Oval Bar and The Wine Room.