Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina

Set away from the main road, America’s Cup, and overlooking a private marina, The Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina has a laid-back vibe ideal for families looking for a convenient location in downtown Newport, but also a quiet place to sleep at night. The nautical theme in the lobby pays homage to Newport’s sailing history via model sailboats and starfish. The overall look is a bit dated and the drop ceilings and mix of furniture styles in the reception area won't win any style points. Relative to a lot of the surrounding, smaller, bed-and-breakfasts, The Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina has plenty of amenities to keep everyone busy, at a surprisingly reasonable price (for Newport) during high season. The nearby Newport Bay Club has an equally convenient downtown location, but all the suites feature either a kitchenette or full kitchen, a plus for many couples and families. Couples looking for a quaint, but quirky, bed-and-breakfast might consider Gilded situated in the Historic District of Newport. Part of the Lark Hotel brand, Gilded pays homage to the Gilded Age with ornate furnishings and over-the-top decor -- with different amenities of an iPad at check-in, free curated small plates breakfast, and Apple TVs -- though often at a similar or higher price during high season. 

Overlooking Bowen’s Wharf, The Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina has an enviable location with stunning marina views and an easy five- to 10-minute walk to restaurants and shops of downtown Newport. The Historic District of Newport is an eight-minute walk, or five-minute drive, from the hotel and features the famous  Top of Newport -- the highest point in Newport. The popular Cliff Walk -- a three-mile path bordering the ocean that tours many historic mansions -- is a 25-minute walk or 10-minute drive from the hotel. Easton’s Beach is a 10-minute drive or 35-minute walk, and there are a few parking lots and snack bars there for a nice day out. The International Tennis Hall of Fame is a 15-minute drive from the hotel. The Naval War College Museum is a seven-minute drive on Coasters Harbor Island, while the Naval Station Newport PASS and ID is a six-minute drive. The Newport State Airport is a 15-minute drive. The location of the hotel means that a car isn’t necessary for getting around Newport.  

There are 133 rooms at The Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina, all decorated the same with geometric carpeting, white linens, and brown furniture. The main difference between rooms is the size and the view. Rooms feature harbor, wharf, or city views -- though some views are a bit limited. Only 16 of the 133 rooms come with balconies. However, all first floor Harbor View Rooms have a walkout patio with Adirondack chairs and lovely views. Rooms range in size, but most are spacious and come with either double or king-size beds, all of which have pillow top mattresses. Travelers can expect Keurig machines and free coffee in all the rooms. Bottled water costs extra. Flat-screen TVs come with cable and HBO, while Blu-ray machines with Pandora, Netflix, and CinemaNow capabilities are available for an extra fee. Mini-fridges aren't automatically included in the rooms, but are available for an extra fee upon request. Bathrooms are moderately sized to small and come with a shower/tub combo. Bathrooms have plenty of towels, hairdryers, and Archive toiletries. 

With stunning views of the harbor, The Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina has lovely outdoor amenities. A private, 60-slip marina is owned and operated by the hotel and features showers, laundry, and fueling stations. Saltwater, the hotel’s restaurant, is situated just beyond the marina and offers nice views for diners throughout the day. Saltwater has indoor and outdoor seating, with a rustic outdoor wooden deck and a modern indoor dining area and lounge. The restaurant is open to the public from morning until late in the evening for local seafood and American fare, as well as room service throughout the day. The indoor, heated, saltwater pool is especially nice. The pool area has both indoor and outdoor areas with tables and chairs where guests can gather. The outdoor wooden deck has a few blue lounge chairs and nice views of the marina. Saunas and locker rooms are situated adjacent to the pool. The hotel has both indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces for guests to use -- outdoor event spaces can be used by guests anytime unless there is an event. On-premise laundry facilities are available. The small business center located in the lobby has a computer and a printer. A private parking lot is available for a guests to use, though there is a daily (and somewhat expensive) parking fee. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.