Comfort Inn at Newport Beach

Comfort Inn Middletown doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of some of the downtown Newport hotels or historical elements of many of the surrounding bed-and-breakfasts, but it has an ideal location best suited for families looking to spend the day at Easton’s Beach.  The Naval Station Newport PASS and ID are also near the hotel, so expect to see plenty of business and government travelers as well. The lobby is furnished with striped black-and-white sofas and a few potted plants. Low ceilings, lack of natural light, and a rack of brochures make the space more functional than relaxing. The heated indoor pool is particularly nice  when the weather isn’t ideal for the beach and kids need something to occupy their time.

Located just outside of Newport, Comfort Inn Middletown is convenient for access to Easton’s Beach, a two-minute drive or 10-minute walk from the hotel. The popular Cliffs Walk -- a three-and-a-half-mile walkway bordering the shore -- is a four-minute drive and a 17-minute walk away from Comfort Inn. Much of downtown Newport isn’t within easy walking distance: Perry Mill Wharf is a 40-minute walk and the Historic District is a 35-minute walk -- but it’s all within easy driving distance of five to nine minutes. Top of Newport is the highest rooftop bar in Newport for lovely views of the city, and is a five-minute drive. The International Tennis Hall of Fame is a nine-minute drive from the hotel, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops in the surrounding area. The Naval War College Museum is an 11-minute drive and is located on Coasters Harbor Island. The Naval Station Newport PASS and ID is a 10-minute drive from the hotel. The Newport State Airport is an eight-minute drive. A shuttle bus runs to popular Newport attractions and downtown Newport, but guests should be aware that the shuttle only runs during high season and on low season a car might be best. Uber and Lyft both run in Newport.

All 55 rooms at the Comfort Inn are spacious and simply decorated. Expect to see beige walls, striped wallpaper, brown bedspreads, and basic furnishings. Rooms have double- or queen-size beds, a work station desk, and dressers with plenty of drawer and storage space. Standard amenities are mini-fridges, flat-screen TVs, and coffeemakers (free coffee provided). Bathrooms are moderately sized and come with towels, toiletries, and hairdryers. The bathrooms feature large vanities with lots of counter space, and shower/tub combos. There are a few rooms with partial ocean views, but most rooms have a limited view or no view at all. Past guests have complained about cleanliness and maintenance issues like peeling wallpaper and musty smells. 

There are a few nice features at the Comfort Inn Middletown. The heated indoor pool is open from morning until night, and depending on the weather can be particularly crowded with lots of kids. There are a few chairs and tables surrounding the pool for guests to use. A free breakfast is served every morning in a separate dining room, expect to see standard continental breakfast fare -- pastries, cereal, and fruit -- as well as a few hot dishes of eggs and waffles. Coffee is set out in the lobby throughout the day. A small laundry area is situated by the elevator, and only has one dryer and one washer, but it is nice to have the option to do laundry. Parking is free and unassigned, with plenty of covered and uncovered places for travelers. A small business center is located next to the front desk where guests can use a computer and printer if needed. During high season, a shuttle runs into downtown Newport during the day. There is no on-site restaurant, however, guests  receive a discount at the restaurant across Aquidneck Avenue, Tickets Bar and Grill. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel. Guests should note that travelers from the sister hotel, Atlantic Beach Hotel, are permitted to use the pool and laundry facilities, so these can become overrun at times.