Homewood Suites by Hilton Newport Middletown

Those familiar with Homewood Suites by Hilton will not be surprised by the decor and amenities of the Homewood Suites in Middletown. The two-toned boxy all-suites hotel is situated behind a spacious parking lot off a main highway into Newport, West Main Road. Inside, contemporary chairs and a couch are set in front of a gas fireplace and flat-screen TV in the lobby. Business and governmental travelers make up the bulk of the guests here, as the Naval Station and Naval Academy are within easy driving distance. Though the convenient location -- a 10-minute drive to Easton’s and a 15-minute drive to the harbors of Newport -- makes this hotel popular with families as well. The hotel is priced as a mid-range option, but there isn’t a massive price hike during high season, which makes it a more affordable option compared to many downtown hotels during peak tourist season. For those looking to splurge on downtown Newport hotels during high season, the Hotel Viking has a spa, courtyard, and two restaurants all in the Historic District of Newport. Travelers looking for the classic bed-and-breakfast vibe, but with a twist, might consider Gilded -- a funky bed-and-breakfast in the Historic District with a tongue-in-cheek take on the Gilded Age -- though it is quite pricey during high season.

Set back from West Main Road, a major throughway between Middletown and Newport, Homewood Suites by Hilton is an easy 10-minute drive into downtown Newport. The harbors and wharfs of Newport are a 15-minute drive, and there is a shuttle which runs from Homewood Suites into downtown Newport (for a small fee). Downtown Newport is a pedestrian city, so it’s easy to walk around the quaint, cobblestone streets of the sailing town. The Historic District is a seven-minute drive from the hotel, and it’s often easier to find parking on the side streets rather than downtown by the wharf. Popular Easton’s Beach is a 10-minute drive from the hotel and features a few parking lots and snack bars. The famous Cliff Walk, a three-and-a-half-mile path bordering the ocean and historic mansions, overlooks Easton’s Beach, and is an eight-minute drive from the hotel. The Naval War College Museum is an eight-minute drive on Coasters Harbor Island. The Naval Station Newport PASS and ID is also an eight-minute drive away. The Newport State Airport is a six-minute drive from the hotel. There isn’t much within easy walking distance of the hotel (other than a few restaurants), so a car might be helpful for those looking to explore the area surrounding Newport.

Decor throughout the 92 suites is mostly the same with dark brown furniture with clean lines, plenty of open spaces, and lots of neutral colors. Expect to see green and orange accent walls, white bed linens with beige bed skirts, beige carpeting, and geometric pattern couches. The suites range in size, but all come with king- or queen-size beds and separate sitting and dining areas. All the suites come with fully stocked kitchens that include full refrigerators, microwaves, and dishes and cooking tools. Many suites come with stovetop burners for travelers to do some cooking while staying at the hotel. Modern amenities are in all the rooms, and include flat-screen TVs with premium cable, hairdryers, and coffeemakers (free coffee is provided). Bathrooms are spacious with either standing showers or a shower/tub combo and Waterpik showerheads. Bathrooms feature granite countertops, hairdryers, and Neutrogena toiletries. Like most hotels in Middletown, there isn’t much of a view at Homewood Suites.

As a part of the Hilton group, there are a few nice features at the Homewood Suites in Middletown to keep everyone happy. An indoor pool is situated near the lobby and there are a few chairs and tables where guests can hang out and socialize. Adjacent to the indoor pool is a small, but modern, fitness center with Precor machines. It’s open from early morning until late at night, free earbuds are available, and the room is well air-conditioned. For the kids, there is a small putting green set up outside the hotel with clubs and balls available at the front desk.A back barbecue patio is set up in the back of the hotel and has two modern grills which guests can use without reservations. The business center is located by the front door and has two nice cubicles featuring computers and plenty of stationary. A small convenience store is open 24 hours for purchasing snacks, toiletries, and drinks. Freshly baked cookies are placed by the front desk every afternoon for guests to enjoy, and a free breakfast is on offer every morning. Breakfast consists of both hot and cold dishes -- cereals, waffles, fruit, and coffee. During the weekdays, a free Evening Social presents something different each night -- barbecue sliders, pasta night, and salad night. A shuttle runs between the hotel and downtown Newport for a small fee. The hotel has a few meeting rooms for rent, and there is plenty of free outdoor parking. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.