Disclosure: Some of the links included are affiliate links, meaning that at no additional cost to you, I will receive a commission if you click to make a purchase. I don’t recommend anything I wouldn’t personally use, and the income goes towards keeping my blog updated!
The Bristol Harbor Inn, located in the charming town of Bristol and approximately 30 minutes from Newport, is located on Thames street overlooking the Bristol Harbor. This nautically themed hotel is cleaned and decorated perfectly, along with friendly customer service. My room had a view of the water and sail boats, which was a wonderful sight to wake up to in the morning.
This hotel has 2 restaurants on site; DeWolf Tavern and Thames Waterside Grill, along with Empire Coffee and Tea shop to start the day. I went to Thames Waterside Grill for dinner and had the best lobster roll in my life! The restaurant overlooks the water with a lively rooftop bar. I booked this property for $200/night, and was well worth the money! I loved wandering around the quaint streets of Bristol during my stay. Located on the same block is Bristol Bikes, where you can rent bikes to bike along the East Bay Bike Path next to the water.
If you’re staying at The Bristol Harbor Inn, you must have brunch at Le Central, just 1 block away! This French inspired restaurant had one of the best brunches I’ve ever had. I ordered the lemon-ricotta crepes which were divine, and the cinnamon popovers. I could probably write an entire blog post raving about the popovers alone, but instead I will just say, you need to try them for yourself!
Oh how I love the iconic Ocean House! This resort property has won countless awards and for obvious reasons. Ocean House captures the essence of New England charm, nestled alongside the picturesque shores of Westerly. The property combines old-world charm with modern luxury, from its yellow hues accentuating the stunning architecture, to the breathtaking ocean views. Ocean House has its own private beach, access for hotel guests only making for a quaint holiday weekend. There is a croquet lawn, putting green, and shuffle board court, making for the most charming touches!
While Ocean House is not a budget destination, if you are not staying overnight you are still able to experience the enchantment of the property by dining at one of their many restaurants. As far as dining goes, I ate lunch at The Bistro and had drinks at the Secret Garden which is a champagne bar on the terrace, also featuring delicious crepes! One of my favorite parts of my Rhode Island trip was visiting The Secret Garden champagne bar, which featured Veuve Cliquot cocktails, perfect for a date night or classy girls night out! The drinks are delicious and the ambience and sunset views overlooking the water is priceless. I highly recommend coming ahead of time if you have reservations to peruse the beautiful property.
The Whaler’s Loft is an Airbnb located in New London, CT. This is one of the most fabulous Airbnb experiences I’ve had! I had to include this in my Rhode Island guide since it is in such close proximity to Newport, while also being way more affordable than staying in Newport itself. It is under 1 hour from Newport, 30 minutes from Westerly, and about 15 minutes from Mystic and Mohegan Sun, which makes for the perfect New England getaway! This Airbnb has a cozy boho vibe, equipped with personal touches like an espresso machine, claw foot bath tub, and record player. This spacious stay is so thoughtfully decorated and conveniently located. It is a true oasis and made for the most memorable and unique stay!
If you’re staying at The Whaler’s Loft, I highly recommend spending a day in Mystic and having dinner in Westerly! Mystic is a nautical, charming town located right on the water and famous for its seaport. You can spend the day wandering around the shops, visiting the Mystic Seaport Museum, or on the water boating or kayaking. My very favorite places to eat in Mystic are The Shipwright’s Daughter and The Mariner. For dinner, I took a short drive to downtown Westerly and ate The Cafe, which is a new restaurant right next to the United Theatre. My favorite dish here was the baked oysters!
I stayed at NYLO two different times I visited Newport and had a wonderful stay on both occasions! As far as prices go, a night’s stay is typically under $200 and located about 35 minutes from Newport and 17 minutes from Providence, making it an affordable option for a trip to Newport. It is a Tapestry Collection hotel that is located adjacent to the Pawtuxet River. The building was previously a textile mill and was remodeled into its current modern, industrial style. The rooms are spacious and clean, with a unique bathroom that features a large, open concept shower. My favorite part is the hotel bar and deck lit with hanging lights overlooking the river!