TL;DR

History: Old build by the Vanderbilts in Newport’s Bowen’s Wharf.
Style: Stately red brick mansion transformed into a modern luxury boutique hotel.
Luxury amenities: Spa, fitness center, and swimming pool.
Design: Jewel tones, sophisticated, maintains old grandeur with comfort.
Check prices here

Yes, those Vanderbilts. Newport is still a hotspot, but The Haves have changed, and the Vanderbilt Hotel changed with them.

It is rich, luxurious and eye-catching, but with a modern sensibility that dials down the gold trimmings, champagne fountains and feathers of the Gilded Age.

Instead of jewels, you get jewel tones: deep greens and silky blues grace the walls with sophisticated opulence.

The Vanderbilt has maintained the grandeur of the building though, but without sacrificing an iota of comfort.

Luxury hotel amenities aren’t spared either. Unusually for a Newport mansion-hotel, it’s got a spa, fitness center and swimming pool.

What are the rooms like?

Number of rooms: 33
Amenities: Minibars, TVs, coffeemakers, desks, kitchenettes, bathtubs, and city views.
Bathrooms: Midnight blue & white scheme, Penhaligon bath amenities.
See each room in detail here

Guestrooms and suites at The Vanderbilt Hotel include minibars, TVs, coffeemakers, and desks.

Many rooms include kitchenettes, some bathtubs, and most offer some lovely views of Newport, so you can look down on the city in true Vanderbilt fashion.

Bathrooms sport the same color scheme, dominated by midnight blues and pops of bright white that keep the space feeling airy and classic.

You’ll enjoy Penhaligon bath amenities as well.

What are prices like?

Check prices here at Expedia

And what’s the food like? Any facilities we should know about?

Restaurants & bars: Two restaurants and three bars
Dining style: Roof Deck for sunsets, Garden for airy patio experiences, Reserve Room whiskey lounge with billiards
Facilities: Spa, fitness center & swimming pool
Little touches: Complimentary drinks on arrival

The Vanderbilt offers resort-style accommodation, meaning you’ll have an onsite restaurant to enjoy, and this is one enjoyable restaurant.

In reality, it’s two restaurants and three bars with world-class food.

Refreshments await you in the lobby throughout the day with a complimentary beverage on arrival.

The Roof Deck has en plein air dining, perfect for sunsets. The Garden offers airy patio experiences.

The Reserve Room is a Macallan-sponsored whiskey lounge with a billiards table.

These amenities are rare for a historic property, putting The Vanderbilt in a class of its own.

How is the neighborhood? Anything interesting nearby?

Nearby attractions: Bowen’s Wharf, Newport Art Museum, Elms Mansion, Auto Museum, Sailing Museum.
Outdoor activities: Cliff Walk, harbor strolls.
Restaurants & shopping: Easy walk to Bellevue Avenue, dining and bars.
Quiet street: Despite central location, the hotel is serene and private.

For being in the center of Newport, you’ll be pleased how quiet the Vanderbilt’s street is.

Bowen’s Wharf, the perfect place to check out the sea near a lively collection of cafés, shops and restaurants, is an easy walk.

The Newport Art Museum is also nearby, close to the Elms Mansion, the Auto Museum, and the Sailing Museum.

Those here for the sea can breeze over to the harbor, or put on some walking shoes to check out the famous Cliff Walk.

And what about the reviews? What did other guests think?

Some things guests liked:

”Outstanding. Elizabeth and Christina at front desk, Emma in the dining experience is outstanding and mostly Said in the Bell Captain is truly what makes the Vanderbilt make the Four Seasons cry….”

”The Beverage Manager was the loveliest lady we have ever encountered at any hotel EVER… The roof top bar is great but the bartender in the main dining is a very fine mixologist. The grounds are absolutely beautiful and the location makes it the best spot in Newport…”