Plan your seaside escape: 9 beautiful hotels in Newport, Rhode Island

In celebration of National Rhode Island Day, Oct. 5, TPG presents some of its favorite Newport hotels.

Where the pedigree of the Gilded Age gets a salty breeze in its hair and the wind in its sails, there's Newport -- the sailing capital of the world and one of New England's most exquisite coastal towns.

And did you know that Rhode Island's most picturesque and totally tony harbor town is a stunner any time of the year?

Whether you descend for the autumn leaves, come to admire the holiday decorations at Newport's turn-of-the-20th-century mansions lining the Cliff Walk or show up with the summertime crowds for one of the country's busiest seasonal social calendars, here are a few of the coolest Newport hotels to consider.

Hotel Viking

Get ensconced in the beauty of Newport's Gilded Age at this nearly century-old hotel crowning the town's Historic Hill neighborhood that's part of the Historic Hotels of America.

The 208-room Hotel Viking toes an appealing line between the past and the present, with elegant rooms with fireplaces, a rooftop lounge and Spa Fjor, where the treatments are inspired by Eastern and Western wellness philosophies and range from Balinese massages to coffee body scrubs.

The Wayfinder Hotel

A love child born from a collaboration by a group of Newport chefs, bartenders, artists, designers and entrepreneurs, The Wayfinder Hotel is a playful spot with great cocktails at the on-site restaurant, Nomi Park, and contemporary, midcentury-meets-nautical and coastal decor that eschews the town's status quo.

The 197-room boutique property is located in Newport's North End, a 15-minute drive to the town's main interest points, so consider renting a car to get around.

The Chanler at Cliff Walk

You can live out your Gilded Age fantasies at this elegant 20-room property that's a famous Rhode Island and Newport landmark and is located right on Newport's famous Cliff Walk.

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Each room at The Chanler at Cliff Walk is inspired by a particular historical era or decor theme, ranging from English Tudor and Louis XVI to Greek Revival and Victorian. You can spend your days strolling the Cliff Walk or admiring the ocean views from the property before retreating to a crackling fire pit under the inky night skies.

The hotel's signature restaurant, Cara, is one of Newport's finest tables for seasonal New England fare.

Castle Hill Inn

It's impossible to talk about Newport without taking a deep bow toward its gorgeous grande dame hotel, Castle Hill Inn, where such personalities as Grace Kelly and the playwright Thornton Wilder have bedded down since the property's 1875 opening.

Sprawling across a 40-acre peninsula lapped by the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel's accommodations include rooms, suites and beachfront cottages with full kitchens and fireplaces, which make it especially hard to depart.

When it's sunny and warm, there's nothing quite as Newport-minded as sitting to sip something frosty at The Lawn -- an alfresco restaurant lined with perfectly angled Adirondack chairs overlooking Narragansett Bay.

Hammetts Hotel

Astride the Yachting Center Marina, this new-in-2020 downtown Newport hotel has become a fast favorite for its wharfside setting and design that nods to the city's past and present.

The rooms at Hammetts Hotel are on the minimalist side, with streamlined furnishings and big windows that let in lots of natural light. Beautiful artwork throughout showcases the talents of artists with strong Newport ties.

The property's sprawling wooden deck has lots of comfortable seating for sipping craft cocktails and New England brews and is strung with Edison lightbulbs that make it particularly charming for sunset and after-dinner drinks.

The Vanderbilt

With some of the best views in Newport -- gazing out upon the harbor and town -- The Vanderbilt was once a private mansion owned by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt and dates to the early 20th century.

The 33-room hotel still oozes major atmosphere, with creature comforts at every corner, too -- from its secreted-away bar tucked into the Doris Duke-inspired parlor to the indoor and outdoor pools, rooftop bar that's open during the summer months and the luxurious on-site spa.

 Forty 1° North

Right on Newport Harbor, Forty 1° North offers an eco-minded stay at Rhode Island's first LEED-certified hotel. Choose from standard rooms and suites or two-story cottage-style accommodations with full kitchens overlooking Narragansett Bay.

The property has several solid on-site restaurants and bars with harbor views serving the usual tony fare — think oysters and charcuterie plates proffered with wine and bubbles.

The Brenton

With a more come-as-you-are feel than some of Newport's big historic players, The Brenton debuted on Newport Harbor in 2020 with fun and playful perks that draw the Instagram crowd -- including the Hinckley Picnic Boat, which you can charter for up to eight guests for private tours on the water and sunset sails.

Among the other perks for hotel guests staying here are Peloton bikes, guided runs along Bellevue Avenue and guided bike tours along scenic Ocean Drive.

Newport Marriott

Looking to stay on points? There's a cool Newport hotel for that. Right in the city's historic downtown, this Category 7 Marriott Bonvoy property can be booked for between 50,000 and 70,000 points per night.

The nautical-themed Newport Marriott may lack the historical cachet of other more iconic Newport properties, but you can't beat it for location (right on Newport Harbor) and amenities like the on-site spa and indoor swimming pool where you can get your kicks in year-round.