My home state of Rhode Island may be tiny, but it offers some of the most beautiful views in the world. If you are considering a vacation to Rhode Island, you’re probably looking for the best place to stay. Luckily, Rhode Island offers some gorgeous hotels and resorts. Here are 11 of the best hotels in Rhode Island.
Disclosure: We’ve visited some of these hotels at no cost, and have paid our way to others. We haven’t stayed at all of them, but have been to many for functions, meals, and weddings. This post contains affiliate links and a purchase/click through one of these links may result in a commission paid to us at no additional cost to you. All opinions are my own.
Rhode Island is a small state, so you can definitely choose to stay in one town or city and visit the others. It’s just a short drive from one end of the state to the other. But it’s still a good idea to stay either closest to your preferred destination or at a hotel where you will spend lots of time.
Most of these best Rhode Island hotels are in either Providence or Newport. Providence is more of a traditional, but small city, while Newport is more of a coastal town. Both have their benefits, so do some research on what you want to do on your vacation before choosing where you will stay. Most of these hotels on the list are luxury hotels, although there are some great chain hotels also on the list.
11 Best Hotels in Rhode Island
Chanler at Cliff Walk (located in Newport)
The Cliff Walk in Newport is famous. Many of the gorgeous gilded-age Newport Mansions are lined up along the Cliff Walk, and it offers gorgeous ocean views and these beautiful homes. If you want to stay right in the heart of the Cliff Walk, the Chanler at Cliff Walk is the perfect option.
The Chanler Hotel offers 20 hotel rooms, so it is small and intimate. Amenities include free WiFi, a complimentary car service, a restaurant, a complimentary bath service, adorable loaner bikes (Tokyobike), and complimentary fitness passes to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
While you are staying near the Cliff Walk, be sure to visit the iconic Newport Mansions. They are just a short drive away from the hotel.
Overall:
- Small luxurious hotel
- Great location
- Loaner bikes
Hotel Vanderbilt (located in Newport)
Located in a mansion once owned by Alfred Gwynn Vanderbilt, the Auberge Collection’s Hotel Vanderbilt is located adjacent to downtown Newport. You’ll be able to visit a number of restaurants and shops within fairly easy walking distance.
This luxury hotel was recently renovated, with refreshed rooms debuting in the spring of 2022. The hotel’s concierge can assist in booking a number of unique experiences, including private yoga and s’mores at the fire pit.
The Hotel Vanderbilt also offers several dining options, including the Dining Room, the Conservatory, the Rooftop Bar, and the Garden. I’ve had the opportunity to experience the Roof Deck in the summer, and it has an absolutely gorgeous view of downtown Newport. Even if you don’t stay there, it’s a great place to grab a drink on a nice night.
Overall:
- Roof deck with great views
- Convenient location
Newport Harbor Island Resort (located in Newport)
Formerly known as a Gurney’s, a Hyatt Regency, and a Sheraton, this Goat Island Newport resort is now simply called the Newport Harbor Island Resort. It’s located a short distance off the coast of Newport on Goat Island, an island accessible by a bridge.
Many of the Newport Harbor Island Resort guest rooms feature beautiful views of Newport and Narraganset Bay. The resort offers The Restaurant, The Pineapple Club (waterfront dining), the Firepits at Newport, and For Five Coffee.
The Newport Harbor Island Resort also offers a full-service spa. It’s a great place to relax, even if you are just doing a day trip visit to the resort. I’ve always loved this location on Goat Island, it’s a unique, beautiful spot.
Overall:
- Location on a small island
- Great views
- Full-service spa
Hotel Viking (located in Newport)
The Hotel Viking is a Newport classic. Located within easy access to downtown Newport, the Hotel Viking is an ideal hotel for a Newport family vacation. This hotel was built in 1926 but has been modernized and renovated over the years.
There are a number of fantastic amenities at the Hotel Viking (beyond the great location). These include a full-service spa, complimentary seasonal bicycle rentals, an indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness room (including Pelotons), and free Wi-Fi access. There are also several dining venues, including a restaurant, and a rooftop bar and kitchen.
I’ve stayed at the Hotel Viking with my family and loved the location. While we did drive to the Newport Mansions, we mostly walked to the various restaurants and shops that we visited in the area.
Overall:
- Convenient location
- Indoor pool
- Full-service spa
Newport Marriott (located in Newport)
The Newport Marriott is a luxury hotel located right on the waterfront in Newport. It offers traditional hotel rooms, balcony rooms, waterfront rooms, and junior suites, all decorated in a nautical style.
In addition to the fantastic location, the hotel offers an indoor pool, a large fitness studio (with on-demand video classes), and an on-site spa. You’ll be able to walk to many of the shops and restaurants in Brick Marketplace and along the Newport wharves.
The Newport Marriott also offers the MainSail waterfront restaurant, the Plank Bar with grab-and-go coffee and food, and the SkiffBar with a beautiful outdoor deck.
Overall:
- Waterfront location
- Indoor pool
- Spa
Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina (located in Newport)
Another beautiful waterfront hotel is the Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina. It’s located right on America’s Cup Avenue, so it’s convenient to many of the shops and restaurants along the water. Like the Marriott listed above, this hotel has one of the best locations in the state, with great views of Narragansett Bay.
The Newport Harbor Hotel offers several amenities for guests, including a community fire pit, a Harbor view sundeck, and a saltwater indoor pool. When choosing your guest room, you’ll have the choice of several room types including some with harbor views.
The hotel also offers a seafood restaurant, SALTwater, which has a lounge and a seasonal outdoor bar.
Overall:
- Saltwater indoor pool
- Harbor view rooms
- Convenient location
Castle Hill Inn (Located in Newport)
This gorgeous Relais and Chateaux Inn is one of the most luxurious accommodations in the state. The Castle Hill Inn offers 33 unique hotel rooms and other accommodations. You’ll want to look at the website before booking to see which accommodation type is best for you because there are different room types and configurations.
The Inn offers amenities including a spa with facials and massages and 40 acres of property. There’s also a Forbes four-star restaurant onsite.
Overall:
- Small Relais and Chateaux Inn
- Spa
- Four-star restaurant
Ocean House (located in Watch Hill, Westerly)
The Ocean House is arguably the most popular Rhode Island luxury resort. It’s a 5-star waterfront luxurious resort located in Westerly, Rhode Island, along the Connecticut border).
The Ocean House offers 49 guestrooms and 20 suites, overlooking Block Island Sound in Rhode Island. Guests can enjoy a number of fantastic amenities including access to convertibles for your excursions, a spa, an indoor salt lap pool, a concierge, squash courts, fine dining, a private beach area with beach butlers, a spa with a hair and makeup salon, and a fitness center.
The Ocean House is also very kid-friendly, with children’s menus in the restaurants, a welcome amenity for kids under the age of 12, complimentary cribs and in-room sofa beds for use, and more.
Overall:
- Private beach access
- Indoor salt lap pool
- Welcome amenity for kids
Omni Providence Hotel (located in Providence)
Providence is a hip, small city, and the Omni Providence Hotel is located right in the city’s center. It’s a traditional hotel with traditional rooms and suites and is connected to the Rhode Island Convention Center, Amica Mutual Pavilion, and the Providence Place Mall.
In addition to the location, the Omni Providence Hotel also offers a fitness center and a heated indoor pool. There’s also a Fleming’s Steakhouse as well as a coffee shop. While it’s popular with business travelers, it’s also a great destination for families visiting the city.
Overall:
- City location connected to Providence Place Mall
- Heated indoor pool
Renaissance Providence (located in Providence)
This city hotel (part of the Marriott brand) is located near the Rhode Island Statehouse. It offers standard rooms, club-level rooms, and suites. This beautiful hotel was originally a Masonic Temple and has been renovated to offer modern amenities and decor.
Amenities at this historic hotel include a fitness center, room service, and the Public Kitchen & Bar restaurant.
Overall:
- City Hotel
- Location near the statehouse
Graduate Providence (formerly the Biltmore, located in Providence)
This recently rebranded hotel, previously known as the Biltmore Providence, is a landmark in downtown Providence. It’s conveniently located right in the center of the city, near restaurants, the Performing Arts Center, and other downtown destinations. It’s also convenient to the local colleges including Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design.
Guests at the Graduate Providence can enjoy unique amenities including a 24-hour fitness center (with Peloton bikes), a spa, complimentary bike rentals, and a Topgolf Swing Suite (for an additional fee). The hotel also offers a restaurant, Reiners, as well as a coffee shop.
Parking is available for an additional fee, and the hotel is pet-friendly (for a fee).
Overall:
- Complimentary bike rentals
- Great location
- Historic hotel
Frequently Asked Questions
The best places to stay will really depend on your vacation plans. Providence is definitely a city, with a city atmosphere, while Newport is more of a beach community.
Surprisingly, there aren’t many. The downtown Newport hotels do have water views but aren’t located on a beach.
While you can visit year-round, you’ll find some things closed in the winter. Summer is much more lively and fun, although more expensive.
The best airport is the Providence Airport (T.F. Green Airport), which is actually located in Warwick, RI. Boston is also an option but is further away.