Umpkane

My wife and I are looking to spend 3 or 4 days in Newport this June.
Realizing that it is "in season" and that higher prices will have to be paid for accommodations can anyone direct me to places of value:
1. Has anyone stayed at Castle Hill Inn or Francis Malborn Inn? Accommodations? Near the water? Worth the price?

2. Cutsie places for lunch? Dinner? (must be casual with good bar)

3. Other than river walk-mansion hunting- Can I fill 3 or 4 days?
Thanks.

nlg

We were in Newport last year and spent three nights at the La Farge Perry House-it was very nice and the breakfasts were great. We ate at the Brick Alley Pub twice while we were there-it is casual,good food and great salad bar. We also had dinner one night at the Mooring-it was very good and is right on the water so the view is wonderful-especially at sunset.

We loved the Cliff Walk so we walked on it every day and drove to Mystic one day to see the sights there(not too impressed).

Hope you have a good trip.

sobster

If you can afford it stay at Castle Hill. The accomodations, food and view are world-class. (Or even if you cant afford it.)

LarryBee

While the Castle Hill Inn is certainly everything sobster says, you must realize that you will have to get in your car and drive to virtually EVERYPLACE you want to go, other than the times you will eat at the Inn itself. Certainly, if I was staying in Newport for 4 days I would want the ability to walk out the front door of my hotel and be within a real short walking distince of a variety of restaurants and shops. That can't happen at the Castle Hill Inn.

EmilyC

The choices for staying in or near Newport are the following:

"Downtown" - The Thames Street area where most folks congregate during their visits. There are several hotels which border the waterfront and there are numerous B and B's and condos scattered around this area. The benefit of staying in this area is that it's easy to walk to shops and restaurants in the Thames Street area. The downside is that if you have a car, parking can be difficult and costly. This area is also congested in the evening on weekends

Bellevue Avenue area - a few hotels and B and B's in this area as well. The benefits of staying in this area is that it is quieter and you are closer to the mansions.

Ocean Drive - ten miles of coastline that is absolutely beautiful. Castle Hill Inn and a few other Inn's are located in this area. The benefit is the serenity and the view. You do have to drive to other areas to eat, however, Newport is small and nothing is too far away.

Goat Island - located directly across the harbor from Thames Street and accessible by a water taxi or by the causeway. This is the location of the Hyatt which has terrific views from its' waterfront rooms. The downside of staing here is that you either take the water taxi or drive to restaurants.

"The outskirts" - this is the neighboring town of Middletown which abuts Newport. There are several less expensive choices here as well as many B & B's and guesthouses. The plus side of staying here is that you will spend less for a room. It's a few minutes drive to neighboring Newport.

If I had unlimited funds, I would pick Castle Hill Inn hands down!

LarryBee

Emily, I'm confused. If the downside of staying in the Thames Street area is that parking is difficult, costly, and the area congested, why in the world would you want to stay in a place where you will have to drive your car into the congested town everyday and search for a place to park? Castle Hill is definitely a romantic getaway, but if you are intending to go to Newport in order to see the town, you might as well stay in town.
Also, reasonlably fit people will have no trouble walking from the Hyatt on Goat Island to the Thames Street area.

Umpkane

To all of you who have responded: Thank you. I will xerox and preserve all responses for my final decision.