Some of the mansions have audio tours only, not guided tours. When you look at each individual mansion on that website, the ones with the headphone symbol are audio tours, the others are guided tours.

Are you planning on doing Newport and Plymouth on the same day?

That's the plan! It may just be a ride down the road the mansions are situated on, a stop for a tour at (1) of them and lunch or dinner in Newport or a tour of Plymouth or Plimouth, whichever seems right for us, after I've had time to research, and a lunch or dinner. Bottom line is yes, we are visiting both towns on the same day. Rushed, undoubtedly, but I have ADD and want to see as much as I can even if I can't spend quality time. My DH knows me well enough to know if I'm blown away by something I make sure I can get back there for a more detailed visit. It's worked in Spain and it's worked in Croatia. Massachusetts is so much easier to get to!

Note that guided tours of The Breakers are no longer offered - they have only audio tours now.

You might consider the Colonial Inn in Concord for Friday night if it fits in your price range. It is right in the middle of Concord. Guests satayed heter for our daughter's wedding and enjoyed it. Best Western is cheaper, but further out of town.

The Colonial Inn in Concord is also a great place for lunch or dinner.

The Breakers and Rosecliff are my favorite mansions. Definitely take at least a short walk on the Cliff Walk.

Again I have to thank all of you who have chimed in with suggestions. I really do feel sorry for the poor souls who just think they can pick a destination and get help from a guide book or those pamphlets in hotel lobbys. Maybe a conceirge, but most of them still have an agenda, (the places they work with, etc...). You guys are the unfiltered truth and love that I may so many options to explore. This will be the best little short trip ever!