We're looking to visit Newport, Rhode Island and would prefer to not stay in a B & B. I had booked a weekend at the Hotel Viking but had to cancel last fall. We're going to try again this spring. If any one has any recommendations, that would be great.
My husband is not so much into the mansions, but I think he'd like the harbor and the shore. We're also not sure if we'll be bringing our 4 year old with us or not. I think not! I hope not!
Thanks alot!

Newport is great! Lots of history & antique shopping. Try Yesterday's restaurant downtown. I wouldn't stay at the Viking, it's old and dirty. Try the Sheraton or Marriot. The Sheraton is on Goat Island, great views. And the Marriot is new downtown. Have fun!

Hello!
You will love Newport! It's a wonderful place. Look, referring to lodging, I can tell you that I stayed at a Motel 6 location, that's close to everything (if you have a car, of course), and as you should know, Motel 6 chain is the cheapest. And you will get surprised because you will find a very nice hotel, modern, clean and very comfortable. Have a nice time!

I disagree with the comment about the Viking Hotel being old and dirty, unless it has changed a lot in the last three years. My husband and I spent a New Year's weekend there and loved it. The hotel is old but so nicely restored. The rooms are like a B&B in that they have beautiful furniture and other touches, but it is a large hotel so you don't have all the other B&B-type activities/atmosphere. We aren't big fans of B&Bs either but would definitely return to the Viking. It's location is great also and price is reasonable.

Went to Newport for the first time last August for 4 days and loved it. We could go back and not to the same thing twice. (Too bad you're not interested in a B&B--The Beechtree Inn was great. Do not stay at Motel 6--it was filthy.) When you tire of the mansions (we only did 4), check out the International Yacht Restoration School located on Thames Street. The best thing was that you could walk through the building as the people (kids included) were restoring the boats. Completed projects are docked out back. Check out the Coronet--a very ambitious project for them. There is also a yachting museum by Fort Adams (I think that was the name of the fort) which also has boats docked nearby. We didn't have time to check out the Fort. Enjoy!!!!

When in Newport, have dinner at The Black Pearl restaurant - terrific!

I will give you a second vote for the Sheraton at Goat Island. Your hubby will have view of the water and you'll stay at a reasonable priced clean place. The mansion are great. He might be pleasantly surprised. Leave the kid with your Mom.

Newport, Rhode Island is one of my favorite places. I have been twice. Once with a 4 yr. old and the next with just my husband. There are neat things to do with your child if he/she is 4 or above. During the music festival in July--they usually have kids day at the beach. The symphony or some type of musical group plays on the beach for the kids-kids music, of course. Was wonderful! I think they do something like this every year for the kids. Of course , there are the beaches--very cold water. The brick alley was a favorite restaurant of ours. Menu price 6-20 dollars. Great place for kids--in one room. Also we enjoyed the black pearl restaurant down on the harbor for dinner. My husband and I rented a motor scooter which was great! You can scoot around the traffic and park just about anywhere!