Looking to go to Newport, RI area for Labor Day weekend. Economically, would it be better to stay outside of Newport and travel in? We will have car (- not sure about parking availablity) and are hoping to rent bikes one of the days. Suggestions?

It will definitely be cheaper to stay outside Newport, but you should check how much availabilty there is in general for a short notice trip on a holiday weekend. Nice B&Bs and better hotels in Newport,but more expensive than the chain hotels outside the town, It's not a far drive though.

There's reasonable parking at the Visitor's Center, and usually plenty of free parking at the mansions on Bellevue Avenue. What areas do you plan to be in and see?

Look at Kayak or one of the other big sites to see what hotels are available, and if you have specific places that sound good to you, you can always ask for opinions on them

Thanks Janie. I appreciate your input - especially about the parking. We're not exactly sure what we're doing except the Cliff Walk for sure and probably at least one of the mansions and, then perhaps a little shopping and beach action. We would also like to rent some bikes and explore.

What hotel or B&B availability have you found? I still think that and your budget are your deciding factors.

Lots to do in Newport. I know there are bike rentals I just haven't done that myself. I also saw these dune buggy type vehicles for rent on Thames Street that people drove out to the Fort Adams area.

tennis3284, if you like this sport as much as your username would suggest, note well that the Tennis Hall of Fame is located in Newport. Interesting place to visit, too.