Newport offers a wide range of accommodations, but we find that to truly experience the Newport lifestyle, there is no substitute for one of the finer inns or B&Bs. For quality and service, here's where we would stay.

Castle Hill Inn — Adjacent to Brenton Point State Park, this historic inn is perched on a 40-acre peninsula overlooking the entrance to Newport Harbor and Jamestown. The main building was built in 1874 as a private residence, so, not surprisingly, it has the feel of a cozy family homestead. The public rooms, finished with exposed beams and natural wood, are warm and inviting but a bit dark. Each of nine rooms in the main house is decorated differently with attractive wallpaper, antiques, and an occasional gas fireplace. Rates include a full breakfast in the attractive glassed-in dining room, plus afternoon tea service. Ten newly renovated Beach Houses, just steps from Castle Hill's private white-sand beach, have gas fireplaces, whirlpool tubs, small private decks, and galley kitchens with two-burner stoves, stainless steel sinks, and granite counters. The inn's eight cliff-side Harbor House rooms are a stroll away from the mansion; their French doors open onto a semi-private porch with gorgeous bay views. You can't beat the seclusion and beautiful views of Castle Hill Inn, but getting to downtown Newport requires driving and the subsequent stress of parking in town. Rates start at $399 for the main inn's two-night mid-week escape, which includes champagne welcome, dinner for two, and two tickets for the mansion tour; rates start at $619 for Beach Houses and Harbor Houses.

Spring/Summer 2002