Newport, Rhode Island, is New England’s charming little city by the Atlantic Ocean. Settled in the year 1633, it has been the home to a history of all types. From colonial to nautical, to 19th-century built mansions, to turn-of-the-century Gilded Age charm, it welcomes visitors by the millions. When it comes to the perfect stay in Newport, there is at least a dozen choices of hotels to stay to make the trip worth every penny spent. Every hotel in Newport offers a handful of unique characteristics, earning them a place on the ‘must-stay’ list. When it comes to carefully choosing the perfect hotel, the perfect location, and with the right amenities, the Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa is considered to be the very top of the class. What kind of report card earns this hotel property the right to such a prestigious honor? It’s all about taking a look around and a deep look inside.
Guest Rooms: The moment guests check in, receive their key cards and open their room door, they’ll see why they’re in the best hotel in town. The guest rooms, especially rooms with a water view, are in for a real treat. Looking outside the window, is majestic Newport Harbor. From another guest room window is the tranquil Narragansett Bay. Who can’t ask for better? On the dresser, guests will find a Nespresso machine, along with coffee bags and paper cups. Closet space is another plus. There are ample hangers for shirts, jackets, and all pertinent articles of clothing. Even more convenient, there is an unfolding luggage rack provided. The bathrooms are just as inviting. The bathrooms offer enough room for toiletries. Further, if a family with youngsters are among the party, the showers are big enough to manage ‘who goes first’. With all necessities considered, the guest rooms earn an A-.
Indoor Swimming Pool: When it comes to families, a large swimming pool is the magic word. After all, who doesn’t like having an indoor swimming pool? The Newport Marriott’s swimming pool is easily accessible, via a ramp off the main lobby. The pool is spacious, and ideal for guests of all ages. Both men’s and women’s locker rooms are found just before the pool entrance. Further, the exercise room is located just outside the pool entrance. All fitness amenities are within feet distance of each other. At the very entrance to the pool area are the pool rules, clearly and perfectly spelled out. The Newport Marriott takes guests’ safety seriously, to ensure a safe workout and swimming experience.
Surrounding attractions and highlights: The Newport Marriott is a short distance from all city attractions and highlights. All it takes is a quick step outside the hotel’s main entrance. Immediately next door is the Gateway Transportation Center. The RIPTA (Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority) hop on-hop off trolleys arrive and depart every twenty minutes. The fare is $2.00 per person, unless visitors wish to purchase a one-day pass for $6.00. The trolleys serve all of the historic mansions along Bellevue Avenue and Ochre Point Avenue.
Aside from the mansions, the Newport Gateway Transportation Center houses the Hamilton Family Aquarium. The Hamilton Family Aquarium is a 7,500 single-story facility located on the first floor. This one-of-a-kind destination allows guests to come face-to-face with the creatures that live within the Narragansett Bay’s waters. In addition, visitors build personal connections to the issues that challenge the health of this beautiful natural surrounding. Just a short walking distance away are historic Washington Square (the filming location of “Amistad”), and Touro Synagogue-the oldest synagogue in North America. Two blocks from the hotel is quaint Thames Street. Thames Street is home to many shops and popular restaurants (including Brick Alley Pub and The Red Parrot). Both restaurants are family-friendly. With so many great things to do, see, and experience, outside the hotel’s door, an A is the deserved grade.
On-site dining: When it comes to staying at a Newport hotel, the need to ‘load up’ on the necessities before beginning a day of sightseeing becomes apparent. The Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa is home to a scrumptious breakfast buffet. The breakfast buffet can be found in the hotel’s restaurant called “Main Sail”. The buffet features all of the hot items, plus a self-serve waffle station, dry cereals, a bread toasting station, and fresh fruit. Further, a cook-to-order station is available for those who like their omelets, scrambled eggs, and French Toast to their liking. If time is of the essence, room service is available, and above all-reliable. For visitors wishing to have a drink, socialize, or even relax in the evening, the bar area “Skiffs”, is open for service. When it comes to all forms of dining at the Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa, there are no stones left unturned. There is something for everyone. With all options offered, and undeniably friendly service, the Newport Marriott deserves an A.
Overall hotel atmosphere: The moment visitor walk through the front door of the Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa, there is a positive energy felt. It’s more than just a hotel atmosphere. It’s the local friendliness of Newport itself felt at the very moment. Newport is known for its friendly locals. When it comes to friendliness and experience, there is no shortage of either at the Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa. Whether it is the front desk staff, the bell services staff, maid service staff, the fitness room and pool staff, or dining staff, the friendly and welcoming atmosphere is felt all around. Further, the sense of comfort and safety are at the highest conceivable level. When visitors (first-time or seasoned) look for a trustworthy hotel experience, the Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa puts on a picture-perfect show.
The Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa deservingly makes the grade of an A for a tremendous overall presentation. Newport, Rhode Island is more than just a charming historic town on Narragansett Bay. It is laden with positives all around. Its friendly locals make visitors feel welcome, as if they’re part of the family. The same goes for the students at Salve Regina University, whom too are considered a part of Newport’s friendly fabric. To become part of such a warm and welcoming community, the most important element must be addressed. It’s all about staying at the right hotel. The right choice of hotel is what brings all of these attributes together. The Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa tremendously fits this plethora of expectations. The hotel fits them in a way which all visitors expect in a tourism-friendly neighborhood. The bell services staff greet visitors at the curbside with a smile. The front desk team kindly asks visitors about the occasion for their visit. The pool staff asks if the pool temperature is OK, or if they need a fresh towel. At best, the dining staff being super attentive. The servers asking visitors if there’s anything additional to make their experience all the more satisfactory shows the very distance the Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa goes to make sure everyone is guaranteed not only a comfortable, but a safe and satisfactory stay on premises. Given the grades shared, the Newport Marriott Hotel & Spa is punctually considered on Newport’s hotel honor roll.
David Kriso – Travel Correspondent
https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pvdlw-newport-marriott-hotel-and-spa/overview
https://www.visitrhodeisland.com
