Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt in Newport, Rhode Island stands out as a luxury style country inn. However, don’t confuse it with an ordinary bed and breakfast. The Vanderbilt is a full service hotel located in the heart of one of America’s best kept secrets. It's location is perfect for exploring the local shops and is 5 minutes (25 minutes if you walk) to Newport's famous Cliff Walk. Many think of Newport as a summer destination but Spring and Autumn (September and October) is a fine time to enjoy this unique destination. The cooler but still beautiful weather is ideal to explore the fruits of this bygone era when America’s billionaire’s built their cottages by the sea; except these are not cottages but serious mansions. Vanderbilt Grace Hotel was actually built by Alfred Vanderbilt. It’s hard to imagine but it was once the local YMCA.
The Vanderbilt has a very traditional but modern feeling to it at the same time. Arriving at the lobby all the colors used; pale yellows, soft greens and light beige provoke an air of warmth that is totally pleasing to the senses. The scent of cleanliness and immaculate housekeeping pervades everywhere. Just off the intimate lobby there is a glass enclosed conservatory that is the casual restaurant where breakfast lunch and dinner is served. Continental breakfast is included in the rates. In the warmer months breakfast and lunch is also served in the lovely garden right behind. The more formal restaurant, also adjoining the lobby is Muse. The ambiance here too is totally comforting and there is even a working fireplace. Immediately adjacent is a wonderful small clubby bar. Well known New England chef Jonathan Cartwright has created a beautiful pre-fixe menu which at USD 75.00 per person is high end value at its best.
Vanderbilt also offers a compact but very adequate health club and spa which includes an indoor pool. During, the summer you can use the small well appointed outdoor pool. There a table is piled with fluffy fresh towels and a large pitcher of ice water that is replenished frequently. The friendly staff comes around frequently and even offers specialty fruit drinks and sorbets at intervals during the day. The roof top lounge and bar offers another great area to hang during the warmer months. The views of Newport and the boat doted harbor are the best, especially at sunset.
When it’s time to retire to your room the great ambiance continues. The beds are first class with fine linens and lots of wonderful soft pillow to wallow in. Most baths have walk in showers instead of tubs. They all have wonderful double shower heads and seriously good water pressure.
English Penhaligon soaps, conditioner and shampoo are replenished daily. All of the 33 the rooms and suites are spacious but our most favorite are the “Junior 500” type. Vanderbilt Grace caters to families as most of the accommodations have pull out sofas that convert to a queen size bed.
Newport is a very special American town that has a documented storied past. Experiencing it and staying at Vanderbilt Grace Hotel is like reading a good book. You’ll enjoy every minute and think about it long after you’ve left.
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