If you’ve ever looked to redeem points from any of the hotel chains, you’ll notice that there are hardly any resort properties in New England – this includes both beach and mountains. Yes, there are city properties and those in the burbs, but if you are looking for a nice weekend getaway to spend at a beach in the summer or a mountain in the winter, you’ll most likely be paying out of pocket at a non-chain property.
One of the more desirable resort properties included the Hyatt Regency in Newport Rhode Island. I’ve personally stayed at this property numerous times and never thought it was category 6 worthy. While it was on the ocean (the marina), there was no beach and you had to walk a far distance or most likely drive to really hang out at one of Newport’s beautiful beaches. It was definitely a tired hotel and in need for some renovations. They did have some awesome two level suites though that I was able to snag for many friends weddings and bachelorette parties.
Well… for those that were looking to stay at this hotel again on points (or to accrue Hyatt points), it is no longer a Hyatt property. It was sold last month and is now called Gurney’s Newport Resort & Marina. I read that it is going through some renovation, which I’m happy to see. I also looked at the hotel prices and they are through the roof. For the same price, you can stay closer in town or right on the beach.
The only other property to use your points in Newport is the Marriott Hotel. While I’ve never stayed at this property, I’ve heard it isn’t great (some rooms have no outside windows and you only look into the atrium). The location is slightly closer to the town then the Hyatt, although it isn’t as “resorty” and not on the beach.
I really would love to see more resort properties pop up in New England. I highly doubt it, but you never know!
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There’s a Newport Marriott and a Hotel Viking, but they are two different properties. As far as I know, the Viking is not affiliated with Marriott.
@PSL – You are correct. I did a quick google search to see if the Marriott had a specific name and Hotel Viking came up, but that was for a different ad. I updated post.
being from RI , it is Newport, spend the day see the Mansions in the afternoon, walk Thames street at dusk, see the sunset, eat dinner by the water at a local restaurant, then stay somewhere else. The prices have always been way too high and there is not much of a nightlife in the town other than eating. During the winter months there is free parking since the town is dead.
You can get a better hotel in Warwick (30 min drive) , Providence (45 min) or even at Foxwoods / Mohegan Casinos (45 min) for better prices and then do some thing there. Warwick is a 30 min drive away, (45 Providence).
You can drive from Westerly in the south to Pawtucket in the north in an hour. Do not fret staying in one location when seeing the state. Warwick to Boston Faneuil hall marketplace is 60 min away.
We’ve been to Newport a number of times are have had good luck using points at hotels even just a few miles away in Middletown. We drive into town, park in a public lot, then hike the Cliff Walk or take in some dining/shopping – all by foot. If you’re just looking for a place to put your head down with less than a fifteen minute drive, try Homewood Suites or Hampton Inn & Suites nearby.
Was very disappointed to learn of this change of proprietors for this hotel, as the new owners are not continuing the terrific Thanksgiving buffet which I had greatly enjoyed the past two years at the Hyatt, (raw bar, turkey, prime rib, with all the fixings, salad bar, and pies and other desserts for under $40.)
Definitely worth the drive down from Boston.
The new owners will offer a prix-fixe dinner on Thanksgiving for $75, so that tradition is now a past memory, I’m afraid.