Renovated
2026
Price
$$$$
Outside the door
Victorian coastal estate
White Adirondack chairs line the green hillside overlooking Narragansett Bay, where sea breezes carry past the 1890 granite lighthouse.
“Service positively sings here–it’s the kind of place where everyone greets you by name…”
Where it shines
Remarkable
An 1875 shingle-style estate built for marine biologist Alexander Agassiz on Narragansett Bay.
Notable
Walk-in Adirondack seating on the sloping lawn for sunset cocktails and raw bar plates.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
It spreads out over forty acres of land along a private beach, overlooking the picturesque waters of the bay.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Occupying a secluded forty-acre peninsula along Ocean Drive, the property provides seasonal launch service across the harbor to downtown Newport.
1 of 5
The rooms
Agassiz Mansion rooms feature carved woodwork and fireplaces, while airy beach cottages sit nestled directly in the sand dunes.
The spa
Botanical facials and herbal bodywork use Rhode Island recipes, staged beside warm fireplaces and ocean-facing windows.
Bar
The Lawn Terrace
Umbrella-shaded tables and an open-air bar serve chilled lobster rolls and raw bar platters above the water.
The mansion opens up to an expansive lawn lined with Adirondack chairs, inviting ocean lovers to soak in the impressive view…
At the table
Inside the Agassiz Mansion, four wood-paneled dining rooms serve seasonal tasting menus, and the bar pours craft cocktails.
How it began
Built in 1875 as a marine biologist's summer retreat, the estate later hosted Grace Kelly, who scrambled down its rocky cove.
“Rooms in the main house vary in size and décor, but each is kitted out for romance with a fireplace, a king-sized bed, oversized tubs…”
Stay here
Castle Hill Inn
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Newport
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.