The Chanler at Cliff Walk
Newport, Rhode Island
Vibe
Manicured oceanfront lawns host Adirondack chairs and evening firepits, offering an unhurried seaside retreat above the Atlantic.
“Gilded Age oceanfront citadel”
Housekeeping provides evening turndown with chocolates, while staff arrange customized aromatherapy bath rituals and chauffeured Cadillac transfers.
Built in 1873 as Congressman John Winthrop Chanler's summer cottage, this Gilded Age mansion borders the Cliff Walk.
Perched directly at the start of the historic Cliff Walk, offering Rhode Island seafood and panoramic Atlantic views.
At the start of Newport's Cliff Walk, overlooking Easton's Bay and the ocean.
“Not content with a single style, its rooms and villas range across historical periods from Tudor to Georgian and back to the Renaissance.”
Rooms
Each room evokes a distinct historical era with period antiques and working fireplaces, while Ocean Villas add private saunas and courtyards.
“A palatial mansion completed in 1873 as the summer residence of New York Congressman John Winthrop Chanler, The Chanler at Cliff Walk blends the opulence of Newport's storied Gilded Age…”
Wellness
Guests enjoy customized in-room massages and aromatherapy baths, along with complimentary fitness access at the nearby International Tennis Hall of Fame.
“From the outside, the Chanler looks less like a proper hotel, and more like a 19th-century scion’s private estate.”
Backstory
Built in 1873 for Congressman John Winthrop Chanler and Margaret Astor Ward, this summer cottage became Newport's first Cliff Walk mansion.
“each of the 20 rooms at the Chanler boasts a unique design and decor—a Gothic theme here, a touch of Louis XVI there—most feature warming touches like fireplaces…”
Eat & drink
Cara presents seasonal multi-course coastal tasting menus, while Remy's Loose pairs French bistro plates with fresh Rhode Island seafood.
The neighborhood
The hotel anchors the northern trailhead of the 3.5-mile Cliff Walk, with complimentary Cadillac transfers into downtown Newport.
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The app
This is one hotel. The app has every one we rate, in your pocket, for the whole trip.
Our shorthand
What makes a hotel special, how well they pull it off, and what it feels like outside the door.
How well they pull it off
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
They did this well. You’ll notice.
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Architecture and interiors lead. There’s a creative vision at work.
The guest is conspicuously well cared for. Requests met before they’re made.
Rooted in place. Local character runs through the whole stay.
Energy and scene. Where the city goes out, whether or not it’s sleeping here.
A building with history. The story of the place is part of the stay.
Built around feeling better. Rest, sweat, soak, spa.
A hotel the city grew up with. Same rituals, same regulars.
A world of its own. No reason to leave the property.
Scene — what’s outside the door
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
A place apart: the property is the destination.