Best Hotels in Rhode Island: 13 Top Stays from Newport to Watch Hill

Rhode Island hotel guide · Reviewed October 2026

The best hotels in Rhode Island include Forbes Five-Star resorts Ocean House in Watch Hill and Weekapaug Inn in Westerly, Newport’s Chanler at Cliff Walk and Castle Hill Inn, and historic city stays in Providence. Newport has the biggest mix of luxury and boutique hotels in the state, while South County offers beach resorts and Block Island has classic Victorian inns. This guide covers 13 top hotels in Rhode Island by area, with the awards and features that set each apart.

Best Rhode Island hotels at a glance

Best hotels in Rhode Island for luxury

1. Ocean House, Watch Hill

Ocean House sits on the bluffs above the beach in Watch Hill. It earned Forbes Five-Star ratings in 2026 for the hotel, its COAST restaurant and its Ocean & Harvest Spa. Expect beach cabanas, croquet and a 12,000-square-foot spa. Ocean House official site. Check Ocean House rates and availability →

2. Weekapaug Inn, Westerly

Founded in 1899, this Relais & Châteaux inn overlooks Quonochontaug Pond and the Atlantic. It was a Forbes Five-Star hotel in 2026 and ranked No. 28 among the world’s best resorts in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards. Weekapaug Inn official site. Check Weekapaug Inn rates and availability →

3. The Chanler at Cliff Walk, Newport

The only hotel directly on the Cliff Walk, The Chanler has 20 themed rooms and villas on a five-acre oceanfront estate. In 2026 it earned Forbes Five-Star ratings for the hotel and its Cara restaurant, plus two Michelin Keys. See our hotels near the Cliff Walk. Check The Chanler rates and availability →

4. Castle Hill Inn, Newport

On a 40-acre peninsula off Ocean Drive, Castle Hill Inn has beach cottages, a mansion and harbor houses, plus its famous lawn for sunset drinks. It was a Forbes Four-Star hotel in 2026, and its Aurelia restaurant was newly rated Five-Star. Check Castle Hill Inn rates and availability →

5. The Vanderbilt, Auberge Collection, Newport

This 33-room hotel fills a 1908 mansion built by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, with indoor and outdoor pools and a spa, a short walk from downtown. It received one Michelin Key in 2026. Check The Vanderbilt rates and availability →

Best boutique and historic hotels in Newport

6. Gardiner House

Opened in 2023 on Lee’s Wharf, Gardiner House has 21 rooms with high ceilings and harbor views, plus the Flora restaurant and a bakery. Travel + Leisure named it one of the best new hotels of 2024. Check Gardiner House rates and availability →

7. Hotel Viking

Hotel Viking opened on Bellevue Avenue in 1926 and reopened in May 2026 after a centennial renovation. It has about 200 rooms, a spa and several restaurants and bars, close to the mansions. Check Hotel Viking rates and availability →

8. Newport Harbor Island Resort

On Goat Island, this resort reopened in 2024 after a major renovation. It has 258 rooms, a marina, indoor and outdoor pools, a spa and many water-view rooms. Check Newport Harbor Island Resort rates and availability →

For more Newport options, see the best hotels in Newport, hotels with harbor views, hotels on Thames Street and hotels near the Newport Mansions.

Best hotels in Providence

9. Graduate by Hilton Providence

The former Providence Biltmore, opened in 1922, is now part of Hilton’s Graduate brand. It keeps its landmark “Biltmore” sign and grand ballroom and is close to downtown sights. Check Graduate Providence rates and availability →

10. Hotel Providence

A boutique hotel in the downtown theater district with 80 rooms and 16 suites, the Backstage Kitchen & Bar and a pet-friendly policy. Hotel Providence official site. Check Hotel Providence rates and availability →

11. Omni Providence Hotel

A 25-floor, 564-room hotel connected to the Rhode Island Convention Center, the Amica Mutual Pavilion and Providence Place mall, with an indoor pool. It is a practical choice for events and shopping. Check Omni Providence rates and availability →

Driving between the two cities? See our guide to getting from Providence to Newport.

Best hotels on Block Island

12. Hotel Manisses

A Victorian inn on Spring Street with 17 rooms and its own restaurant and bar. Hotel Manisses official site. Check Hotel Manisses rates and availability →

13. The 1661 Inn

A family-run historic inn on Spring Street with Atlantic views, a well-known breakfast and its own farm and gardens. The 1661 Inn official site. Check The 1661 Inn rates and availability →

Note: Block Island Beach House (formerly The Surf Hotel) says it is closed for 2026 and plans to reopen in May 2027. Planning your trip over? Read how to get to Block Island.

How to choose a hotel in Rhode Island

• For a first trip: stay in Newport for the mansions, Cliff Walk, harbor and restaurants, then day-trip to Providence or the beaches. See fun things to do in Rhode Island.
• For the beach: look at Watch Hill and Westerly, or Newport hotels near Easton’s Beach. Our best beaches in Rhode Island guide helps you pick an area.
• For a city break: downtown Providence puts you near restaurants, WaterFire and the train station.
• On a budget: see our budget-friendly Newport hotels and current reader deals.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best hotels in Rhode Island?

Top-rated choices include Ocean House in Watch Hill, Weekapaug Inn in Westerly and The Chanler at Cliff Walk in Newport, all Forbes Five-Star hotels in 2026, plus Castle Hill Inn and The Vanderbilt in Newport.

What is the best area to stay in Rhode Island?

Newport is the most popular base for visitors, with the mansions, Cliff Walk, harbor and many hotels. Watch Hill and Westerly suit beach trips, and downtown Providence suits a city break.

Which hotels in Rhode Island are on the beach?

Ocean House sits above the beach in Watch Hill, and Weekapaug Inn has beach access in Westerly. In Newport, The Chanler is near Easton’s Beach and Castle Hill Inn has its own shoreline.

What is the best hotel in Newport, RI?

The Chanler at Cliff Walk was a Forbes Five-Star hotel with two Michelin Keys in 2026. Castle Hill Inn, The Vanderbilt and Gardiner House are also highly rated.

Are there good hotels in Providence, RI?

Yes. Options include Graduate by Hilton Providence in the former Biltmore, the boutique Hotel Providence and the Omni Providence Hotel next to the convention center.

More Newport guides

• Best Hotels in Newport, RI
• Hotels Near the Cliff Walk
• Hotels with Harbor Views
• Newport Hotels Near the Beach
• Budget-Friendly Newport Hotels
• Best Beaches in Rhode Island
• Fun Things to Do in Rhode Island
• Reader Deals
• All Newport Blog posts