The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection

We spent three nights at The Vanderbilt and had a mostly positive experience. The staff was very friendly and accommodating. Many were foreign students preparing to go back to university for the fall. Here are some of our observations. First, since this is an Historic Hotel, it is not in the modern style. The hotel is dark inside. The dining room is dark, the rooms are dark, the hallways are dark. The walls most everywhere are painted dark green or something comparable. The bathroom was small and had only a single pedestal sink with very little counter space. There was a window in the bathroom, but it was right next to the toilet so we had to keep the shade down whenever we were in there, making the bathroom dark. But it had a great shower. Lots of water pressure and luxury shampoo and body wash. No problem washing the soap out of your hair here. The room (at least ours) was decorated with heavy furniture and draperies and oriental-style rugs over the (dark) wall-to-wall carpeting. Nothing like a One and Only or similar contemporary hotel. Almost Victorian. Most troublesome was the air conditioning. Our room had a Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC) controlled by a wall thermostat. We much prefer a whole-room system more like we have at home that gradually increases and decreases speeds as needed and which you can barely hear. The PTAC goes off and on according to the temperature set, and is quite noisy. When it is on, it blows cold air and can make the room drafty. Ours, unfortunately, was also squeaking to such a degree that we turned it completely off and used just a sheet since the room got a little warm. Luckily, the nights were cool so it was not too much of a problem. But I expected a better system from a luxury hotel that is part of the Auberge family. I have never encountered such a cooling system in a Ritz, Four Seasons, or comparable luxury brand. The food at the hotel was excellent. The view from the rooftop bar is quite impressive. The bartenders mix a mean martini. Their riff on a vesper was my favorite. And breakfast in the garden was a delightful way to start our day. The location is convenient to Thames Street and the wharves where most of the action is. It is a 10-15 minute drive to the the Cliff Walk and mansions, but if you stay in the area of the mansions (like at the Chanler) there are no restaurants or nightlife around. We found it better to stay in town and then go the mansions for a few hours each day rather than to try to do it the other way around. We liked The Vanderbilt, but were not blown away. What we do not know, since this was our first trip to Newport, was whether there are any better options within an easy walk of the downtown action. We saw several smaller B&Bs, a Marriott on the water, and the newer Brenton hotel next to the Marriott, but did not explore them in order to compare.

From the moment we arrived, the service was beyond exceptional. Assad, the bellman, was truly outstanding—kind, helpful, fun, and always one step ahead. He made our stay unforgettable and set the bar for hospitality! The front desk team (Brooke, Kate, and Brittany) were equally wonderful. I loved being able to text with them for anything we needed; they were always prompt, sweet, and even arranged an early check-in for our bridal suite, which made such a difference. On top of that, the hotel ambience was absolutely perfect—beautiful, welcoming, and thoughtfully maintained. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Highly recommend this hotel for anyone looking for top-notch service and a truly special stay!

Another memorable stay at The Vanderbilt! The staff are absolutely amazing and always make our time there special! Kudos on a job very well done.

The Vanderbilt RI has an elegant and relaxing vibe. The food was delicious, which we expected for the $$ Unfortunately, the most disappointing part was the spa. The massage was very sub par. Lots of ‘stroking’ and very little consistency; one side of the body focused on rather than the other- very unequal. I was distracted the whole time by the dropping of things or the movement of objects. It was very clumsy. Such a disappointment for the cost and what was supposed to be a treat for my husband and I.

Mere words do not do the experience and staff justice. Spectacular in every way! The roof bar and view is a must see at night!