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The Best Beach Hotels to Book in Rhode Island

The opulent Victorian Cliffside Inn is one of the top options for a beachfront hotel in Rhode Island
The opulent Victorian Cliffside Inn is one of the top options for a beachfront hotel in Rhode Island | Courtesy of the Cliffside Inn / Expedia

Head out to the open Rhode and enjoy the hundreds of miles of coastline that Rhode Island has to offer. Known for blue-chip beaches and quaint villages that marry colonial architecture with modern design trends, Rhode Island is a must-visit. Added to this is a proud commitment to locality – whether it’s the seafood coming from the teal waters, the thriving brewery scene or the many farms producing vibrant fruits and moreish meats. There’s no better base for exploring than a Rhode Island beachfront hotel, and we’ve rounded up the finest – bookable with Culture Trip.

The Break Hotel, for living your best life

Hotel

The white exterior of the two-story building of the Break Hotel near the Narragansett Beach, Rhode Island
Courtesy of the Break Hotel / Expedia

This boujee surfer-chic hotel is an ideal rest stop whatever the season – every one of its 16 rooms has a fireplace and heated bathroom floors. Situated just one street away from Narragansett Beach and the Point Judith Lighthouse, you don’t have to walk far to feel the ocean breeze. Pool more your flex? The Break’s pool is outdoors, heated and open all year. Top it off with an espresso martini from the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, Chair 5, ordered straight to the pool deck.

Shelter Harbor Inn, for music lovers

Hotel

Cozy bedroom with raw wood four-poster bed, forest-green walls and colorful pillows at Shelter Harbor Inn, Rhode Island
Courtesy of Shelter Harbor Inn / Expedia

Built in 1800 and originally a thriving Rhode Island beach hotel for New York City singers and artists, the recently renovated Shelter Harbor Inn proudly displays its past with on-site musical events and themed decor throughout. Situated within three acres (1.2ha) of lush greenery, you can also work up an appetite with a couple of sets on the outdoor tennis court. There’s no better place to sate that hunger than at the Farmhouse Kitchen + Bar – the contemporary American restaurant specializing in farm-to-fork dining.

Block Island Beach House, for sipping frosé at the beach bar

Hotel

Beachy chic bedroom with surfboard and ocean view at Block Island Beach House in Rhode Island
Courtesy of Block Island Beach House / Expedia

With views overlooking the beautiful Crescent Beach, the Block Island Beach House offers the only beachfront hotel rooms on Block Island. The decor throughout is attentive – beachfront abodes are design-led, bold and vintage-influenced, while the new Gables suites (across the road from the main house) exude calm through neutral tones. Thirsty? Sip the hotel specialty frosé on one of the House Beach Bar’s contemporary beach sofas and wonder how you’ll ever leave.

Harborside Inn, for beachfront access

Hotel

The Harborside Inn tucked into Block Island’s main drag
Courtesy of Harborside Inn / Expedia

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Rhode Island beachfront hotel Harborside Inn could not be closer to the sleepy thrills and spills of Thames Street – Block Island’s main drag. It looks over the Old Harbor and is literal steps from the beach – while the independent shops, restaurants and movie theater are all within a popcorn’s flick away. Intrigued to see how the other half live? Take a three-block walk to Bellevue Avenue and take in the ornate mansions that span the centuries.

The Chanler at Cliff Walk, for garden strolls at sunset

Hotel

Opulent renaissance-inspired bedroom with four-poster king bed, antiques and paintings at the Chanler at Cliff Walk
Courtesy of the Chanler at Cliff Walk / Booking.com

This skyline-dominating mansion has a privileged spot on Newport’s Cliff Walk, which takes in the area’s mansions and wildflower spotted shoreline. Escape holiday crowds in Chanler’s manicured gardens that offer widescreen ocean views. The 20 bespoke rooms encourage opulence without the stuffiness – an ethos shared by Cara, the Forbes four-star signature restaurant at the hotel. It offers blind five-course or eight-course tasting menus that combine modern European fare with hyperlocal ingredients.

Castle Hill Inn, for new world charm

Hotel

The 19th-century exterior lit up at night of the Castle Hill Inn in Rhode Island
Courtesy of Castle Hill Inn / Expedia

The Castle Hill Inn was built in 1875 and combines 19th-century hospitality with new world comforts like a boutique spa, where you can submerge yourself in luxury products composed from organic American ingredients. The varying room decor reflects the environment – the best views in town are the beach cottages overlooking a cove from atop sand dunes on the hotel’s private beach. Whichever room you take, you won’t be stumped for natural environs – this Rhode Island beachfront hotel is situated on its own 40-acre (16ha) peninsula.

Wyndham Newport Hotel, for a great location

Hotel

Outdoor space with couches and tables overlooking the water at Wyndham Newport Hotel
Courtesy of Wyndham Newport Hotel / Expedia

This newly built beachfront hotel in Rhode Island is situated in pretty Middletown, just 3mi (5km) from Newport – the area’s shopping, dining and cultural hub. The hotel is a honeypot for tennis fans, thanks to being walking distance to the International Tennis Hall of Fame – with its interactive museum, outdoor courts and six indoor courts. Prefer a more sedate break? Order an unctuous lobster roll and a chilled Narragansett Lager at Johnny’s Restaurant & Patio.

Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina, for acting like a local

Hotel

The Newport Harbor Hotel set on the harbor’s buzzing thoroughfare of yachts
Courtesy of Newport Harbor Hotel and Marina / Expedia

With the harbor’s buzzing thoroughfare of yachts and cobbled streets literally steps from this Rhode Island beachfront hotel’s door, you are reliably close to the action. The heated indoor saltwater pool and sauna can offer a little escape for those in need. Flagship restaurant Saltwater offers a “serious casual” approach: expect modern all-day dining and drinks, with deconstructed New England clam chowder the most local of delicacies.

The Cliffside Inn, for thoughtful details

Bed and Breakfast

Opulent bedroom with teal chandelier, drapes and Roman shades, bay window seating and velvet accents at the Cliffside Inn
Courtesy of the Cliffside Inn / Expedia

This opulent Victorian manor house has been updated with eclectic details inspired by the life and work of 20th-century painter Beatrice Turner. Gas fireplaces are in every room – although turned off June-October – where you’ll also find luxury bath products made by Lather, plus kimono robes for every guest. Looking for some entertainment? Thames Street’s buzzing bars and restaurants serving local seafood fare are a 20-minute stroll away.

Culture Trip Fall Sale

Save up to $1,058 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

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