We were thrilled to head back to the Hotel Viking, which is about a three and-a-half hour drive from New York. Full disclosure, we were married at the Viking ten years ago, but we’d heard they got a full makeover and were dying to check it out. Plus, we really missed the clam chowder this historic town is so famous for!
Photo credit: Hotel Viking
The Rooms at Hotel Viking
The Viking has both guest rooms and suites.
Above and below photo credits: Hotel Viking
Here’s an example of their Manor guestroom, which is the most economical choice at 200 square feet. There is one queen bed, pillow top mattress, gilded age décor, and plush robes.
Photo credit: Hotel Viking
Newport guestrooms give you more room at 310 feet. You can ask for a king or two queens, and are part of the 1960’s addition wing to the property. We stayed in this room and asked for two queens, since we were traveling with small children whom enjoy jumping from bed to bed!
Photo credit: Hotel Viking
Estate fireside guestrooms are 325 feet, within the original section of the hotel, and come with fireplaces that evoke that cozy, New England feel. The marble bathrooms are more updated and come with rain shower heads.
Wheelchair-accessible guestrooms are now fully equipped and have a lowered peephole, vanity, heat and light control, and no threshold into the bathroom. There is also a roll-in shower with grab bars.
Photo credit: Hotel Viking
Photo credit: Hotel Viking
Photo credit: Hotel Viking
The suites provide even more room, the largest being the Breakers suite at 1200 square feet where you might feel like a Vanderbilt! Families traveling to our wedding with in-laws and babysitters opted for these suites. There are also pull-out sofas, chairs, and tables and sofas for business meetings.
Photo credit: Hotel Viking
Photo credit: Hotel Viking
Dining at Hotel Viking
The Hotel Viking has one main restaurant, One Bellevue, serving American bistro fare. Breakfast is available daily starting at 7am, and there is also a buffet option.
The restaurant underwent a massive renovation last year, and the bar and dining areas are now seamlessly melded. Coastal décor bring the sea closer. My kids never fail to request Mickey Mouse-shaped chocolate chip pancakes (not on the menu) and my husband loves the lobster benedict.
Photo credit: Hotel Viking
My favorite dinner item is the “Bellevue burger,” which at $20 is worth every penny and includes pastured beef, fries and a fried egg.
The outside area is as beautiful as it is inside with plenty of fine touches that make you feel relaxed and taken care of — plus the views are amazing.
Photo credit: Hotel Viking
Photo credit: Hotel Viking
Super Chic Bar
You can also order food from the Top of Newport rooftop bar, which gets hopping in spring and summer. We’ve been here in fall with heat lamps, and the view of the twinkling ocean in the distance never gets old.
Plush Sunbrella furnishings are spread throughout the bar, and there is also the option to order food there as well, oysters topping the list of popular menu items.
Photo credit: Hotel Viking
Super Doggie-Friendly
While the property has always been dog-friendly, they have now partnered Lucky Dog Resort to provide even better amenities to fur guests.
Photo credit: Hotel Viking
Walks, grooming, and pet-sitting are all available.
The Spa Menu Includes Services For Kids!
Need to relax and unwind? Two great new offers are yoga on weekend mornings, and a new item in Spa Fjor for little ones, a Prince and Princess menu for the tween set (guests must be 12 years and older) with adorable services such as a Twinkle Toes pedicure, and My First Massage.
Photo credit: Hotel Viking!
A new lobby: Hill Market has replaced the lobby gift shop and serves fresh coffee, daily newspapers and other delicious pastries.
Photo credit: Hotel Viking!
Spring is lovely in Newport and I would highly recommend beating the summer crowd, and avoid lines at downtown restaurants or the mansions. It won’t be warm enough to swim but the Viking has an indoor pool and you can still do the famous Cliff Walk if you desire an outdoor activity.
Details:
Hotel Viking
One Bellevue ave.
Newport, RI 02840
(401) 847-3300
Visit their website for more information including availability and to book a room.
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Disclosure: we were hosted by the hotel but all opinions expressed are entirely my own. All photos copyright of The Hotel Viking.
Kate Gillan is a mother of four who loves to travel throughout New England with her husband and four young children. She is a frequent writer for the New York Times Style section. She is also an abstract painter.
