Aqua Blue Hotel

I came from Texas a day early for a wedding so I could see Newport and Naragasett. The room was clean, with a lovely view of the Gazebo, The Towers, and the ocean, but that was about the extent of the positives. I tried twice to make a reservation by phone and left my details, but Kate never called back. I eventually booked three nights online after speaking with Catherine. There were no AAA or AARP discounts, even in the off season. The hotel was empty for the first two days, with just a few wedding guests staying one night. There was no microwave in the room, and the dirty carpets throughout the hotel need replacing. The wedding party chose the place because the reception was at The Towers, and most of us were from out of state.

The outside is attractive, and being right across from the water is a great location. That’s where the good impression ends. Though the lobby seems recently updated, mildew mixed with cleaning-fluid odor filled the rest of the hotel. Our bathroom was tiny, and only one person could fit. The TV didn’t work, and with no vacancies the staff couldn’t move us to another room. For what they charge each night, I expected some investment in the rooms and hallways. We were really disappointed and won’t stay here again.

The second-floor deck was a nice place to sit, but they never switched on the perimeter lights at dusk, so we couldn’t stay there long into the evening. The pool and hot tub were closed, and the stairwell rugs were covered in stains. We also never got room service after the first of our two required nights. When I went down for towels, I was told I should have hung the service tag on the door, though there wasn’t one on my door or any others on the floor. The location is excellent, across from the beach and near shops and restaurants, but the maintenance is badly behind. Our third-floor room had a noisy AC that kept cycling between fan and compressor. The desk area was worn, with the rusty back of the AC visible. The bathroom door wouldn’t close properly, and if forced shut, no one could get in or out. Room rugs had stains and burn marks, although the bed was clean and neatly made, and the bathroom was relatively clean. The elevator looked awful, with drips and water marks on its walls; a few minutes spent cleaning the stainless steel would help its first impression. The lobby was okay, and the front sign looked nice, but the hotel’s heavy Fabuloso scent seemed to cover up old smoke. Luggage had scraped up the walls on the way to our room. They seem to have put money into the sign and left the rest of the place behind. I’d gladly return to the area, but I wouldn’t recommend staying here.

The staff were so friendly, and the location is beautiful. My room was very clean, though dated, and the bed was comfortable with lovely sheets and towels. The window in my first room wouldn’t lock, which made me feel unsafe traveling alone. The front desk worked their magic and moved me. Thanks, Aqua Blue!