Castle Hill Inn

Sunset from outside is the highlight, especially with friends and a drink while yachts pass along the coast. You can book a table at Aurelia or the Lawn Terrace without staying overnight, though I’d recommend getting a room to enjoy the hotel too. It’s a great place, with spectacular views and an excellent restaurant. There’s a lot to enjoy here, and I’d highly recommend a visit.

We got there before 5:30 to snag a window seat, and going in early to mid-October meant it wasn’t as busy as peak season probably is. The clam chowder was the best I’ve had, and even though I’m not much of a duck person, my husband’s dish was delicious. I loved the turkey sandwich too. Our waiter was so kind and attentive. The food, views, and service were all a 10/10. Go around sunset if you’re in Newport, I can’t wait to return. This is just about the restaurant.

The food was a real bright spot. Breakfast was included and very good, the afternoon tea and snacks were complimentary and delicious, and dinner at Aurelia was among the better meals we had in Newport. The service there was amazing, especially Carl, who took time to explain everything. The odd part was dust constantly dropping from the ceiling fans onto us and our food. It made the meals less enjoyable. We stayed in a beach cottage in mid-October, my husband, son, and I. The bed was comfortable and the welcome cookies were delicious, but the room was tiny, dated, and some items needed refreshing. For a place at this price, I expected a decent hair dryer, not a $20 drugstore one. The outdoor gym was unusable in the weather, so they offered light weights for the room. Their partner gym at the Tennis Hall of Fame was surprisingly poor. Finding the cottage was confusing because nobody explained where it was at check-in, and the room number faced the beach. While we were looking, housekeeping shouted at us after we accidentally stepped into another guest’s patio. We thought the stay was fine in many ways, but it didn’t feel worth more than $2,000 a night. Some reviews mention pools or hallways, though this hotel doesn’t really have either. I might give it another try if I’m back in Newport, but I wouldn’t make a special trip for it.

I’ve been to the restaurant three times, though I haven’t stayed here. The meal was perfectly cooked and presented, and the setting is spectacular. If you’re nearby, go. You’ll be glad you did.