My parents and I stayed in a 1-BR/2-BA (unit #15). The previous poster did an excellent job of describing the property and provisions in the kitchen, and I was able to take a lot of items with me to supplement the kitchen items. I took a crock pot, bread knife, placemats, salt/pepper/sugar, dish towel/cloth and a few other serving items. The kitchen has very little counter space, so cooking with someone requires some choreography. But overall, it's doable. Internet is $5/day or $25/week.
The Ocean Cliff hotel is a 2-minute walk from the condos, lovely and historic, and the views from the terrace are fabulous.
The office staff is very helpful and accommodating. There are grills and picnic tables, and the pool is enclosed and nice. The sleep sofa in the living room is really NOT comfortable--I took a featherbed with me (driving has it's advantages!)
The location is very good--only 10 minutes from grocery store, laudrymat, mansions and visitors center. The one thing lacking here was a laundry or washer/dryer in the unit.
The mansions are fantastic, but I would recommend doing only two in a day because they are overwhelming! The term "conspicuous consumption" was coined to apply to the Gilded Age when these were built. I would definately recommend the "behind the scenes tour" at the Elms. The trolley from the Visitors Center is on/off and $5 for the day, although there was plenty of parking at the mansions when we were there (probably not the case in "high season.) The Cliff Walk is lovely and relaxing. If you have time to go to Providence (about 40 minutes away) and enjoy cooking, go to the Culinary Museum on the campus of Johnson and Wales (exit 18 from 95N, then 1A South for about a mile.)
If I return to Newport for the Christmas decorations in the mansions, I will try to stay here again.
- Oceancliff Hotel Newport
- Ocean Cliff
- Ocean Cliff Hotel Newport
