Worth Traveling For
In celebration of its 100th anniversary this year, Hotel Viking in Newport, Rhode Island, has undergone a top-to-bottom renovation that includes sophisticated residential-style rooms, restored and refreshed historic public spaces, and a dynamic culinary overhaul conceived by two-time James Beard Award nominee Robert Andreozzi and led by Chef de Cuisine Will Rietzel.
When the hotel opened in 1926, Newport was undergoing a transition from its Gilded-Age heyday into the Art Deco era, ushering in the liberated cultural zeitgeist of the Jazz Age. At the time, the city’s famous lavish mansions were falling into disrepair as the recently instituted federal income tax made them unsustainable.
Originally funded by local businessmen and wealthy summer residents, Hotel Viking introduced a luxury hotel alternative for the growing tourism market as private hosting went into decline. Summer tourists no longer needed an invite from an Astor or a Vanderbilt to experience the coastal glamour of The Queen of Summer Resorts.
Today, Hotel Viking’s prime location, steps away from the Bellevue Avenue Historic District, provides a peaceful neighborhood setting tucked away from the traffic and bustling tourist crowds of Thames Street, while remaining an easy walk to local attractions such as Bowen’s Wharf and the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
Hotel Highlights
While Newport has more than its fair share of luxury hotels, Hotel Viking’s updated design and new culinary venues set it apart. The main dining venue Pescadou infuses the “Classic Coast” with the spirit of the French Riviera. Fresh seafood dishes draw inspiration from across the Mediterranean with highlights including boulabaisse for two served with rouille, cheesy bread, and potatoes; risotto à la bourguignon with escargots, green garlic, and asparagus; and local oysters topped with rosé granita and pink peppercorns.
The design takes cues from the coastal photography of mid-century icon Slim Aarons with a feminine palette of salmon pink and minty green, modern chandeliers casting a warm glow, and classic landscape murals. The adjacent airy garden room features Aaron’s photographs.
Next door, the Skoal Room serves up classic and creative cocktails, shared plates and lighter bites, while the rooftop Cap Club plays up a retro-Americana vibe with panoramic views of the city and the harbor in the distance.
The Spa Fjör blends Eastern and Western spa philosophies offering a full menu of massages and body rituals that can incorporate sound therapy and cupping, a glowing Himalayan salt wall relaxation lounge, and an adjacent indoor pool and fitness center.
Rooms & Experience
The updated 210 guestrooms and suites are designed in a crisp coastal style with hardwood floors and a neutral palette of cream, sand, and driftwood gray layered with tactile natural fibers — linen wallcoverings, woven wool throws, and supple leather accents. Bathrooms vary depending on the room category, but exhibit a clean retro aesthetic with marble tiles, porcelain fixtures, and polished chrome or matte black hardware.
The hotel’s new vision appeals to style-conscious weekend travelers who prioritize food and wine, upscale spa services, and a convenient base for exploring the city.
What to Know Before You Book
Splurge on one of Mansion Suites in the original 1926 Viking Wing, each bearing the name of a local “summer cottage,” featuring elevated architectural details including high ceilings, French doors, and fireplaces. These expansive suites have separate living spaces and spacious baths with clawfoot soaking tubs. If possible, avoid the entry-level rooms, which feel cramped and have tiny bathrooms.
While summer is peak season in this New England sailing capital, September and October are an attractive option for a less touristy, more relaxed experience while exploring this historic seaside town.
Address: 1 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI 02840
Closest Airport: Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport (PVD), is about 35 to 45 minutes by car, or Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), is about 1.5 to 2 hours by car.
Featured image courtesy Hotel Viking. Travel Curator may earn a commission from booking links on this page.
