Newport, Rhode Island has easily earned a spot in my top five favorite New England destinations. I've made countless day trips there, but had never stayed overnight — something I always knew I'd want to do eventually, to truly experience Newport from sunrise to sunset.
For full transparency, I reached out to them about a collaboration. As always, I choose the same way that I'd choose a place for myself. I was gifted a two-night stay in May 2026 in exchange for an honest account of my experience.
I had never visited Newport in the spring, so I was thrilled to discover the city in bloom. I couldn't have asked for better weather — sunny skies and highs in the upper 60s the entire trip. Wandering through Newport and the downtime at Wellington was very enjoyable.
Wellington Resort
The waterfront resort overlooks the harbor, tucked just off Thames Street — steps away from the majority of shops and dining — yet Wellington was removed from the bustle. Newport may not be known for being a quiet city, but Wellington manages to feel like a peaceful retreat. The resort is made up of a cluster of smaller buildings, each housing a handful of suites. There's a range of suite options to choose from, varying by size and kitchen setup, from partial kitchens to full ones. On-site amenities include a fitness room, both an indoor and outdoor pool, a patio with BBQs, and a dedicated parking lot for guests.
My Stay Experience
I stayed in a second-floor suite in a building that housed about five or six units total. Walking in, I was immediately amazed by just how spacious it was. The suite had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a full kitchen, a dining area, a living room WITH a fireplace, in-unit laundry, and a balcony overlooking the harbor. The living room featured a beautiful window view of both the harbor and the Pell Bridge. The two bedrooms felt private, with its own entry and bathroom, and they weren't positioned right next to each other. The fully equipped kitchen and dining room rounded it all out and honestly took it to another level. I was thoroughly impressed!
My Honest Thoughts
The VIEWS!!! Simply unbeatable. Watching the Pell Bridge from sunrise to sunset was a highlight of my stay — the golden hour light hit it perfectly, and at night, all lit up, it was truly magical. Having a balcony to take it all in made it even better.
I spent a lot of time by the outdoor pool, which is very spacious with plenty of lounge chairs and an expansive patio. It wasn't quite warm enough to swim during my visit, but I was happy sitting on the patio soaking up the harbor views and even had lunch at one of the tables out there.
The suite itself was wonderful. Having a fully equipped kitchen was a huge bonus, especially since finding gluten-free options when dining out can be a challenge. I did enjoyed dining out in Newport but loved being able to store leftovers in the fridge. The dining room off the kitchen had a direct view of the harbor, and I found myself working at that table most of the time, even though there was a dedicated workspace in the living room — the view was just too good to resist! The weather was gorgeous throughout my entire stay, but honestly, even if it hadn't been, the suite would have been perfect. It has that "home away from home" feeling, with all the space and comfort you could ask for.
Why Should You Stay There?
Location. As mentioned, the resort is just steps from Thames Street shopping, which made it so easy to explore without the hassle of getting in the car and hunting for a parking spot. At the same time, it's set back just enough from the bustle to feel quiet and tucked away — the best of both worlds.
Security. The resort is very well secured. Guests receive a key card at check-in that's required to access any of the buildings, and the entire property is fenced in. I actually got a firsthand lesson in just how secure it is — there's a coastal access path open to the public that's visible from the resort, and as a photographer, I was eager to get out there to capture the harbor. I walked the perimeter looking for a direct way onto the path, but there wasn't one. I ended up having to leave the resort and cut through a baseball field next door to reach it. It sounds like more of an inconvenience than it was but it gave me even more appreciation for how well-protected Wellington is.
Parking. (Free!) My visit fell during the off-season, just before Memorial Day weekend, so parking wasn’t terrible yet — but this is a standout perk during the summer months, when finding a spot in Newport can be a real headache! The resort provides parking passes exclusively for guests.
How to Book A Stay at Wellington Resort
Please book a room at their website here.
A heartfelt thank you to Wellington Resort for the collaboration. The breathtaking harbor views, the spacious suite, and the warm hospitality made this an unforgettable stay. I truly loved my stay in Newport!
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