Pros

  • Cozy bed-and-breakfast with historic details
  • Quiet side street location in downtown Newport
  • Easy walking distance to the waterfront and popular tourist attractions
  • Seven uniquely designed rooms with Victorian decor and modern amenities
  • A free and tasty homemade breakfast is served daily in Pip’s Cafe
  • Small common area featuring free Keurig, coffee flavorings, and biscotti
  • Quiet and lovely gardens area with a few chairs for socializing
  • A few free parking places available
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel
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Cons

  • Stairs and narrow hallways are difficult for some to navigate
  • Some guests have complained about cleanliness
  • No front desk or full restaurant
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Bottom Line

Located on a quiet corner in Newport, the charming Artful Lodger Inn is a lovely two-and-a-half-pearl option for travelers looking for the traditional bed-and-breakfast stay. The historic inn features seven individually designed rooms with Victorian decor and modern amenities: air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and some mini-fridges. Two tranquil garden areas include a magnolia tree that's over 140 years old. The free and tasty homemade breakfast is served each morning in the rooftop Pip’s Cafe. The major downside here is occasional complaints about cleanliness. Those looking for a similar historical experience with more modern amenities might consider the Hotel Viking, which has two restaurants, a fitness center, and an indoor pool -- but at a higher price.

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Amenities

  • Casino
  • Internet
  • Jacuzzi

Oyster Hotel Review

Artful Lodger Inn

Scene

Quiet, Victorian style bed-and-breakfast with historical features 

Built in 1844, the Artful Lodger Inn would whet any history buff’s appetite with its colorful and rich story. The property was built by the King family as a guest house for those attending nearby mansion parties during the Gilded Age. The Victorian house features antiquated details like steep winding stairs and narrow halls. Lace curtains, mismatched rugs, and gold statuettes add a timeless style. The magnolia tree located in the tranquil back garden is of historic significance as well. It's over 140 years old and registered with the National Registry of Historic Trees.

Like many houses built during the 1800s, there are two sets of staircases leading throughout the three floors, allowing the house to be cozy but affording guests privacy to come and go. The Artful Lodger Inn is best suited for those who prefer history, charm, and location over lots of modern amenities; with couples and leisure travelers making up the bulk of the guests here. 

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Location

In Newport, a six-minute drive to Easton's Beach and a 20-minute walk to the Historic District

Situated in the heart of downtown Newport, the historic Artful Lodger Inn is within easy walking distance of popular tourist attractions. Top of Newport -- the highest point in Newport -- and the Historic District are a 20-minute walk or a six-minute drive away from the hotel. Bustling Easton’s Beach is a six-minute drive or a 25-minute walk. There are a few parking lots at the beach. Adjacent to Easton’s is the famous Cliff Walk, which is a three-and-a-half-mile pathway bordering the ocean with stunning views of historic mansions. 

The International Tennis Hall of Fame is a three-minute drive or an 11-minute walk. The Naval War Academy Museum is a 20-minute drive on Coasters Harbor Island. The Naval Station Pass and ID is a 15-minute drive away from the bed-and-breakfast. Bowen’s Wharf and the bustling waterfront is a 10-minute drive or a 20-minute walk from the Artful Lodger Inn. Newport State Airport is a 16-minute drive. Travelers should note that a car isn’t necessary to get around Newport and taxis are easily available.

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Rooms

Seven individually designed rooms mix modern amenities with traditional Victorian details

There are only seven rooms at the Artful Lodger Inn, and all of them are individually designed with thoughtful historic details. Each of the rooms are named after a different historical figure, both fictional and familial names. Expect to stay in rooms with monikers like the Havisham Suite (from Charles Dickens) or Victoria’s Room (named for a family member of the owner).  

Traditional Victorian decor is mixed with more modern pieces like ornate headboards, sleek leather couches, and floral patterns. Rooms are equipped with modern updated to bring them into this century: free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and some mini-fridges. Typical of the Victorian era, there are cherub statues in the rooms for decoration. Some rooms are more spacious than others with a separate sitting area and fireplace, while others have little more than a few heavy dressers and a king- or queen-size bed. 

Bathrooms tend to be a bit awkward; most are a deconstructed design with a sink or whirlpool tub situated in the main room. Most bathrooms are small with just enough room for a standing shower and toilet. Toiletries and towels are provided. Some guests have commented on cleanliness issues. 

See More Rooms

Features

Two gardens, small common area, wonderful free breakfast, and free Wi-Fi

As a small and historical bed-and-breakfast, the Artful Lodger Inn has a limited amount of amenities. There are two main garden areas bedecked with wrought iron furniture, ivy and flower covered trellises, and quaint ponds. The back garden is home to the locally famous 140-year-old magnolia tree. The side garden area and cozy front porch overlooking Spring Street have a few places for travelers to hang out and socialize.

While there is technically no front desk -- the innkeeper comes to meet guests checking in -- a small common area also doubles as the lobby with couches, books, and tourist items. Free Keurig coffee, tea, and biscotti are on offer throughout the day. Pip’s Cafe is located on the top floor of the old Victorian, and is where a free home cooked breakfast is served each morning. Guests can expect freshly baked muffins, eggs, waffles, and pancakes served at a family-style table; or the option to eat on a small balcony with lovely views facing downtown Newport. No other meals are served. 

There are a few free parking spaces available at the back of the inn. Wi-Fi is free throughout. 

See More Features

Oyster Hotel Review

Artful Lodger Inn

Scene

Quiet, Victorian style bed-and-breakfast with historical features 

Built in 1844, the Artful Lodger Inn would whet any history buff’s appetite with its colorful and rich story. The property was built by the King family as a guest house for those attending nearby mansion parties during the Gilded Age. The Victorian house features antiquated details like steep winding stairs and narrow halls. Lace curtains, mismatched rugs, and gold statuettes add a timeless style. The magnolia tree located in the tranquil back garden is of historic significance as well. It's over 140 years old and registered with the National Registry of Historic Trees.

Like many houses built during the 1800s, there are two sets of staircases leading throughout the three floors, allowing the house to be cozy but affording guests privacy to come and go. The Artful Lodger Inn is best suited for those who prefer history, charm, and location over lots of modern amenities; with couples and leisure travelers making up the bulk of the guests here. 

See More Scene

Location

In Newport, a six-minute drive to Easton's Beach and a 20-minute walk to the Historic District

Situated in the heart of downtown Newport, the historic Artful Lodger Inn is within easy walking distance of popular tourist attractions. Top of Newport -- the highest point in Newport -- and the Historic District are a 20-minute walk or a six-minute drive away from the hotel. Bustling Easton’s Beach is a six-minute drive or a 25-minute walk. There are a few parking lots at the beach. Adjacent to Easton’s is the famous Cliff Walk, which is a three-and-a-half-mile pathway bordering the ocean with stunning views of historic mansions. 

The International Tennis Hall of Fame is a three-minute drive or an 11-minute walk. The Naval War Academy Museum is a 20-minute drive on Coasters Harbor Island. The Naval Station Pass and ID is a 15-minute drive away from the bed-and-breakfast. Bowen’s Wharf and the bustling waterfront is a 10-minute drive or a 20-minute walk from the Artful Lodger Inn. Newport State Airport is a 16-minute drive. Travelers should note that a car isn’t necessary to get around Newport and taxis are easily available.

See More Location

Rooms

Seven individually designed rooms mix modern amenities with traditional Victorian details

There are only seven rooms at the Artful Lodger Inn, and all of them are individually designed with thoughtful historic details. Each of the rooms are named after a different historical figure, both fictional and familial names. Expect to stay in rooms with monikers like the Havisham Suite (from Charles Dickens) or Victoria’s Room (named for a family member of the owner).  

Traditional Victorian decor is mixed with more modern pieces like ornate headboards, sleek leather couches, and floral patterns. Rooms are equipped with modern updated to bring them into this century: free Wi-Fi, air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and some mini-fridges. Typical of the Victorian era, there are cherub statues in the rooms for decoration. Some rooms are more spacious than others with a separate sitting area and fireplace, while others have little more than a few heavy dressers and a king- or queen-size bed. 

Bathrooms tend to be a bit awkward; most are a deconstructed design with a sink or whirlpool tub situated in the main room. Most bathrooms are small with just enough room for a standing shower and toilet. Toiletries and towels are provided. Some guests have commented on cleanliness issues. 

See More Rooms

Features

Two gardens, small common area, wonderful free breakfast, and free Wi-Fi

As a small and historical bed-and-breakfast, the Artful Lodger Inn has a limited amount of amenities. There are two main garden areas bedecked with wrought iron furniture, ivy and flower covered trellises, and quaint ponds. The back garden is home to the locally famous 140-year-old magnolia tree. The side garden area and cozy front porch overlooking Spring Street have a few places for travelers to hang out and socialize.

While there is technically no front desk -- the innkeeper comes to meet guests checking in -- a small common area also doubles as the lobby with couches, books, and tourist items. Free Keurig coffee, tea, and biscotti are on offer throughout the day. Pip’s Cafe is located on the top floor of the old Victorian, and is where a free home cooked breakfast is served each morning. Guests can expect freshly baked muffins, eggs, waffles, and pancakes served at a family-style table; or the option to eat on a small balcony with lovely views facing downtown Newport. No other meals are served. 

There are a few free parking spaces available at the back of the inn. Wi-Fi is free throughout. 

See More Features

Best Rates

Amenities

  • Air Conditioner

  • Airport Transportation

  • Cable

  • Casino

  • Concierge

  • Free Breakfast

  • Golf Course

  • Internet

  • Jacuzzi

  • Kids Allowed

  • Meeting / Conference Rooms

  • Separate Bedroom / Living Room Space

  • Tennis Court

Disclaimer: This content was accurate at the time the hotel was reviewed. Please check our partner sites when booking to verify that details are still correct.