Hotel Viking

The historic wing of the Hotel Viking was built in 1926 as a hotel for guests attending parties in the surrounding mansions. The second, more modern wing was added in the 1960s. There are still some fun historical pieces throughout the hotel; the keys hanging behind the front desk (just for decoration) are the originals from the 1926 hotel. A mail tube runs from the top floor of the hotel to the mailbox in the lobby. Rotary style phones are situated in the lobby for guests to use. 

The Hotel Viking caters to an eclectic mix of guests. With 12 spacious meeting rooms expect to see business conventions, weddings, and upscale events. However, the convenient location, plentiful wellness options, and three on-premise restaurants make the hotel popular with guests. The social scene is a bit eclectic as well, with events like a daily afternoon tea, a weekly Spirits and Stogies night, and a Taco and Tequila event. The Top of Newport is a popular local tourist attraction as it is the highest point in Newport and offers lovely views of the city. 

Those looking for modern bed-and-breakfast charm might consider Gilded, a Lark Hotel that features plenty of history but with a funky twist, at a similar price in the Historic District of Newport. The Newport Hotel and Marina is newer and more modern than many of the surrounding bed-and-breakfasts, and offers similar amenities as Hotel Viking at a consistently lower price. 

Taking up an entire corner on the historic Bellevue Avenue, Hotel Viking is conveniently located for many popular tourist attractions. The International Tennis Hall of Fame is a seven-minute walk from the hotel. The Naval War College Museum, on Coasters Harbor Island, is a 15-minute drive. The Newport Airport is a 15-minute drive from the Hotel Viking. The Naval Station Newport is a 15-minute drive. 

There are a few beaches throughout Newport, but Easton’s Beach is the closest to Hotel Viking at a six-minute drive or a 20-minute walk. The famous Cliff Walk, a three-and-a-half mile walkway along the shore through historic mansions, is an eight-minute drive or a 17-minute walk. Perry Mill Wharf and Thames Street is a 13-minute walk and features plenty of shopping, lovely restaurants, and the marina. Hotel Viking is an 11-minute walk to two shopping centers which have a convenience store, grocery store, and some restaurants. A car isn't necessary for exploring Newport and parking can be tough to find throughout the city during high season. 

Rooms at the Hotel Viking are divided into two categories: Historic Rooms and Newport Rooms. There are some differences between the two categories. Newport Rooms are significantly larger and more modern with decor of the Progressive Age, and minibars. Historic Rooms are smaller, feature decor of the Gilded Age, and have simpler amenities. All rooms come with coffeemakers with Starbucks coffee, flat-screen TVs, and air-conditioning. 

Rooms come with king- or queen-size beds. Newport Rooms come with USB charging ports on the bedside tables, black work desks, and mini-fridges. Historic Rooms feature lots of period pieces and heavy carved tables. Bathrooms in the Newport Rooms tend to be spacious and modern, and come with plenty of towels, hairdryers, and Lather toiletries. The bathrooms in the Historic Rooms are smaller but come with the same amenities as the Newport Rooms. 

Typical of Newport hotels in the Historic District, rooms tend to lack much in the way of views other than the surrounding area. Some past guests have complained about cleanliness issues. 

There are outstanding features on offer at the Hotel Viking. One Bellevue is the hotel's main restaurant, it serves an elegant, upscale, and tasty breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating and serves local flavors like fresh seafood and lobster rolls. The Top of Newport is a rooftop restaurant and bar offering lunch and dinner in a more casual setting with lovely views of the city and ocean (it's the highest point in Newport). Here you'll find a more casual, but still upscale menu of burgers, flatbreads, and sandwiches. Live music is occasionally performed. A lobby bar is part of One Bellevue, and is open from morning to late night. Coffee, pastries, and smoothies are served in the morning, and the menu switches to an abbreviated One Bellevue menu and drinks around midday. Room service is available from early morning until late in the night.

An indoor pool and whirlpool is located in the basement of the hotel. There are plenty of tables and chairs on offer at the pool, and a balcony area with a few more tables and chairs. Poolside food and drink service is available through room service. A small, air-conditioned fitness center is located within the pool area. There are a few cardio machines and weights, as well as flat-screen TVs. The tranquil Spafjor is located adjacent to the fitness center and offers massages, scrubs, and facials. The spa also has a small beauty salon and products for purchase. 

The hotel has 12 meeting rooms which are used for business meetings, weddings, and events. Common areas include a secluded courtyard with fire pits, a contemporary lobby, and a small business center. Concierge services are available for guests at the front desk, and valet parking is available for a daily fee. There is some street parking depending on the season. The daily resort fee includes Wi-Fi, use of the pool and fitness center, shoe shine, and a seasonal lobby beverage.