The Attwater

Composed of two buildings a one-minute walk apart -- the Main Building and Urban Beach House -- The Attwater is a laid-back option in the historic district of Newport. Designed by Rachel Reider, the bed-and-breakfast has a coastal-chic vibe paying homage to Newport’s sailing history in varying blues, driftwood accent tables, and shiplap walls. 

There are two common areas for guests to use: the back wooden deck and an indoor lounge. The back wooden deck is a secluded and quiet option featuring wicker chairs and vibrant cushions. There's also a funky and eclectic lounge at the front of the hotel with bold accent features -- cow hair-upholstered ottomans, dangling glass chandeliers, and lacquered surfaces.

The hotel caters to couples, the bed-and-breakfast crowd, and leisure travelers, and is ideal for those looking to spend their days exploring Newport and the surrounding beaches, but want a comfortable and modern spot to rest their heads. There is a small social scene at the sister hotel, Gilded, which guests can participate in -- a BYOB G and Tea on the weekends -- a gathering in the private courtyard with Gilded Age-inspired ingredients. Guests can also choose to take part in an ongoing scavenger hunt throughout Newport put on by the hotel through social media apps. 

Note that there isn't an elevator to the second and third floors, though front desk staff occasionally help carry luggage. 

The Attwater is nestled among historic mansions and residential homes. It's an 11-minute walk from two shopping centers that house a grocery store, a few restaurants, and a convenience store. The hotel is also within easy walking distance of popular tourist attractions: the famous Cliff Walk -- a three-and-a-half mile walkway bordering the shore past historic mansions -- is an eight-minute drive or a 17-minute walk away. The Top of Newport -- the highest rooftop bar in Newport, located at the Hotel Viking -- is a five-minute walk from The Attwater and grants travelers stunning views of the town. While there are several beaches throughout the city, Easton's Beach is the closest to the hotel at a five-minute drive or a 20-minute walk away. 

The International Tennis Hall of Fame is a seven-minute walk from the hotel. The Naval War College Museum, located on Coasters Harbor Island, is a 15-minute drive. The Perry Mill Wharf on Thames Street is a 13-minute walk from the hotel, and it runs along the marina with plenty of shopping, restaurants, and bars. The Newport Airport and the Naval Station Newport are both a 15-minute drive from the hotel. A car isn't necessary for those looking to simply stay in Newport and explore. Most attractions and restaurants are within easy walking distance, and it's worth noting that parking throughout the city can be tough during high season (though there is free on-site parking at the hotel).

The 17 rooms at The Attwater are situated in two buildings: the Main Building and the Urban Beach House. The more modern Urban Beach House, a one-minute walk from the Main Building, has overt beachy decor with canvasses depicting beach scenes and shiplap walls. The Main Building is a historical property with the original house name etched into the entrance stone and a small front patio. All rooms are decorated with a coastal-chic vibe that pays homage to Newport as a sailing town, via varying shades of blues and sea greens. They feature trendy furniture that ranges from bird cage chairs and driftwood tables to luggage trunk bedside tables. Rooms come with king- or queen-size beds bedecked in high-quality linens and lots of pillows. Modern amenities include Apple TVs, coffeemakers, and iPads. Guests should note the TVs come with Hulu and Netflix apps (you'll need your own login information), as well as regular cable. 

Many rooms come with barn doors that lead into the bathrooms. Bathrooms are modern, though some are particularly tiny. They feature standing showers with rainfall showerheads. The bathrooms tend to have limited vanity space, but do come with shelving for storage. Hairdryers, waffle-comb robes, and Lather toiletries are provided. 

Past guests have complained about thin walls and noise traveling between rooms. 

As a bed-and-breakfast, The Attwater has a limited number of amenities, but what's available makes for a nice list. Every morning and throughout the day, a free, curated small plates (think tapas) breakfast is laid out by the front desk for guests to enjoy as many dishes as they want in the modern cafe. Dishes are homemade and are a nice sampling of sweet and savory. Freshly baked homemade cookies are set out every afternoon at the reception desk, and coffee is available throughout the day. 

A tiny fitness center is located in the basement of the Urban Beach House, and the space is outfitted with two stationery bikes, free weights, and a flat-screen TV. A small spa room is located within the fitness center, where guests can receive spa services (for a fee). An outdoor shower is available outside the Urban Beach House.

Guests are issued iPads at check-in with preprogrammed local attractions and information. Concierge services are also available for guests who prefer talking to a person instead of using the iPad. Additionally, guests can use the amenities at the sister resort, Gilded, which include a funky lounge and a private courtyard. 

There is a small and free parking lot between the two buildings, as well as a few designated street spots. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel.