A respite for travelers to Newport, this laid-back hotel with elevated roadside motel vibes makes for a comfortable place to land in Rhode Island. A cozy Scandinavian-style lobby with a fireplace was an especially welcome sight for me after several hours of driving. Though Newport is known for its antique gilded-age splendor, Wayfinder is a property for more contemporary travelers who are looking for a quiet place to rest their heads at a more affordable price.
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Why stay at Wayfinder Newport?
If you’re driving, Wayfinder will work well for you, as it’s not within walking distance of the city's attractions. The hotel offers a spacious parking lot close to the front door, so you don’t have to lug your bags too far.
Inside, it’s an art-lover’s paradise. Keep an eye out for local collaborations, including 1,000 works by Rhode Island artists adorning the walls.
What are the rooms like at Wayfinder Newport?
The hotel is home to 187 oversized guest rooms where there’s plenty of room to spread out, no matter how much luggage you brought. I stayed in a king room with a park view and slept well in the hotel’s luxury linens with Matouk bed throws. The decor is casual, with a quirky twist on a New England vintage aesthetic (think a tufted bench at the foot of the bed coupled with an antique trunk as a bedside table).
Continuing the theme from the lobby, you’ll find plenty of local art in the guestrooms, as well. More local amenities are found in the bathroom, where you’ll find Newport-based Shore Co. toiletries.
Other room options include a two-queen room and an array of suites. Some rooms offer balconies as well, though with parking lot views.
Where are the best places to eat and drink nearby?
Inside the hotel, you’ll find Little Clam, a New England coastal restaurant focused on Rhode Island farmers and fisherman, while showcasing the region's rich culinary heritage. Though the menu leans heavily into seafood—oysters, shrimp cocktail, littlenecks, prawns, and an oyster po’boy—you’ll also find a burger, a chicken sandwich, and local beef on the menu. There are no vegetarian options on the main menu, so I’d love to see some plant-based options added in the future.
If you want to venture outside of the hotel, get an Uber to Newport Vineyards for excellent wines (the Great White is an award winner), small-batch beers, and farm-to-table meals. Chef Andy Teixeira, a semifinalist in the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chefs in the Northeast awards, is in charge of the menu, and he's passionate about creating local, seasonal fare. Though the menu changes frequently, you can expect a fresh, perfectly dressed salad; a chowder option (it is New England, after all); Newport Sea Salt Pretzels; a local meat board; pastas; burgers; pizzas; mac-and-cheese; and more. No matter what you choose, it's obvious how much care Teixeira puts into each dish. It's a popular spot, so be sure to get a reservation in advance.
Or if you're up for a drive, Foglia in Bristol, a plant-based, tree nut-free and James Beard–approved restarurant, is worth your time.
What is the service like at Wayfinder Newport?
Expect friendly but no-frills service at the hotel. The staff will help you get checked in, then leave you to enjoy your room and the city itself.
What amenities are offered at Wayfinder Newport?
If you visit during the summer, bring a swimsuit so you can check out The Wayfinder pool. This outdoor pool promises sun-soaked afternoons and evenings under the stars. Cocktails and poolside bites are on offer too.
What’s the area like around Wayfinder Newport?
The hotel is located in a suburban area of Newport, so you’ll definitely need a car or ride-share to get around. Major attractions, restaurants, bars and shops will take about a 15-minute drive. The property is located just off of a highway (Admiral Kalbfus Road), making it an easy destination for drivers.
But if you are trying to use public transportation via local buses, keep in mind that you’ll need to walk along the main road to get to the stops, so exercise caution.
Why should you book a stay at Wayfinder Newport?
If you want to save some cash, have access to a car, don’t need to be spoiled and appreciate artful aesthetics, Wayfinder Newport is an excellent homebase for your time in Rhode Island. The king room provides more than enough space for a couple, or do the two queen room if you’re traveling with family.
What else to know
- Address: 151 Admiral Kalbfus Rd, Newport, RI 02840
- Price per night: Prices start around $122/night, but increase significantly during the summer.
- Closest transport link: The airport and Amtrak are about an hour away near Providence.
- Book now