Site Visit - The Vanderbilt

About Newport, Rhode Island

Newport, Rhode Island is a classic, coastal New England destination.

Between its Gilded Age mansions on Bellevue Avenue, the history of yachting and America's Cup and the famous Americans and international diplomats who called Newport their home, Newport is like a time capsule in American history.

Affluent New Yorkers would spend their summers in Newport, including the Astors, the van Burens and — you guessed it — the Vanderbilts.

For those interested in New York and European architecture, you will find commonalities in many of the buildings around town. 

It's okay if you aren't up for history lessons and museum tours — there's a strong focus on local New England cuisine in the area as well as sporting activities such as tennis, sailing and polo.

Recommended activities

There are a ton of events in Newport year-round. Here's a good starting point for any guest looking to have a Newport experience:

Tour the Gilded Age mansions (Newport Preservation Society has most of the mansions including The Breakers; Newport Restoration Foundation is Rough Point, Doris Duke's mansion)

Book an afternoon or sunset sail with Newport Classic Cruises

Check out local vineyards and breweries a Newport Vineyards, Greenvale Vineyards, Newport Craft and Ragged Island Brewing Co.

Take in the ocean views and stroll the Cliff Walk and Forty Steps (and Salve Regina University!)

For more local events year-round, visit Discover Newport's event calendar for Newport County (includes Newport, Middletown, Portsmouth, Bristol, Tiverton and Little Compton)

The history of The Vanderbilt

The history of the hotel is romantic, dramatic and tragic — quite on-brand for the Gilded Age and Newport, in my opinion.

Some will say the mansion was constructed to be the YMCA from the onset. However, this is false.

The mansion, which belonged to Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, was constructed in 1909 for Vanderbilt to build a new life with his mistress, Mary Agnes Ruiz. The plans fell apart when Vanderbilt's wife, Ellen "Elsie" Tuck French, caught wind of the affair during the divorce proceedings.

Vanderbilt and Agnes Ruiz separated while the scandal died down, but once Agnes Ruiz realized that her lover would never truly marry her, she took her own life.

In 1915, Vanderbilt died while onboard RMS Lusitania.

You can read the entire story and background here. It's so interesting.

A few highlights

The hotel began renovations in 2021 and has reimagined 19 rooms and all shared spaces. The remaining 14 rooms will complete their renovations in 2023.

The rooms are well dressed, sophisticated and intimate. The shared spaces throughout the building are beautiful, stylized and perfect for cocktail receptions and wedding parties.

The Vanderbilt hosts special events, such as tarot card readings every Friday. There's an indoor, heated pool and a small outdoor dipping pool with lounging chairs and umbrellas.

The Vanderbilt is beautiful during all four seasons. With that being said, summer may be Newport's high season, but I think The Vanderbilt shows best during late summer, fall and winter.

Plus, it's dog friendly and there are (almost) no weight restrictions! Technically, the dog should be at least one year old and no larger than 70 lbs, but as long your pet is trained and well-behaved, you should be fine bringing Fido.

The rooftop bar has V-I-E-W-S! Arguably the best rooftop view in town. Make sure to catch the sunset and views of Newport Harbor. Guests can also enjoy morning meditation and yoga classes on the rooftop.

Guests can enjoy an absinthe cocktail experience in the hidden bar. Yes. You read that right. Inside, guests will discover a specialty absinthe menu, while the mansion butler educates them about the history behind the storied spirit and provides details on the mansion’s favorite absinthe bottles for a pour in the custom-made fountain. Guests can experience the spirit in a different application, in one of the specialty cocktails, paired with a curated menu of light bites.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Rhode Island. In need of further inspiration? Check out Katherine Duggan’s guide, 3-Day Holiday Itinerary for Newport, Rhode Island.