Gardiner House
Nautical-chic meets well-collected private home. Rich green lacquered walls, eclectic artwork, coastal palettes, and a tone that's convivial rather than stuffy. More dinner-party-at-a-friend's-harbor-house than formal grand hotel.
Request a room on the IYRS side for partial water views and those dramatic 14-foot ceilings
Why It Matters
Named after Howard Gardiner Cushing — American impressionist painter and great-grandfather of co-owner Howard Cushing — the hotel's identity is deeply rooted in Newport's artistic legacy. A two-story mural wrapping the main staircase recreates an original Cushing painting from 1905. Flora restaurant brought in Chef Miguel Somoza, who once cooked for the British Royal Family. And the location on Lee's Wharf gives it genuine, unobstructed harbor views that most Newport hotels can only gesture toward.
Gardiner House is a 21-room waterfront boutique hotel opened in 2023 on the former site of the William & Manchester Shipyard — now sitting right on Lee's Wharf, just steps off Thames Street. The whole place is designed to feel like walking into a well-traveled friend's Newport home: art everywhere, 14-foot ceilings in some rooms, a wood-fireplace bar, and views out to Goat Island and Fort Adams. Look, it's new construction, but architect Herk Works and NYC-based Space Exploration Design made it look like it's always been there.
Where You'll Stay
5 room types available
IYRS Rooms
Named for the International Yacht Restoration School that sits across the water. These are the core guest rooms — each one slightly different, with soothing coastal palettes and architectural details. Many have those impressive ~14-foot ceilings that make even a 350 sq ft room feel airy. Side views of Newport Harbor or town-facing views; none face the water directly, but window seats make the most of what's there.
1 King BedThe Juliette Room
The sweet spot for guests who want outdoor space without going full suite. A private Juliette Balcony lets you catch harbor breezes and Newport street life. Coastal décor, plush king bed, solid modern amenities.
1 King Bed
The Ledges Suite
Named after co-owner Howard Cushing's family home (which appeared in HBO's The Gilded Age), this suite boasts a Juliette Balcony with front-row views of the Newport skyline and harbor breezes. Generously sized and a strong pick for a romantic stay.
1 King BedThe Manchester Suite
The go-to for families or groups of friends. Two kings, a plush daybed, and a dining table make it the most flexible room in the house. Good for spreading out.
2 King BedsThe Whitney Suite
The hotel's largest suite, designed for guests who want a little extra everything. Comes with an oversized bath featuring both a shower and a soaking tub — a rarity here — plus a furnished balcony with views of the Newport skyline.
1 King BedThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Spa therapists come directly to your guest room. Full menu of massages, facials, and add-ons. Book in advance.
In-house Pilates class with harbor views, noted by multiple guests. Likely instructor-led in the sunroom or event spaces.
On-site yoga classes offered to hotel guests. Guest reviews mention harbor-view classes.
Over 6,000 sq ft of indoor and outdoor event space. The 2,400 sq ft Gardiner Ballroom has floor-to-ceiling windows facing the harbor. The Sun Porch connects to the Ballroom and can open up into one larger space. The Harbor Lawn can be tented for events up to 220 guests. Great for intimate weddings, corporate retreats, and private celebrations.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Elevator access from ground-floor parking level to hotel rooms.
Business services available for guests.
Free Wi-Fi in all guest rooms and public areas.
2,400 sq ft ballroom with floor-to-ceiling windows facing Newport Harbor. Views include the southern tip of Goat Island, Fort Adams, the New York Yacht Club, and Ida Lewis Yacht Club. Adjoined by the Sun Porch, which opens into the larger room. Features chandeliers, wall sconces, and hardwood floors.
Gardiner House gift cards available for purchase online, redeemable for stays, dining, and events.
Full concierge and guest services team, including multilingual staff (English, Spanish, Romanian).
Curated minibars stocked with artisan snacks and spirits in every guest room.
Rooftop terrace noted in property listings.
Private lawn between the hotel and Newport Harbor. Offers privacy with direct harbor proximity. Used for outdoor events and seasonal relaxation. Can be tented for events up to 220 guests.
Rooms are serviced twice per day.
Valet parking available on-site (surcharge applies). No self-park fee mentioned.
BUILD YOUR GARDINER HOUSE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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