Gardiner House

Gardiner House, Newport: A Michelin Key Selected Oasis of Charm and Comfort

Gardiner House in Newport, United States, a Michelin Key Selected property, consistently earns high praise for its elegant design, prime location, and exceptional service, offering guests a luxurious and memorable stay.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with many describing their stay as "excellent" or "wonderful." The property scores highly across various metrics, including an impressive 9.7 for location, 9.5 for cleanliness, 9.6 for comfort, and 8.9 for staff, indicating a very favorable guest experience. Many guests express a strong desire to return, highlighting it as a "must stay" in Newport.

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently laud several aspects of Gardiner House. The hotel's beautiful decor and interior design are frequently mentioned as top favorites, creating an atmosphere that feels like a luxurious home. Its central, yet quiet, location is a significant draw, offering easy access to Newport's attractions while providing a peaceful retreat. The friendly and accommodating staff also stands out as a key highlight, with many guests praising individual team members for their helpfulness and warmth. Modern amenities such as complimentary parking and free WiFi throughout the property are also appreciated. The on-site bar and restaurant are also frequently cited as highlights.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at Gardiner House are consistently described as beautiful, comfortable, and pristine, offering an indulgent oasis for guests. They feature architectural details, sumptuous beds with premium bedding and down comforters, and custom marble vanities. In-room amenities include rainfall showerheads, smart TVs (some with Netflix), minibars stocked with artisan snacks, clothing steamers, and luxurious toiletries from Ortigia. Some rooms boast 14-foot ceilings, sitting areas, and private terraces with harbor views, adding to the luxurious experience. While some guests noted rooms being on the smaller side, they still found them very nice.

4. Dining Experience

The dining experience at Gardiner House is highly regarded. The on-site restaurant, Flora, offers Mediterranean cuisine in a contemporary setting, with options for dinner and cocktails. Guests consistently praise the excellent quality of both dinner and breakfast. Breakfast options are diverse, including continental, buffet, and à la carte choices with warm dishes, fresh pastries, pancakes, and fruits. Many reviewers specifically highlight the amazing breakfast and the attentiveness of the staff during meals. Al fresco dining with ocean views is also available.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at Gardiner House receive widespread acclaim for their professionalism, attentiveness, and friendly demeanor. Guests report staff going "above and beyond" to make them feel welcome and attending to every amenity without being asked. Specific mentions include friendly valets and helpful staff members providing information about local attractions. The staff's genuine care and ability to create a warm, family-like atmosphere contribute significantly to the positive guest experience.

6. Location & Accessibility

Gardiner House boasts a prime location in Downtown Newport, situated on the waterfront on Lee's Wharf, just steps from Thames Street, shops, coffee, and restaurants. It is an 8-minute walk from King Park Beach and conveniently located near major attractions such as Rosecliff Mansion (0.6 mi) and The Breakers (1.5 mi). The Newport Ferry Station is also within a 14-minute walk. The central yet quiet positioning allows for easy exploration of Newport's historic charm. Complimentary parking is available, though some sources indicate a charge for self and valet parking. The hotel is also wheelchair accessible with various features to accommodate guests.

7. Value & Pricing

While many guests appreciate the luxurious experience, some have noted that the service quality and amenities, particularly the lack of extensive breakfast options, did not always meet expectations for the premium price point. However, others found the hotel to be a good value, especially given the "5-star hotel experience." As of January 28, 2026, prices for a 1-night stay for two adults can start from approximately $242.86, excluding taxes and fees, with prices varying significantly by season.

8. Common Complaints

While generally highly rated, some guests have voiced minor criticisms. A few reviews mentioned that rooms could be on the smaller side. Noise can occasionally be an issue, particularly from the hotel restaurant or neighboring establishments on a Saturday night. Some guests also felt that the service, while kind, could be inefficient or not consistently up to the standard expected for a high-end hotel. A recurring comment was the perceived lack of amenities and comprehensive breakfast options, despite the overall positive feedback on the food served. There was also an isolated incident of a recommended airport transfer service not showing up.

Sources

1. booking.com
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6. hotels.com
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9. floranewport.com