The Chanler at Cliff Walk
Two Michelin Keys
Hotel Details
Location
The Chanler at Cliff Walk · Newport, United States
Explore More Hotels
Key Highlights
- ✓Service: The staff frequently receives praise for being "outstanding," "exceptional," "professional," attentive, and genuinely caring, often anticipating guest needs.
Expert Review: The Chanler at Cliff Walk
The Chanler at Cliff Walk, a distinguished Michelin Two-Keys property in Newport, Rhode Island, stands as a beacon of Gilded Age elegance and offers a truly luxurious escape. Guests consistently laud the hotel for its exceptional service, prime location, and sophisticated ambiance, making it a highly recommended destination for discerning travelers seeking an unforgettable experience.
Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding The Chanler at Cliff Walk is overwhelmingly positive, with numerous guests describing their stays as "exceptional," "wonderful," and "unforgettable." It is widely regarded as one of Newport's most luxurious accommodations. The hotel boasts impressive review scores, including a 9.1 rating on Booking.com, with particularly high marks of 9.8 for staff and 9.6 for location. Business travelers and verified group travelers have also given it high average ratings of 9.6 and 9.8, respectively.
Key Highlights
Guests consistently highlight several standout features of The Chanler:
- Location: Its unparalleled setting directly on the iconic Cliff Walk and overlooking Easton's Beach provides breathtaking ocean views and immediate access to scenic coastal strolls. It holds the unique distinction of being the only hotel directly on the Cliff Walk.
- Service: The staff frequently receives praise for being "outstanding," "exceptional," "professional," attentive, and genuinely caring, often anticipating guest needs.
- Design: The hotel, a meticulously maintained 19th-century mansion, exudes Gilded Age glamour with its elegant, timeless decor, rich furnishings, and exquisite artwork.
- Amenities: Complimentary valet parking, free Wi-Fi, a free area shuttle, and free use of bicycles are highly appreciated conveniences. Many rooms feature working fireplaces, and the property boasts beautiful, manicured gardens.
Room Quality
The Chanler's 20 guest rooms and villas are celebrated for their unique, opulent, and richly decorated designs, each individually themed after different historical periods or locations, such as English Tudor, Greek Revival, or Renaissance. Rooms offer high levels of comfort with plush linens, down pillows and comforters, fully stocked minibars (some with complimentary items), and flat-screen TVs with premium channels. Many accommodations include working fireplaces and private balconies or terraces with stunning ocean views. Bathrooms are luxurious, often featuring heated floors and Molton Brown toiletries, with some even equipped with whirlpools or double Jacuzzi tubs. Housekeeping services are noted for their meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful touches, such as organizing charging cords and providing chocolates and bedtime stories during turndown service. While largely positive, some past guests have reported a "musty smell" in certain rooms. A more recent review mentioned uncomfortable pillows and a less-than-effective air conditioning system in a "colonial" room, which was also found to be smaller than anticipated.
Dining Experience
Dining at The Chanler is considered an exquisite experience, featuring two on-site restaurants, Cara (formerly Spiced Pear) and The Café. Cara, a Forbes Five-Star restaurant, is particularly lauded for its fine dining, offering gastronomic blind tasting menus that highlight locally sourced ingredients, especially seafood. Meals are frequently described as "amazing" and "delicious." Breakfast, available in The Café or through room service, is often praised for its quality, with pastries receiving special commendation. However, some guests have noted that breakfast is not included in the room rate and can be quite expensive, and a few older reviews stated that breakfast was "not very good." Room service is highly regarded for its gourmet selections and convenience. The Veranda offers exceptional ocean views for dining, and The Bar at The Chanler provides a cozy setting for light snacks and seasonal cocktails.
Service & Staff
The service at The Chanler at Cliff Walk consistently garners effusive praise, being described as "outstanding," "exceptional," "professional," and "friendly." Guests highlight the staff's welcoming demeanor, attentiveness, and genuine care for their well-being, often noting their ability to anticipate needs. The high level of professionalism and personalized interactions from every team member are frequently commended. Specific mentions include excellent front desk service and convenient car service for local transportation.
Location & Accessibility
The Chanler's location is a significant draw, situated directly at the start of Newport's famous Cliff Walk and offering breathtaking panoramic ocean views. It provides direct access to scenic walks and is beachfront, with easy reach to Easton's Beach. While providing a serene retreat, the hotel is conveniently located within a mile of popular attractions like the Newport Mansions, trendy Bellevue Avenue, and bustling downtown Newport. To facilitate exploration, the hotel offers a complimentary area shuttle and car service for local trips, which is particularly beneficial given limited parking in the area. For those arriving by air or train, T.F. Green Airport in Warwick is approximately 35 minutes away, and the hotel provides shuttle services from both the airport and the train station.
Value & Pricing
As a luxury property, The Chanler at Cliff Walk commands premium pricing. Room rates are notably expensive, averaging around $885 per night, which is considerably higher than the average hotel room price in Newport. Rates typically range from approximately $801 to $1,272 per night, with August being the most expensive month and May offering comparatively lower rates. Despite the high cost, many guests perceive it as a worthwhile investment for the unparalleled luxury and premium experience, particularly for special occasions. However, some guests have expressed that the dining, while excellent, can be overpriced.
Common Complaints
While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms include:
- Breakfast Cost: Breakfast is not typically included in the room rate and can be expensive.
- Room and Comfort Issues: A few older reviews noted a "musty smell" in some rooms, and one recent guest reported uncomfortable pillows and ineffective air conditioning.
- Limited Facilities: The absence of a pool, spa (though in-room spa services are available), or a dedicated fitness center is a point of contention for some luxury travelers.
- Accessibility: Most rooms accommodate only two people, and the lack of an elevator can pose challenges for guests with small children or mobility issues.
- Bar Closing Time: Some guests have found the hotel bar's 9 PM closing time to be disappointing for a luxury establishment.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring criticisms include:
- •Room and Comfort Issues: A few older reviews noted a "musty smell" in some rooms, and one recent guest reported uncomfortable pillows and ineffective air conditioning.
- •Accessibility: Most rooms accommodate only two people, and the lack of an elevator can pose challenges for guests with small children or mobility issues.
- •Bar Closing Time: Some guests have found the hotel bar's 9 PM closing time to be disappointing for a luxury establishment.
Google Reviews
503 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Jyoti Mann
I have stayed in many fine hotels all across the country but this one really stands out. Every member of staff we interacted with was friendly and welcoming. I have never encountered such an amazing staff that went above and beyond. Especially Calvin and his mini me Jacob at the front and Annie our waitress in the restaurant. The courtesy chauffeur Craig(?) gave us a lovely tour of the city. There...
Response from the owner
Thank you for your positive feedback. It was our pleasure having you as a guest of The Chanler, and we look forward to welcoming you back soon.
kaylee wodtka
Hands down the nicest place I’ve ever stayed! The staff was very well mannered, very courteous and professional with amazing hospitality from everyone we interacted with! The hot tub outside was very lovely and clean, even in the cold months, the jets in the tub made for a bougie-feeling bubble bath, the shower was very spacious, bed was the coziest I’ve had at a stay away from home, and the firep...
Response from the owner
Thank you for choosing to stay with us and for taking the time to share such generous feedback. It’s wonderful to hear that the room, the fireplace, the outdoor hot tub and the holiday touches all cam...
Janice Alves
My sisters and I attended the hot chocolate bar event yesterday. We enjoyed the views from the Adirondack chairs outside & the hot chocolate was delicious. Our only disappointment was that it was very quiet, no Christmas music playing! The staff at the bar was friendly. Price for 1 cup of cocoa was absurd at $15!!!!! We'll pass on this event next year. Was hoping for a more festive feel.
Response from the owner
Thank you for spending time with us and for sharing your experience. We’re happy to hear you enjoyed the views, the cocoa, and the friendliness of our team.<br><br>We appreciate your note about the at...
Leah Barton
This review is not about the hotel. The location and hotel look amazing, this review is about their hot chocolate bar. Management needs to make changes. We waited over 50 minutes in line and still had another 20 or more to go and we left as we had timed tickets. So all that waiting and still never got to even try their hot chocolate. They had one worker who was making drinks and cashing customers ...
Response from the owner
Thank you for taking a moment to share your experience with us. We are happy to hear that the property caught your eye, and we are truly sorry that your visit to the Hot Chocolate Bar did not go as yo...
D O
This hotel far exceeded our expectations. From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional—warm, genuine, and consistent throughout our stay. We spent more time at the property than we usually do because every dining experience was so memorable. The tasting menu at Cara was extraordinary—creative, delicious, with perfect service. Breakfast at Remy’s on the patio overlooking the water was a...
Anthony Carpino
Exceeded our expectations!! The service was absolutely incredible, the room was beautiful with a bathtub overlooking the beach. The staff are more accommodating and friendly - shout out to Paige and Jake. Absolutely recommend.
Response from the owner
Thank you so much for your wonderful review and for sharing your photos! We're delighted to hear that your stay exceeded expectations and that Paige and Jake helped make it memorable. We look forward ...
About Two Michelin Keys
Two Michelin Keys recognize hotels that provide an excellent stay experience. These properties stand out for their remarkable quality, distinctive character, and superior service that goes above and beyond expectations.
Hyatt
