The Cliffside Inn
One Michelin Key
Hotel Details
Location
The Cliffside Inn · Newport, United States
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Key Highlights
- ✓Service & Hospitality: The staff, including the owners Nancy and Bill, are frequently lauded for being outstanding, attentive to every need, and providing a personal touch.
Expert Review: The Cliffside Inn
The Cliffside Inn, a distinguished Michelin One-Key property in Newport, United States, offers guests a charming and luxurious escape within a historic Victorian mansion. Its recent accolade as a Michelin Key hotel for 2025 underscores its commitment to providing a "very special stay" through exceptional architecture, interior design, service, character, and value.
1. Overall Rating & Sentiment
The general consensus among guests is overwhelmingly positive, with many describing their stay as "wonderful" and "exceptional." Guests frequently praise the property's beauty, comfortable rooms, outstanding staff, and delicious breakfast. The inn is seen as an ideal choice for a romantic getaway, blending old-world charm with modern luxuries.
2. Key Highlights
Guests consistently highlight several aspects of The Cliffside Inn:
- Service & Hospitality: The staff, including the owners Nancy and Bill, are frequently lauded for being outstanding, attentive to every need, and providing a personal touch.
- Location: Its prime location in Newport's historic district, just steps from the renowned Cliff Walk and Easton's Beach, is a major draw. The inn offers a peaceful, residential atmosphere while remaining a short drive from downtown restaurants and shops.
- Design & Ambiance: The beautifully renovated Victorian mansion, originally built in 1876, blends eclectic Victorian-meets-contemporary interiors with rich jewel tones, textures, and patterns. The design pays homage to its former resident, painter Beatrice Turner, whose artwork and eccentric spirit are reflected throughout. Common areas like the library, parlor, gardens with a fire pit, and a wraparound veranda add to the relaxing atmosphere.
- Amenities: Complimentary gourmet breakfast, a daily wine and refreshments hour, and snacks available at all hours are highly appreciated. Free on-site parking and Wi-Fi are also noted as valuable amenities.
3. Room Quality
The Cliffside Inn features 16 uniquely designed rooms and suites, each offering its own character. Following an extensive 2019 renovation, rooms boast stylish modern bathrooms, luxe touches such as gas fireplaces (seasonal), individually controlled heating and air-conditioning, and Lather bath products. Many rooms include vintage king or queen-sized beds with imported linens, fine art, and Oriental rugs. Some suites, like the Carriage House, offer private entrances, large marble whirlpool baths, and antique heart pine flooring. Guests have described rooms as comfortable, spacious, chic, and luxurious. Some rooms also include waffle robes and mini-fridges.
4. Dining Experience
The dining experience at The Cliffside Inn centers around a highly praised gourmet breakfast, served daily between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM. It is described as a "lavish affair" with a multi-course menu that changes daily, featuring freshly prepared foods, homemade goodies, and renowned breakfast entrées like lemon blueberry pancakes. Breakfast includes fresh juices, fruit, cereal, homemade granola, baked muffins and breads, yogurt, and custom-blended French-press coffee. Guests can enjoy breakfast in the grand Victorian parlor or on the veranda, weather permitting.
In addition to breakfast, the inn hosts a complimentary daily wine and refreshments hour from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM, which guests find "tasty and social." While there isn't a full-service restaurant on-site for lunch or dinner, guests are welcome to bring their own beverages, and rooms are equipped with corkscrews and wine glasses. Numerous restaurants serving fresh seafood and local dishes are conveniently located nearby on Bellevue Avenue.
5. Service & Staff
The service at The Cliffside Inn is consistently rated as "outstanding" and a major highlight of guests' stays. The staff is described as friendly, helpful, and attentive to every need, ensuring guests have a lovely time. The owners, Nancy and Bill, are noted for their personal touch, often chatting with guests during breakfast and offering tips on exploring Newport. This impeccable hospitality contributes significantly to the overall positive guest experience.
6. Location & Accessibility
The Cliffside Inn boasts an "ideal" and "wonderful quiet location" at 2 Seaview Avenue in Newport's historic district. It is just steps from the scenic Cliff Walk, offering striking ocean views, and a short walk to Easton's Beach. The inn is situated in a quaint residential neighborhood, providing a relaxing atmosphere, yet it's only a five-minute drive to downtown Newport, with its shops, restaurants, and Gilded Age mansions like The Breakers and Rosecliff Mansion. Providence's Rhode Island TF Green International Airport is approximately an hour's drive away. Free on-site parking is available, and Newport itself is a walkable city.
7. Value & Pricing
While specific pricing can vary, rooms at The Cliffside Inn range from approximately $195 to $1369. The rates generally include the gourmet breakfast, daily wine and refreshments hour, evening turndown service, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary on-site parking. Given the luxurious amenities, personalized service, historic charm, and prime location, guests often find the experience to be a good value for the cost, contributing to its Michelin One-Key status. Special packages for romance or AAA/AARP members are sometimes available.
8. Common Complaints
While reviews are largely positive, a few points of consideration for potential guests include:
- Accessibility: Due to the historic architecture of the property, ADA accessible rooms are not available, and the inn may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues.
- Children Policy: The Cliffside Inn welcomes children 12 and older, with a maximum occupancy of two per room (including adults, children, and infants), and there are no dedicated children's facilities.
- Pet Policy: While some dog-friendly suites with private entrances are available (Cliff, Hydrangea, and Atlantic Suites), dogs must weigh 30 lbs or under, and a daily pet fee applies. Pets are not permitted in interior public spaces and must not be left alone in guest rooms.
- No Full Restaurant: Beyond breakfast and the complimentary wine hour, there is no full-service restaurant on-site for other meals, though many dining options are available nearby.
Sources
Points to Consider
- •Accessibility: Due to the historic architecture of the property, ADA accessible rooms are not available, and the inn may not be suitable for guests with mobility issues.
Google Reviews
239 reviews
Recent Guest Reviews
Christal Banville
We had the best winter stay here. From the gas fireplace to the cozy window seat with an ocean view- it was such a delightful stay. The laid back atmosphere was so relaxing, and we enjoyed being so close to the cliff walk. There is so much to do in Newport and we wouldn't dream of staying anywhere but here in the future.
Response from the owner
Thanks for the awesome review, Christal! We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. Cheers!
James Williams
Cliffside Inn is perfectly located in the heart of Newport, with easy access to restaurants, the mansions, and Cliff Walk, all within a short and pleasant walk. It is hard to imagine a more convenient or beautiful place to stay. What truly made our visit special for our party of 4, though, was the innkeeper and manager, Katie. She is kind, genuinely human, and deeply thoughtful. We had a meaningf...
Response from the owner
Thanks for the awesome review, James! We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. Cheers!
Jessica Raad
Our stay at Beatrice’s Room was beautiful and thoughtfully done. The hosts truly considered every detail, from the toiletries to the delicious and diverse breakfast offerings. Arrival and departure were seamless, even after hours, which made everything easy and stress-free. The inn is in a gorgeous Newport location—quiet and tucked away from the town center, yet close to everything. The history ...
Response from the owner
Thanks for the awesome review, Jessica! We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. Cheers!
Erik Akhund
We had a very relaxing and comfortable two night stay. Staff was exceptional-Bethany was especially helpful with suggestions for restaurants.... 5-6pm wine and cheese spread was a nice incentive to prepare for an evening out. Jojo and her colleague greeted us with friendly smiles and breakfast. Close to all especially the Cliff walk. A small deduction for the room more because it can get a little ...
Response from the owner
<br>Hi Erik, <br>We so appreciate you sharing your experience with us. We strive every day to keep our best guests (like you) happy. So thank you from the entire family of Lark Hotels, AWOL, Blind Tig...
Andela Pejovic
We stayed in the Governor’s Suite at The Cliffside Inn and absolutely loved it. The decor is elegant and thoughtfully designed—rich textures, refined furnishings, and immaculate cleanliness throughout. The staff were exceptionally friendly and helpful, namely Bethany - making us feel welcome from the moment we arrived. The inn’s location is outstanding: just a short stroll to the entrance of Newp...
Response from the owner
Thanks for the awesome review, Andela! We really appreciate you taking the time to share your experience with us. Cheers!
Pablo Hernandez
I am willing to give this place a second chance. Beside the high stars reviewed and a Michelin star, the main reason we came here was that allow dogs in a few on the rooms. Why 3 stars? The main reason due to the cost. At the price I paid, I would expect a more robust breakfast, even though it was very nice breakfast if you are thinking mom/pops b&b. For example freshly squeezed OJ. The suite was ...
Response from the owner
Hi Pablo,<br>We’re glad so many aspects of your stay were enjoyable! Our rates flex with demand so we hope you’ll check back with us ahead of your next area adventure as we may be able to extend even ...
About One Michelin Key
One Michelin Key is awarded to hotels that offer a very special stay. These properties are characterized by their unique personality, high quality, and ability to create memorable experiences for guests.
