Thinking ahead... Newport, RI for mini summer vaca

Anyone been? Looking to go in August somewhere with the IL's. My SIL will have a 5 month old and my boys will be 7 and 5.

Thoughts?
Any good places to stay?

If not Newport anyone have any other ideas?

Thanks!

Re: Thinking ahead... Newport, RI for mini summer vaca

OMG greatest place ever.

I have been twice. Once I stayed at a beautiful B&B -- but like a luxury one. But that is adults-only. The second time I stayed at The Hotel Viking. LOVED it. I mean, LOVED LOVED LOVED it. They give an amazing law enforcement and/or military discount so if need be, ask about that when you book.

The location is perfect. They are one of the few hotels there that has an indoor pool so that's ideal for the kids. The spa was amazing. They have a few really good restaurants inside. Overall, the staff was the best part - super accommodating. When I return, I don't think I'd want to stay anywhere else - even as fabulous as the B&B that I stayed in was, this place was a lot less money and beautiful. I recommend a higher floor in the main building of the hotel -- apparently, those rooms were recently updated/renovated. But I think either way, you can't go wrong. I called to book and go over room types and they were super helpful so that is another tip.

They have sailboat cruises to sightsee and check out the water -- I loved the sunset one but all of them are nice. Look into that online, there are a few companies that offer them. They have tons of great places to eat -- Boucheron was my favorite. You can take kids there but it isn't the first restaurant that would come to mind as kid friendly. The Red Parrot is definitely kid friendly. There's also Bowen's Wharf. There are several restaurants right down by the water that you can't go wrong with.

The breakfast at the hotel was great each day. We did a trolley tour of the mansions and area -- because, with kids, you aren't going to want to do tons of mansion tours. The trolley option we did allowed us to get off and see one mansion -- you can choose to see more if you want, just go with a different package -- and then we had like a 90 minute all-inclusive tour of Newport with all sorts of information. It was great. I highly recommend that so you get the most out of Newport without killing yourself walking all over creation.

There's an arcade right on the main drag that is popular for kids. There's tons of adorable shops right there. And the Hotel Viking is just maybe like three or so blocks, not even from the main drag and the water so the location is just right.

I recommend taking the ferry out of Orient Point. Make a reservation as they book in the summer. The car goes right on it. You land in Connecticut and then it is only like an hour and ten minutes and you are in Newport. It is wonderful!! A breeze!!!

Going around and driving all the way through the city and then Connecticut -- I don't recommend

HTH!!

Thinking ahead... Newport, RI for mini summer vaca

We stayed at the Newport Beach Hotel and Suites (in a suite). Our suite was really big and everything felt new. It was right across the street from the beach, so we walked over.

Re: Thinking ahead... Newport, RI for mini summer vaca

My DH and I spent a weekend in July in Newport and we loved it!! That said, I would not bring my kids--and they're 10, 8, and 5. I didn't think there was anything kids would love to do. As for us, we did 5 mansions and the Cliff Walk, had some awesome meals, and stayed at a B&B.

As an alternative, I recommend Cape May/Wildwood. We took the kids last summer for 5 nights and we all had a blast--something for everyone.

Thinking ahead... Newport, RI for mini summer vaca

I love Newport but I don't think its a kid friendly place. Not tons to do with them

Re: Thinking ahead... Newport, RI for mini summer vaca

Re: Thinking ahead... Newport, RI for mini summer vaca

Re: Thinking ahead... Newport, RI for mini summer vaca

I'm a huge fan of Newport and I brought my kids once for a weekend. We had a good time, but it really isn't the most kid friendly town. Will you see kids there? Of course you will. But I would suggest Jersey shore or Lake George if you're looking for something more family oriented.

Thinking ahead... Newport, RI for mini summer vaca

Ogunquit Maine. We went last summer and loved it. Very family friendly. It's more of a new England beach but plenty to do.

Re: Thinking ahead... Newport, RI for mini summer vaca

If you are looking for other ideas that are really kid-tastic I loved Cape May, NJ and most specifically, Congress Hall.

PERFECT for kids -- great kids activities via the hotel daily.

Re: Thinking ahead... Newport, RI for mini summer vaca