The Vanderbilt- Newport, RI

Newport is known for its fabulous Gilded Age mansions.  So many magnificent mansions. Some are still privately owned, several are open to the public for tours, and a handful have been converted to hotels. As someone who is obsessed with Auberge properties and architecture, I could not wait to visit The Vanderbilt. 

Built in 1908 by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, the graceful Georgian Mansion built in downtown Newport at the tail end of the Gilded Age shockingly never had residents. Shortly before completion, Alfred’s wife filed for divorce, and the house was donated to the city. In October 1909, the property opened as a YMCA, which it remained for over 65 years. 

In the 1990s, the property was converted to a hotel, with various owners before being acquired by the Auberge Resorts collection in 2018. Since that time, the property has been drastically transformed by the Dallas based design firm SWOON, a project that is still in progress.

What was once a traditional space, is now moody and dramatic; indeed, the common areas here are absolutely outstanding. The restaurant and lounge manages to be both sophisticated and cozy, and proves to be the perfect place for a cocktail.  

The rooms, however, were long overdue for a redesign when I stayed during the winter of 2022. Our suite was huge, but shabby. The design was strange, and the furnishings non-cohesive. While comfortable, it definitely did not live up to Auberge standards, nor was it consistent for the rate they were charging.

Fortunately, they have spent the spring refurbishing guest rooms. So, while it’s still a work in progress, when the updates are complete, it will make for a fantastic weekend destination.