When it opened along Long Wharf in 2020 just off bustling Thames Street, the luxury Brenton Hotel set out to transform the hospitality industry.
The boutique property with just 57 nautically themed rooms is ideally located steps away from all the action yet far enough away to enjoy some peace from the hustle and bustle of downtown.
Named in honor of America’s Cup when sailors round Brenton Point for the refuge of Newport Harbor, the quaint hotel focuses on personalized customer service with every aspect of the hotel “conceived to echo that sense of safe homecoming.”
From the moment you arrive, a friendly valet attendant will whisk your car away on the ground level and show you where to check in at the elevated reception area on the second floor, accessible from the glass-and-steel circular staircase or brass elevators.
A coastal-inspired interior offering a nod to Newport’s seafaring history boasts rich woods, neutral hues, brass details, nautical photography, and stunning views overlooking the harbor front. The independent, locally owned hotel not only allows pets but rolls out the red carpet for four-legged friends. A Pet Concierge can provide a Doggie Walk Map, food and water bowls or a bed to be placed in the room before arrival. They can also assist with dog sitting or dog walking services while you are away.
Waterview king guest rooms face floor-to-ceiling glass windows with sliders opening up to a Juliet balcony that provide the perfect salt-air breeze to gently wake you up. The spacious accommodations feature an espresso machine, a well-stocked mini bar, refillable glass water bottles, a desk, a modern bathroom with Bulgari amenities, and a separate seating area to enjoy morning coffee or nightcap while taking in the views.
When it comes to dining, their in-house restaurant, Living Room, is open daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The residential-inspired interior here is as comfortable as the name suggests, decked out with wingback leather chairs, upholstered sofas, built-in bookcases, and low tables.
Also doubling as the hotel’s lobby bar, the harbor front eatery focuses on shareable dishes like local briny oysters on the half shell, fresh jumbo shrimp cocktail served with spicy cocktail sauce, hummus three ways, a charcuterie board, and tasty cheeseburger sliders. Be sure to try the flavorful prosciutto, arugula, and goat cheese flatbread made even better with a sweet fig glaze.
The Brenton offers a specialty “Top Dogs” menu, featuring entrees for four-legged guests that range from simple grilled chicken to lamb “for the refined palate.” Our English bulldog loved the beef burger, which was “reserved for the canine whose culinary adventures are admired by the pack.
After dinner, you can opt to lounge at the bar for a nightcap, take a cocktail up to the seasonal rooftop to soak in the views, or retreat to your room to enjoy the chocolate chip cookies delivered at turndown or complimentary ice cream accessible from the nearby pantry.
While the eco-friendly green rooftop bar with six-hole putting green is only open seasonally, guests are welcome to visit the space in the off-season to enjoy panoramic ocean and city views.
The property does not have an on-site fitness center, but a day pass can be provided upon request to the Marriott next door.
This fall, the hotel is offering a literary lovers escape with the Bed, Breakfast, and Books package. The curated package includes daily breakfast for two, a hand-selected book from the Booktender’s current selection, and a leisurely late checkout at 12 p.m., 'giving guests extra time to turn the pages of their next great read.'
The Brenton Hotel is located at 31 America’s Cup Avenue in Newport, Rhode Island.
