The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection

This wonderful in-town boutique property was built by the Vanderbilt family as a grand residence and has been tastefully upgraded.

Set on a pretty side street just off the main thoroughfare Thames Street, The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection (formerly the Grace Vanderbilt) is a lovely in-town boutique property for Newport visitors. The mansion was built in 1909 by Alfred Vanderbilt for his mistress, and the building has such period Beaux Arts architectural details as massive fireplaces and double grand staircases in the front hall. Today, visitors are greeted in a lobby area with comfy couches and bookshelves that create the feeling that you have wandered into someone’s cozy den. On the main floor are a billiards room with lacquered red walls and two restaurants, one casual where diners can eat in a conservatory or at tables in an outdoor garden; and the other is a gourmet option, Muse, where award-winning chef Jonathan Cartwright serves up New England classics with modern flair.

The 33 guest rooms vary in size and configuration. Two on the main floor have fireplaces while some in the new wing are lofts with bedrooms up a flight of stairs from the seating area. Some rooms are well suited to families with separate living areas with pull-out couches, and there is the possibility to connect suites to create a multi-bedroom family space. While fine antiques are sprinkled throughout the public spaces, the furnishings in the guest rooms are new and contemporary so there is no fussy bed-and-breakfast décor despite the building’s provenance. All of the rooms have been tastefully updated with modern amenities and personal touches, like shelves full of novels.

The basement contains a spa and fitness center as well as a lovely, large indoor pool. In warmer weather, the outdoor pool is open and guests can sit out in a large, courtyard garden. For the best views in town, there is a roof deck on the top floor with a bar. In the summer months, movies are sometimes shown on a giant flat screen outdoors.

For people who want to be in walking distance of all of Newport’s charming shops and restaurants but in a serene retreat, this is a perfect spot.