Chanler at Cliff Walk

A grand country house hotel set right on the edge of the famous Newport cliffs and a short drive from town, the Chanler is a beautiful, traditional Newport hotel.

Not many hotel owners would furnish a suite with impeccable antiques, decide the results are not flawless and start all over again repainting and redecorating. But nothing seems to have daunted Jeanie Shufelt who, along with her husband John, is the mastermind behind the 20 art-filled rooms at the Chanler at Cliff Walk.

Perched on a rocky cliff with views of the beach and ocean, the stately Chanler occupies a rejuvenated Georgian-style mansion that was built in the 1870s for a congressman. It’s a perfectly peaceful enclave at the head of the three-and-a-half mile Cliff Walk, Newport’s famous coastal footpath path that curves along the seashore. A morning run, followed by breakfast on the Chanler’s verandah—which might entail caramelized banana compote French Toast with strawberry Grand Marnier butter sauce—is the ideal beginning of a Newport day, which should also include visits to the great houses.

The rooms at the Chanler are exquisitely accessorized by someone who clearly loves European antiques and an old-world sensibility. Curtains are sweeping and tasseled; beds are dressed up with four-posters and decorative pillows. Some have fireplaces, Oriental carpets and chandeliers, with the inspiration coming from the Gilded Ages cottages in the area and different eras. The Gothic room, outfitted with heavy purple drapery and faux stone walls is adjacent to the Mediterranean room, with wrought-iron furniture and upholstery in dark reds and oranges. Many accommodations have ocean views but also look out onto the major road, Memorial Boulevard. A favorite is the seaside Martha’s Vineyard Villa with its own private courtyard and hot tub. Shufelt’s triumph here is a hand-painted tile trompe l’oeil mural of an ocean scene and an antique stained-glass skylight. Equally enticing is the ornate Renaissance Suite with decidedly French antiques including three crystal chandeliers and a private rooftop deck with panoramic views of the ocean.

Though the hotel is not located directly in town, the Chanler's valets are available to run guests into town and pick them up at any time of day or night. During summer months, beach butler service, where staff will take you to a prime Newport beach, arrange your set-up and provide refreshments, is available.

Before dinner, consider a stroll on the Cliff Walk followed by drinks at the bar accompanied by the irresistible house signature: parmesan and truffle oil popcorn.

Those who love ocean views and European-style country houses. Those who want to be right in the heart of town and those who prefer modern, sleek design to old world antiques and chintz will be happier at the Vanderbilt Grace.