Gilded Age Newport 2022

 

Let's begin our Newport Tour 2022 with the Gilded Age mansions.  We visited Marble House, Rosecliff, The Elms and The Breakers, considered to be the most impressive of all.  They are all breathtaking.

The design at all of them was over-the-top ostentatious, dripping with gold, luxurious fabrics, the best furnishings in the world, all combined to be showy in what some might even consider a vulgar display of wealth.  That seems to have been the point.  Subtle was not a theme.

Yet, it is absolutely fascinating to witness the indulgence up close.  We tried to show some of the smaller details here but, of course, it's impossible to capture it all.  

Aside from the rich furnishings and priceless art and decor are the sweeping views, the dramatic landscaping and wonder of what life must have been like for these people simply attending one social event after another, day and night, all summer long.

These are costumes used in the original film version of The Great Gatsby starring Robert Redford and Mia Farrow, which was filmed at Rosecliff.  We have been lucky enough to attend glittering social events ourselves at both Rosecliff and Marble House and the elegance of these has been most impressive.  Yet, we really never had the chance to explore all the nooks and crannies of these places from the stunning bedrooms and parlors to the servant's quarters and kitchens.  

It's well worth a visit to even one of them.  You can learn much more (even where people are allowed to picnic on the grounds) at The Preservation Society of Newport County website.  And please check out our social media for some really fun and stunning videos and many more photographs:

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Enjoy!

Cheers,

William

Newport Tour 2022

 

You won't want to miss our multi-part series on touring Newport.  Heading there, thinking of it, or revisiting, we'll have all the highlights on places to go, things to see and experience and, of course where to eat and sip including some exclusive peeks.

Whether you like to just relax on a cruise or seaside, visit the gilded age mansions of unimaginable wealth, hit the tap rooms and vineyards or dine all over the island we will give you the inside scoop from high atop our tower suite perch at Ocean Cliff.

Needless to say it was non-stop fun, very interesting and relaxing, too.  Save yourself some time.  There is so much to do and see it can be overwhelming.  Stay tuned for our best recs and must-sees.  So, Join us in Newport this season!

Staying At Hotel Viking

We had stopped in at Hotel Viking in Newport, Rhode Island, in the Autumn of last year to attend a special mixologist event hosted by Hennessy Cognac and were smitten by the old-world elegance of the place.  It really is a throwback to the Gilded Age, Newport's oldest luxury hotel AND situated right on iconic Bellevue Avenue.

So, when the opportunity came along to return for their 2017 Wine Festival, a series of more intimate dinners with the wineries who have paired the four course meal with wines we just knew we'd have to go back for at least one.  We chose the Hedges Family Estate wine dinner and were not disappointed.

The quality is always in the details.  We define a luxury experience as one where some of the niceties are provided even before one has to ask.  Fresh fruit and ice cold water upon arrival is always a great way to start when arriving in town.

The other thing we really love when traveling are the unique, even retro, features that make the experience special, like your not just in any cookie cutter designed hotel that looks the same no matter where in the world it is.

 

 

The design elements here were clearly Gilded Age, ornate but comfy, classic without being over-the-top or gaudy.

 



The common areas, including the indoor pool, were always impeccably clean, yet another extremely important factor when weighing the overall quality.

Overall, it's hard to beat Hotel Viking if you are staying in Newport.  The location makes just about everything within walking distance, the rooms are comfy, it's a great design, clean and the service is terrific.  We can't wait to go back for rooftop drinks when we return in June.

Hotel Viking
One Bellevue Avenue
Newport, RI  02840
Telephone:  401.847.3300

Twitter and Instagram
@HotelViking
@TheBostonFoodie

Our stay was provided by Hotel Viking without remuneration or any promise of editorial consideration.