Castle Hill Inn :

Driving over the Newport Bridge, you feel as though you are being transported to another time and place. Welcome to Newport, Rhode Island – historical, beautiful, romantic… Check into the secluded Relais & Châteaux Castle Hill Inn overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Savor dinner at 22 Bowen's Wharf. Explore the extravagant “summer cottage” mansions on Bellevue Avenue. Take the Cliff Walk, and then sip some wine at a local vineyard. A luxury trip like no other awaits you!

CASTLE HILL INN
Upon arriving at Castle Hill Inn, you know this is a special place. Situated on the 40-acre peninsula at the entrance to Narragansett Bay, its spectacular setting is truly one of a kind. Marvel at the historical Castle Hill Lighthouse and watch the mega yachts and 12-meter sailboats cruise up the channel. Get comfy in an Adirondack chair and sip your favorite libation where lawn meets ocean. The serenity one feels in this storybook place will wash over you like a gentle wave. 

A crackling fire will warm you as the light reflects softly off fine wood finishes. Downstairs in the intimate bar,  you can relax, watch the game and order dinner from the dining room menu if you wish. The restaurant in the main dining room offers one-hundred-and-eighty degree views. It’s here you’ll enjoy a complimentary breakfast each morning and afternoon tea is served daily. Impeccable service was noted at every turn.

The Castle Hill Inn offers a wonderful selection of luxurious rooms and beach cottages. I stayed in the “Sandpiper” cottage with a fabulously comfortable queen sized bed and a view of the private beach. I lay my head on soft pillows listening to the sound of waves as I fell to sleep, and again as I woke. Perfect. The beach cottages feature a small kitchen complete with farm sink and refrigerator, quaint sitting area with 40" flat-screen, heated marble bathroom floors, Jacuzzi tub, deck with rocking chairs, teak table and umbrella.

What more could you want? Champagne delivered to your room to enjoy by the fireplace at night next to the window listening to the waves? Turndown service and fine chocolates left on your pillow? YES! So set your sails for Castle Hill Inn, home of the finest oceanside luxury in Newport, Rhode Island. You’ll be glad you did.  Prices range between $275 for a room at the Inn and up to $1,800 for a Beach House.

Castle Hill Inn
590 Ocean Drive
Newport, RI 02840
888.466.1355
www.castlehillinn.com

22 BOWEN’S WINE BAR & GRILLE
Get ready for a sumptuous gastronomical experience at 22 Bowen’s, where thoughtful preparation of food is combined with outstanding service and a warm atmosphere. This world-class grille serves USDA Prime beef, fine seafood, and has an extraordinary wine list of over 650 bottles, including over 30 available by the glass. We began our evening with a dozen salty, buttery, delectable oysters fresh from the ocean, followed by excellent appetizers of seared tuna and crab cakes. Our Stag’s Leap Petite Syrah was delicious, complex, and elegant. The Chef delighted me with a special scallop entrée that was not offered on the menu and my dinner date enjoyed a Prime New York Sirloin that he devoured with praise between every bite. Fantastic. We chose a sweet finish to our meal with supremely moist chocolate cake and dessert wine. I particularly enjoyed the Sakonnet Winter Wine – a local Vidal Blanc from Little Compton, RI. Ahhh...there’s nothing quite like enjoying a lovely meal, especially when rounded out with good company.

Dinner Hours: Sunday - Thursday 5:00pm - 9pm Friday & Saturday 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Lunch Hours: Thursday - Sunday 11:30 pm - 3:30 pm

22 Bowen's Wine Bar & Grille
Bowen’s Wharf
Newport, RI 02840
Phone: 401.841.8884
www.22bowens.com 

THE GILDED AGE
Newport is the touchstone of the Gilded Age and home to the magnificent “summer cottage” mansions built by the wealthiest families in America at the turn of the century. The term “Gilded Age” was coined by Mark Twain and Charles Dudley Warner to exemplify the ostentatious display of wealth in America during the late 19th century. Members of the Vanderbilt family built Marble House and The Breakers. The Rockefellers, Astors and Carnegies owned homes here as well. Prepare to be amazed!

MARBLE HOUSE
Built for William and Alva Vanderbilt by architect Richard Morris Hunt, it was inspired by the Petit Trianon at Versailles. Although the mansion is 50,000 square feet, its ambience is that of a much smaller home. Alva was a leading hostess in Newport society and extremely active in promoting women's rights. She envisioned the house as her "temple to the arts" in America.

My favorite rooms were the "Gold Room" where Alva Vanderbilt’s son Harold used to bounce balls off the gilded walls ....