The Best Holiday Houses and Bed & Breakfasts to Book in Rhode Island

In the middle of the Smith Hill neighborhood, close to Rhode Island State House, you’ll find Bluebird Suites. They’re a good bet if you prefer an apartment experience or a longer trip. Rooms feature private entrances, modern decor, full kitchens and king-size beds, plus washers and dryers. You can even work up a sweat in the on-site fitness center. Bluebird also has a picnic and barbecue area, and offers free parking in a private lot – a big boon in a city where that often comes at a premium.

On prestigious Bellevue Avenue, home to many of Newport’s Gilded Age mansions, the Hydrangea House Inn offers a quiet bed-and-breakfast experience. The gracious property has 10 rooms and suites, decorated with antique furnishings and floral curtains. Many also come with fireplaces, two-person spa tubs and steam baths. Breakfast served in the formal dining room is an event in itself, featuring home-made breads and granola, scrambled eggs in puff pastry, and the inn’s signature raspberry pancakes. From November through April, a two-night minimum stay is required on weekends; romance, anniversary and honeymoon packages are also available.

Global Luxury Suites offers amenity-filled stays in sleek apartments. Each unit sleeps from three to five guests, and has a full kitchen with stainless steel appliances and Italian-made cabinetry. Bedrooms boast walk-in closets and large windows that overlook the city, while the building itself has a decked-out fitness center, co-working spaces, a club lounge and a rooftop deck with panoramic views. Just don’t forget your bike: this apart-hotel has a dedicated cycle storage facility.

Located on scenic Narragansett Bay, Club Wyndham Bay is a Victorian mansion that has been transformed into a classically elegant hotel. Spot signs of its past in the vintage-inspired furnishings and traditional green-tiled roof. Queen-sized rooms with separate living areas come as standard; upgrade to a deluxe suite for a balcony. Make sure you take the 4mi (6.4km) Cliff Walk along the eastern shore of nearby Newport before unwinding back at the hotel in the outdoor pool overlooking the waterfront.

Close to Bowen’s Wharf, Newport’s historic seaport, Melville House Inn provides a cozy place to rest your head within walking distance of the major sights. The double rooms are warm and homey, set inside an 18th-century building. Each one comes with its own ensuite, while there’s a family room for those traveling with kids. Make sure you book a table at the nearby Mooring Seafood Kitchen & Bar for fresh-off-the-boat lobster rolls.