I am trying to decide whether to stay at this property or the Hyatt in Newport, RI. Any comments would be appreciated.

Is there any elegance or charm? Or is it more of a standard business hotel? Is the location desireable? Any other recommendations? I am going to ask the Hyatt board also.

Thanks!

The Marriott rooms and decor were unremarkable. The location is excellent, on the water and near all of the action. Take a harbor tour, a great way to see Newport and environs from the water.

No experience with the Hyatt.

FWIW, I personally like the Marriott Newport!

Thanks for the replies! We have one for and one against! It is not cheap for June: around $260 with an AAA rate. Can anyone break the tie please?

Also: I am in town June 12-16. The Marriott is unavailable for the 13th, so I made separate reservations for the available dates. I have gold status. Will they definitely kick me out that one night or will they put in an effort to accomodate me?

I already talked to the front desk mgr. He was very nice but did not promise anything. Told me to keep calling back to check availability.

I went to boarding school in Newport. Haven't been in either hotel recently, but stayed in both a few years ago.

The Hyatt (used to be a Doubletree) is on its own island, very near to the Marriott. There is a short bridge connecting it to the mainland, which is used for fishing by locals. The bridge drops you off right behind the Marriott/public bus station. The Hyatt had better decor than the Marriott, IMHO, and a fantastic Sunday brunch.

The MArriott is better located because you can walk from the hotel down Thames Street to the various wharves, and even to Bellevue Avenue (if you are adventurous). The rooms are situated around a central atrium that is full of white marble. I cannot remember for certain, but am pretty sure that there are no really great views from the Marriott. The Hyatt would have better views all around. The rooms at both hotels are about the same - tiny.

For elegance, I would try Vanderbilt Hall or the Castle Hill Inn.

If you're looking for food recs, try the Brick Alley Pub on Thames Street, Christie's or Scales and Shells for seafood/lobster, and the Black Pearl for formal.

The more expensive rooms at the Hyatt (called Captains Quarters) are VERY large and have balconies. Views of the bay are terrific. The rooms at the Marriott have no view as best I could tell.

(The poster made an identical request on the Hyatt board and I answered there).

There are rooms at the Marriott whuch open up onto an expansive deck overlooking the harbor. Location definately favors the Marriott as it is a simple walk to all the downtown and harbor attractions. And BTW, I have stayed at both several times.

Does Goat Island (where the Hyatt is located) still have that annoying fog horn blast every few minutes?

Even if not, I'd still go for the Marriott based solely on the downtown location.

doc wrote:

"FWIW, I personally like the Marriott Newport!"

It's been a few years since I was there, but I do have fond memories. I was there with a VERY social group. The last night featured e nude elevator races.

Thanks to everybody who replied! Your feedback is valued!

I am second to Scales and Shells. Oh, I miss that place a lot!

Marriotts downtown location is excellent

Marriot downtown location is excellent.