The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection

Located in the quiet and quaint port town of Newport, RI, the hotel is a timeless classic that pays homage to an era that has long since gone by. So. Shall we begin? I would say all that glitters isn't gold but still so much more at this historical property. For starters, the rooms are larger than they appear in the pictures that the hotel has posted. I would classify them as suites. My room was comfortably spacious. The most important thing that I liked was the helpful staff. From start to finish, this short stay definitely left an everlasting impression on me. Once I booked the room, Morgan Capodilupo, the Lead Concierge at the Vanderbilt Hotel, took the lead in helping organize my stay by booking reservations at the local restaurant, Scales and Shells. She would have handled anything else, but, alas, a short stay didn't leave me adequate time to play. The only suggestion and qualm that I have is the same advice that I gave to the Hilton Waikoloa Village hotel when I visited last June. Make sure to do plumbing inspections and occasional routine maintenance checks on the rooms, particularly the bathrooms. This was reminiscent of the Hilton Waikoloa Village. The bathroom sink faucet handle was VERY loose and maintenance had to be called back just after leaving to go home from his shift. Spotlight and special accolades out goes to the maintenance man, Michael. Like the archangel of the same namesake, he saved the day or, in my case, the night. I had arrived at the hotel late and the maintenance team had already left for the evening. I called down to the front desk and they called Michael. He had already left for the evening but decided to turn around and fix it. He definitely earned his accolades for the evening and I hope they toss a pay increase his way for that. I wouldn't have had hot water or I would have had a wet room due to the loose bathroom spigot. Overall, this did not dampen the mood of my stay. (All puns intended) He really went out of his way when he did not have to and his efforts didn't go unnoticed or unappreciated. Additional honorable accolades go out to Maisy, Will, Leilani, Said, Brooke and Eli. Overall, Vanderbilt is a timeless treasure to behold with an old timey, gilded ambience that equates to opulence and wealth of the era that lives up to the Vanderbilt legacy and name. I look forward to returning in the future and this time, for a more extended stay.

The rooms here are not worth $800. The online pictures make the rooms seem really nice, but the actual room looks nothing like them. I had high expectations, but instead, I found IKEA furniture, paper-thin walls, and cheap carpeting. The couch was covered in lint, and I was appalled at the quality for the price. There was only one person on the night shift, which seemed unfair to them. Customer service was terrible, with staff chatting 75% of the time. This place has potential, but it is not an $800 hotel. I recommend checking out Castle Hill Inn for a truly luxurious experience.

For a long weekend getaway that was cozy and easy from NYC, The Vanderbilt was a great winter pick for an anniversary weekend. Upgrading to a suite was ideal, because it allowed time spent relaxing in the room to be more comfortable. Weather can be iffy on the island during this time of year, but the hotel is located conveniently to all the best dining and provides umbrellas to help weather the elements. Wish we had brought bathing suits to enjoy the indoor pool on rainy days. Also, I wish there had been a fire in the fireplace, just to add a touch of coziness, even though the setting and scent were very appealing without. The decorations were fun, the grounds were lively, and Newport has a lot to offer during this time.