At a glance
| Hotel | Top suite | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean House, Watch Hill, Rhode Island | Penthouse Suite | 4,000 sq. ft., plus a 2,000 sq. ft. private roof deck |
| Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts, Newport, Rhode Island | Vanderbilt Suite | 940 or 2,000 sq. ft. |
| Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham, Massachusetts | Ocean View Presidential Suite | 1,120 sq. ft. |
| Cliff House Maine, Cape Neddick, Maine | Elsie Weare Suite | 1,750 sq. ft. |
| White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts, Kennebunkport, Maine | Friendship Cottage | 1,000 sq. ft. |
New England with its white-sand beaches, rocky coastline, boating, fishing, sailing, hiking, and unfiltered nature is always a good choice. Best of all, wherever you live, there are plentiful private aviation airports making the region easy to access.
This week SmartFlyer travel advisor Barrett Hollo offers her take on five local yet luxury experiences. We’ve added on profiles of the top suites at each, including private bars, extensive private decks, working fireplaces, and much more.
1. Ocean House, Watch Hill, Rhode Island
2. Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts, Newport, Rhode Island
3. Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham, Massachusetts
4. Cliff House Maine, Cape Neddick, Maine
5. White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts, Kennebunkport, Maine
1. Ocean House, Watch Hill, Rhode Island
With sweeping ocean views and a timeless elegance that evokes the ambiance of idyllic summers, the Ocean House in Rhode Island makes for a dreamy start to your New England road trip getaway. This boutique, luxury hotel with resort-like amenities is situated right on the beach and offers the highest level of service throughout the property and its 49 newly remodeled rooms and 18 suites. These spacious accommodations are each richly appointed to reflect the feel of a sprawling seaside estate, offering an unrivaled residential experience.
In the summertime, make sure you arrive early on Fridays so as not to miss the good, old-fashioned New England lobster boil on the beach, complete with a live band. We also love starting the evening with a glass of Veuve at the property’s Secret Garden champagne bar endorsed by Town & Country, Perks & Corks as well as Malted Barley. Other spots not to miss for a bite include Olympia Tea Room – recognized by Vanity Fair as being “famous not fancy” – as well as Ellas and Cooked Goose.
Penthouse Suite
The three-bedroom Penthouse Suite includes 4,000 sq. ft. of interior space with three full baths and two halves, and can sleep up to seven with a sofa bed. However, the clincher is its 2,000 sq. ft. private roof deck for sunning, cocktails and al fresco dining.
The suite comes with a complimentary bar, including top-shelf spirits and mixers, a dedicated Signature Suite VIP Manager, De’Longhi Eletta Fully-Automatic Espresso, and Cappuccino Machine, and access to the members-only Club Room Restaurant. That said, you may not want to leave.
Check out more of the nearly two dozen signature suites. The hotel is 4.1 miles from Westerly State Airport.
2. Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts, Newport, Rhode Island
Originally built by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, a scion of the wealthy Vanderbilt family, this property dates back to 1909 as a vintage Newport mansion that has been restored to its former glory. In fact, it’s one of the few private homes of the era to open its doors to welcome guests. Located right on the waterfront, the Vanderbilt is easily one of Newport’s best-kept secrets. Plus, with only 33 rooms and luxury suites, it is ideal for social distancing.
Should you want to get your legs moving, Vanderbilt is ideally situated to get out and explore – the 3.5-mile walk along the Newport Cliffs allows for the opportunity to see the town’s famous mansions. For some shopping, we recommend checking out Shore Soap Company and Thames Glass. And once you’ve worked up an appetite, a bite at The Mooring is hit the spot. Or, there’s the hotel’s signature restaurant, The Vanderbilt Grill, a sumptuous restaurant where the best local ingredients are on offer in imaginative menus which change throughout the year. For cocktails, check out Fluke and finish up at Dockside for some nightlife.
Vanderbilt Suite
The Vanderbilt Suite is the hotel’s most exclusive accommodation and channels the feel of a private apartment, with a dining room and sitting area. It can be configured as a one-bedroom or two-bedroom luxury accommodation, measuring either 940 or 2,000 sq. ft. The Master bath has shower and separate tub.
You can view more suites from the Vanderbilt here. Newport State Airport is 3.8 miles from the hotel for smaller aircraft with a 2,999 ft. runway while Providence’s T.F. Green Airport is 26 miles away.
3. Chatham Bars Inn, Chatham, Massachusetts
Cape Cod has long been one of New England’s most honored and historic getaways, encompassing 17th-century towns and the spectacular Cape Cod National Seashore. Chatham Bars Inn is our favorite property in the region as it occupies 25 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and sandy ocean beaches, giving you the ultimate peace of mind. Decades back, guests splashed in the surf, played golf in the tangy sea air, took afternoon tea on the wide veranda overlooking panoramic ocean vistas, and dined on the best New England cuisine, featuring fresh-from-the ocean seafood. Today, you can enjoy the resort lifestyle as so many did, so long ago, at Chatham Bars Inn, lovingly restored to its original grandeur, yet completely updated with the latest amenities.
When you’re ready for an adventure, there are options abound. The property has a fleet of boats for sportfishing, sailing, and day trips to Nantucket Island. No matter if you choose to relax or take up one of the activities, you’ll be sure to feel the quintessential New England vibe. If you’d like to get off property, we adore Chatham Wine Bar and The Squire for cocktails before heading to dinner at Bluefin Sushi & Sake Bar.
Ocean View Presidential Suite
The Presidential Suite offers 1,120 sq. Ft. of living space and includes two separate bedrooms. The master bedroom features a king bed with a gas fireplace and a marble master bath with a soaking tub. The second bedroom includes two queen size beds and a full bathroom. The living area features a dining table, wet bar, and two gas fireplaces and sliding doors to a spacious deck with panoramic ocean views, perfect for entertaining.
In addition to its suites, Chatham Bars Inn also offers cottages. Chatham Municipal Airport is 3.1 miles from the hotel with a 3,001 ft. runway. Barnstable Municipal Airport offers a 5,425 ft. runway and is 21.4 miles from the hotel.
4. Cliff House Maine, Cape Neddick, Maine
Conveniently located in Southern Maine between Ogunquit and York, an hour’s drive north of Boston and a forty-minute drive from Portland, Cliff House is one of the most captivating oceanfront destinations of its kind after a landmark transformation. The property is set on the edge of the Atlantic on the rocky coast of Southern Maine with year-round activities, Cliff House offers panoramic ocean and coastal views from over 130 stylish rooms and suites. The hotel is also just a short distance from Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge, one of the country’s largest.
Guests will have no trouble staying entertained and active at Cliff House Maine. In addition to having countless wonderful spots to simply relax and enjoy the remarkable ocean views, they also have many options for those who crave a more engaging experience. Amenities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a beautiful luxury spa, and access to the challenging course at the adjacent Cape Neddick Golf Club. Be sure to stop at Walkers is the ultimate stop for a bite or The Front Porch for cocktails.
Elsie Weare Suite
The Elsie Weare Suite sits on the top floor of Clifftop Building, offering unparalleled views of the dramatic Maine coastline. This 1,750-sq. ft. suite is named for a member of the prolific Weare family, who financed the construction of Cliff House and owned the property for four generations.
Combining down-home hospitality with modern elegance, the suite includes a kitchenette with sink, dishwasher, mini-fridge, Keurig machine and dining room, a spacious living room, and private terraces perfect for stargazing and greeting the morning sun. The master bedroom features a king-sized bed, full bathroom, and oversized soaking tub.
In addition to various suites, consider the Weare Cottage. Portsmouth International Airport is 19 miles away with an 11,322 ft. runway.
5. White Barn Inn, Auberge Resorts, Kennebunkport, Maine
Located in the beautiful coastal town of Kennebunkport, White Barn Inn has been a beloved local landmark for over 150 years, synonymous with warm New England hospitality, rustic charm, and uncompromising attention to detail. Just a 90-minute drive north of Boston, this inviting property is renowned as one of the country’s most distinctive getaways. The 26-room inn is ideal for social distancing and offers guests supreme levels of quality, luxury and service. Beyond our favorite waterfront cottages, there is a swimming pool and convenient access to fine shopping and art galleries in the charming coastal town of Kennebunkport.
Ocean and Earth at Hidden Pond are your go-tos for a bite off of the property while we love Old Vines Wine Bar or 50 Local for a drink. But, for the best-kept secret, be sure to check out Little Barn for farm-to-table delights. For a fine dining experience, The White Barn Restaurant has both a AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star endorsement to satisfy the ultimate foodie. Try the 9-course chef’s tasting menu for a true culinary experience!
Friendship Cottage
The 1,000 sq. ft. Friendship Cottage combines proximity with exclusivity. It is an eight-minute walk from the Main House but enjoys the privacy of being nestled along the banks of the Kennebunk River. Soaring ceilings, a large wood-burning fireplace, and landscaped patio embody Maine’s cottage living.
There are also other suites and cottages.
VIP Contact
Contact SmartFlyer luxury travel advisor Barrett Hollow via email.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ocean House is 4.1 miles from Westerly State Airport. Newport State Airport, for smaller aircraft with a 2,999 ft. runway, is 3.8 miles from the Vanderbilt, while Providence’s T.F. Green Airport is 26 miles away. Chatham Municipal is 3.1 miles from Chatham Bars Inn with a 3,001 ft. runway, and Barnstable Municipal Airport offers a 5,425 ft. runway and is 21.4 miles from the hotel. Portsmouth International Airport is 19 miles from Cliff House Maine with an 11,322 ft. runway.
The three-bedroom Penthouse Suite includes 4,000 sq. ft. of interior space with three full baths and two halves, and can sleep up to seven with a sofa bed. The clincher is its 2,000 sq. ft. private roof deck for sunning, cocktails and al fresco dining.
Originally built by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, a scion of the wealthy Vanderbilt family, the property dates back to 1909 as a vintage Newport mansion that has been restored to its former glory. It’s one of the few private homes of the era to open its doors to welcome guests, located right on the waterfront, with only 33 rooms and luxury suites.
Chatham Bars Inn occupies 25 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds and sandy ocean beaches on Cape Cod, and the property has a fleet of boats for sportfishing, sailing, and day trips to Nantucket Island. Its Ocean View Presidential Suite offers 1,120 sq. ft. of living space with two separate bedrooms and sliding doors to a spacious deck with panoramic ocean views.
The 1,750 sq. ft. Elsie Weare Suite sits on the top floor of the Clifftop Building, overlooking the dramatic Maine coastline. It is named for a member of the Weare family, who financed the construction of Cliff House and owned the property for four generations, and it includes a kitchenette, dining room, a spacious living room, private terraces and a master bedroom with a king-sized bed and oversized soaking tub.
The 1,000 sq. ft. Friendship Cottage is an eight-minute walk from the Main House, nestled along the banks of the Kennebunk River, with soaring ceilings, a large wood-burning fireplace and a landscaped patio. White Barn Inn, in Kennebunkport, is a 26-room inn that has been a beloved local landmark for over 150 years.
More from DG Amazing Experiences: The Best Suites in Boston’s Most Luxurious Hotels and Onsite at White Barn Inn, Kennebunkport.
