Sneak Peek: Newport Marriott's Stunning $35 Million Renovation

Claudette Covey
by Claudette Covey
Last updated: 4:00 PM ET, Tue March 17, 2015

On April 10, the Newport Marriott will unveil the results of its $35 million renovation, the property's most significant facelift in its 27-year history.

"This renovation is a complete transformation," said Walter Andrews, the Newport Marriott's general manager, adding that the facelift is designed to reflect the ambiance and spirit of Newport. "The new look of the hotel gives us a more coastal, modern and polished feel."

The renovation touches virtually every area of the Rhode Island resort, and includes the addition of a restaurant and two bars.

Andrews said the new 98-seat restaurant will offer what he referred to as a "dock-to-table local seafood menu" with large windows affording expansive harbor views. The two new bars - one indoor and one outdoor - will offer tapas-style small plates.

The hotel's communal great room will include a number of design features that play off Newport's nautical heritage. The lobby's registration desk is being fashioned as an abstracted racing boat hull, while the centerpiece of the hotel's great room will be a chandelier featuring dozens of crystal decanters, some of which appear to give the appearance of sand-tumbled sea glass. The design of the Plank bar, meanwhile, will pay homage to prohibition-era Rhode Islanders.

The resort's 312 guestrooms and eight suites have been designed with serenity in mind, with each bed designed with backlit sails that extend the length of headboards.

The renovation also included a modernization of the property's mid-sized meeting rooms on the second floor. In all, the property features 24,800 feet of flexible meeting space in total, including 16 meeting rooms and a 7,600-foot grand ballroom.

The resort also houses a spa, which, at 4,500 feet, is the largest in Newport; and a 10,000-foot health club with indoor pool, sauna, whirlpool, racquetball courts, fitness room and roof deck that is open seasonally.

While Andrews said that a large portion of the resort's guests hail from the Northeast, he noted that the property reach extends to other parts of the world as well. "Newport attracts travelers from all over, as it is the sailing capital of the world and has a robust events and festivals schedule - with everything from the Volvo Ocean Race to the annual Jazz Festival," he said. In the summer months, the property is popular with families and couples, as well as wedding parties. Andrews added that resort also appeals to corporate and incentive groups of all shapes and sizes.

The harbor side resort is Newport's largest. It is set in Newport's downtown district, in walking distance to the area's historic estates, shops, restaurants and bar, beaches and golf courses.

The Newport Marriott's renovation was designed by Florida-based Edge of Architecture EoA, Inc.


For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.

Topics From This Article to Explore

More From TravelPulse

Grow Your Travel Business With Certified Courses

Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Allianz Specialist ProgramProtect every journey with Allianz Partners Travel Insurance.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Los Cabos Specialist ProgramSell the magic of Los Cabos: luxury, adventure, and endless sunshine.
Travel Agent Academy
Travel Agent Academy
Majestic Resorts Specialist ProgramDiscover all-inclusive luxury at Majestic Resorts in paradise.

Don't Miss These Travel Agent Events and Trainings

Upcoming Webinar
Let's Sell Luxury TogetherMonday, September 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Luxury travel continues to evolve, creating exciting new opportunities for advisors to elevate their...
Upcoming Webinar
Greenland Uncovered: Selling the Arctic's Best-Kept Secret with HXTuesday, September 15, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Towering icebergs, colourful Inuit communities, the Midnight Sun, and a UNESCO-listed icefjord —...
Upcoming Webinar
The Next Generation Of Carnival FunWednesday, September 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Get ready for an exciting webinar with Janet Wygert, Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Sales and...
Upcoming Webinar
Let's Sell Luxury TogetherMonday, September 14, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Luxury travel continues to evolve, creating exciting new opportunities for advisors to elevate their...
Upcoming Webinar
Greenland Uncovered: Selling the Arctic's Best-Kept Secret with HXTuesday, September 15, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Towering icebergs, colourful Inuit communities, the Midnight Sun, and a UNESCO-listed icefjord —...
Upcoming Webinar
The Next Generation Of Carnival FunWednesday, September 16, 2026
2:00pm Eastern
Get ready for an exciting webinar with Janet Wygert, Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Sales and...