Jailhouse Inn

For those in search of lodging that truly stands out in the "Hotels Near Of Me" category, especially in the historic and vibrant city of Newport, Rhode Island, the Jailhouse Inn offers a uniquely charming and memorable experience. Located at 13 Marlborough St, Newport, RI 02840, USA, this award-winning inn is not just a place to stay; it's a piece of Newport's rich history, as it's a meticulously adapted former jail and police station dating back to 1772. This distinct heritage, combined with modern comforts and exceptional service, makes it a highly recommended choice for travelers.

The Jailhouse Inn distinguishes itself with its fascinating historical environment. The building itself is a handsome federal-style structure, originally constructed in the 18th century. While it has been transformed into a comfortable inn, elements of its past life as a jail and police station are cleverly preserved and integrated, adding to its quirky charm. Guests particularly enjoy seeing features like the "giant metal bar doors" from the jail, or the old police check-in area window that now serves as the inn's front desk. These touches provide a truly unique and memorable ambiance that sets it apart from conventional hotels.

Despite its central location in downtown Newport, the inn manages to offer a surprisingly quiet and comfortable atmosphere, as it's often described as being on a "quiet street." The property includes a pleasant front porch, perfect for relaxing, reading, or people-watching. There's also outdoor seating available, which guests wish they had more time to enjoy, offering a tranquil spot amidst the bustling city. The common areas are designed to be cozy and inviting, with coffee and tea available 24 hours a day, fostering a welcoming feel. The inn strives for a "comfortable-cozy room" aesthetic, often described as well-maintained and clean.

The Jailhouse Inn receives consistent and glowing praise for its staff and service. Guests frequently describe the staff as "very attentive and helpful," "accommodating and welcoming," "courteous and professional," and just generally "wonderful." Their dedication to guest satisfaction is evident in anecdotes like staff calling a guest about a forgotten item while they were still at their conference, or cheerfully going above and beyond to assist. This high level of personal service contributes significantly to the positive guest experience.

A key highlight of the stay at the Jailhouse Inn is the complimentary continental breakfast. This isn't just a basic offering; guests are "clearly impressed and happy" with the "good amount of choices." The breakfast spread typically includes "various breads/rolls including croissants, English muffins, pumpkin bread, raisin bread, French toast bread," along with "various toppings" such as "2 types of sliced cheese and ham, butter, syrup, cream cheese, hot sauce." Cereals (oatmeal and granola), yogurts, hard-boiled eggs, and a variety of fresh fruits are also typically available, accompanied by coffee, tea, fresh juice, and water. This generous and diverse breakfast is a significant value-add.

Another beloved amenity is the "afternoon freshly-baked cookies" which are often available in the afternoon/evening, providing a delightful treat for guests. Complimentary wireless internet (WiFi) is available throughout the inn, ensuring guests can stay connected. Crucially for downtown Newport, the inn offers its "own parking" on-site, included with the stay (one car per room), which is a rare and highly valued convenience in this area. The front desk operates 24 hours a day, and tour/ticket assistance is available to help guests plan their exploration of Newport.

The Jailhouse Inn offers 22-23 individually furnished guest rooms, ranging in size and configuration. Guests consistently praise the rooms for being "very comfortable-cozy," "great pillows and bed," and, most importantly, "clean." While some earlier comments might have suggested a lack of modern decor, the rooms are described as "modern, comfortable" and are continuously maintained. They are equipped with essential comforts such as air conditioning (climate-controlled), ensuring a pleasant temperature. Each room also typically includes a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a mini-refrigerator, a hairdryer, and an iron and ironing board.

The bathrooms are private and come with a shower/tub combination and complimentary toiletries. Reviews specifically mention a "good shower" with adequate water pressure. The rooms, while embracing the historic theme, are designed for contemporary comfort. Some reviews highlight "good rooms" overall, with "comfortable beds" being a consistent positive. Free bottled water is also provided in the rooms. Connecting rooms are available upon request, and free cribs/infant beds can be provided for families with young children. It's important to note that pets are not allowed at this property.

The Jailhouse Inn's strongest promotional point is its "great location" and "best of all, afternoon cookies!" It is "centrally located in the old town walk-able area," putting guests "in the heart of downtown Newport" and within easy walking distance of nearly everything. This includes being just one block from Washington Square and two blocks from the Newport Visitors Center. Guests can easily walk to famous cobblestoned Thames Street, Newport Harbor, Bowen's Wharf, Bannister's Wharf, and Broadway's vibrant restaurant district. Historic sites like the Old Colony House, Touro Synagogue, and the Newport History Museum are also steps away.

For those looking to explore further, the Newport Mansions, Cliff Walk, and Easton's Beach are just a few minutes' drive away. The convenience of included on-site parking is a significant advantage, allowing guests to explore on foot without worrying about parking fees or availability in the busy downtown. The hotel's unique history adds an extra layer of interest to the stay, making it more than just a place to sleep. The exceptional staff, combined with the comfortable rooms, generous breakfast, and delightful cookies, makes the Jailhouse Inn a highly recommended choice for anyone searching for "Hotels Near Of Me" in Newport, promising a "wonderful place" and a truly enjoyable experience.