Island House Newport Is the Family Crash Pad You’ll Want to Return to Again and Again

Here's the thing—while I can still appreciate a good Airbnb, lately I’ve been craving something with fewer surprises and more “I know exactly what I’m walking into” energy. Extra space is great, and a kitchen is clutch when your infant wakes up before sunrise demanding breakfast. But after too many surprise fees and questionable “cleaning,” I’m ready for a change.

Hotels have their own chaos, especially with my family of five. Unless we splurge on a one-bedroom, we’re all in bed by my baby’s 6:45 p.m. bedtime, tripping over each other, and wandering around hangry while the rest of civilization (and hotel restaurants) sleeps.

Which is why discovering Island House in Newport felt like someone finally designed a stay with actual families in mind. Here's what you need to know about this dreamy boutique hotel in Newport, Rhode Island.

• Name of accommodation: Island House Newport
• Location: Newport, Rhode Island
• Price: from $199 per night
• Accommodation options: rooms and luxury suites, plus a two-bedroom penthouse suite

Inside, the suites are genuinely stunning—think modern, coastal elegance with just the right number of nods to Newport’s seaside setting. Ours felt enormous, with a separate sleeping area for the kids, a full kitchen and a dining table big enough for family breakfasts and the inevitable art-project sprawl. And the kitchen isn’t just for show; it’s fully equipped, which meant we could make oatmeal in the mornings and mac and cheese at night—because there are only so many restaurant meals I can survive with three kids. (On the nights we didn’t cook, we ordered sushi from I’m Sushi around the corner, which was delicious.)

Design-wise, everything feels fresh and modern—partly because Island House is new, but also thanks to the calming palette of crisp whites and soft blues that makes the whole space feel like an exhale. Add in on-site parking and a convenience store next door for last-minute snack and drink runs, and it’s basically a family traveler’s dream setup.

One of my favorite features was the in-room washer/dryer. I am not even slightly embarrassed to admit we ran two loads during our two-night stay (kids + beach = an endless cycle of damp swimsuits and sandy everything). The hotel also provided a highchair and a crib that looked brand new, which any parent knows is nothing short of a small miracle. I was also a big fan of the locally-sourced toiletries.

The location is ideal for all types of travelers. You’re a short stroll from Newport’s famous Cliff Walk and a quick walk to Easton’s Beach (aka First Beach), which meant we could pop down for an hour without turning it into a full-day logistical event.

A quick trolley ride will take you to the famous Gilded Age mansions and bustling Bowen's Wharf is a 15-minute walk away (don't miss Brick Alley Pub for its family-friendly vibe and menu). In other words, whether you're traveling with littles, your spouse or your besties, there's plenty to do nearby.

If you're like me and don't necessarily feeling like gambling on an Airbnb, but still need space, sanity and a setup that actually works for kids, Island House Newport is the rare stay that delivers all of it. Consider me converted.