Four Newport hotels have been ranked as some of the best in the US by the Michelin Guide, according to a recent release. The Michelin Guide's hotel rankings are similar to their restaurant star system, with hotels receiving one, two, or three key ratings. This year, Castle Hill Inn and Resort and The Chanler at Cliff Walk each earned two keys, marking an exceptional stay. The Cliffside Inn and The Vanderbilt each earned one key, indicating a very special stay. The guide's highest ranking, three keys, was not awarded to any hotels in New England, with the majority of three-key hotels located in California and New York City. The keys were unveiled at an exclusive ceremony in Paris, with Gwendal Poullennec, the international director of the Michelin Guide, emphasizing the importance of design, service, and location in creating unforgettable hotel experiences. The four hotels in Newport have distinct ties to the Gilded Age and America's high society, with notable owners and guests throughout history. Castle Hill Inn, built in 1875, was a summer retreat for the prestigious Agassiz family, while The Cliffside Inn, built in 1876, was originally a Victorian manor for Maryland Governor Thomas Swann. The Vanderbilt mansion, constructed in 1908, served as the Mary Street YMCA before being converted into a hotel. These hotels, along with others in New England, were recognized for their architecture, service, and overall guest experience, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in history and luxury.
