About the Admiral Fitzroy Inn
“Enter a world of seafaring captains and historic grace as you walk through the doors of the Admiral Fitzroy Inn.”
About the Inn
The Admiral Fitzroy Inn is where guests enjoy the privacy of our comfortable guestrooms and convenience of walking to all that Newport’s harbor-front district has to offer.
Centrally located on Thames Street, our friendly boutique hotel is just a few quick steps from the best restaurants, shopping, and popular attractions in Rhode Island’s city by the sea, making your overnight excursion, romantic anniversary celebration, or an extended stay away from home, easy, comfortable, and carefree.
Established Through History
Built in 1854 to designs by renowned architect Dudley Newton, the historic property is on the National Register of Historic Places. The Inn had its first home two blocks away on Spring Street where it served as the convent for the sisters of St. Mary’s Church. After local entrepreneur Don Glassie bought the building in 1986, it was dismantled and moved to its current location on lower Thames Street then rebuilt to its original size and style standing tall and proud in Newport’s waterfront district.
The Inn is named for a famous English Admiral and meteorologist who commanded the H.M.S. Beagle on Charles Darwin’s expedition that inspired the Origin of the Species.
About the Admiral
Admiral Fitzroy was one of the first to attempt a scientific weather forecast. Returning from his famous journey with Darwin, he took up the newly created post of Head of Meteorology at the Board of Trade in London and began collecting the information necessary to predict the weather. Working on this knowledge, Fitzroy created the first easy-to-use barometer, leading to the first daily weather forecasts published in The London Times in 1860.
The Admiral Fitzroy Inn is pleased to announce that it has recently acquired an antique Admiral Fitzroy Barometer which is proudly being displayed in the lobby.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Newport Mansions are scattered along Bellevue Avenue, from just ¾ of a mile to about 2½ miles from the Inn. For those who enjoy a little adventure, one of our favorite ways to reach them is on foot: wander down Memorial Boulevard, then follow the Cliff Walk along the ocean, with the grand “cottages” appearing like jewels along the shore. It’s a wonderfully scenic way to arrive—just remember that Newport’s beauty does require a return journey! If you’d prefer to save your steps for exploring the mansions themselves, you can also reach them by car via Bellevue Avenue. Each mansion offers convenient parking, and we recommend taking advantage of it. After all, there is plenty of Newport left to wander.
Newport is wonderfully spoiled when it comes to beaches, with a stretch of sand for nearly every sort of beach day. Easton’s Beach, or First Beach as the locals call it, is the closest and most classic choice. At the foot of the Cliff Walk, it offers a broad sweep of sand, crashing waves, and plenty of room to settle in for a proper seaside afternoon. For something a little more tucked away, Gooseberry Beach is a charming choice along Ocean Drive. Although privately owned, it welcomes non-members with paid daily parking when available. It has a distinctly Newport sort of glamour: quiet, lovely, and tucked between the grand estates and the sea. Rejects’ Beach is a small, more secluded public beach along Ocean Avenue and at the end of the Cliff Walk, offering a quieter spot to enjoy the water and scenery away from the larger crowds. If you’re looking for a longer beach day, Second Beach in Middletown is another favorite, with a wide sandy shoreline and plenty of room to stretch out. Whichever beach you choose, we recommend bringing only what you truly need. Newport is delightfully walkable, but somehow a beach chair, umbrella, cooler, towels, and a small collection of “essentials” can make the journey seem considerably longer!
Yes—one of the great pleasures of staying at the Admiral Fitzroy is that you can leave the car behind and explore Newport on foot. We are wonderfully situated near the heart of the city, with an abundance of restaurants, cafés, cocktail bars, boutiques, galleries, and charming little shops just a few steps from the Inn. Many of Newport’s beloved dining spots are an easy stroll away, along with countless other places to discover. For shopping, wander along Thames Street, where historic buildings are filled with everything from local art and jewelry to nautical treasures, clothing, and wonderfully unnecessary things you will almost certainly decide you cannot live without. Continue toward Bowen’s Wharf and Bannister’s Wharf for more shops, waterfront dining, and boats coming and going in the harbor. And when you’ve had your fill of browsing, dining, and wandering, the best part is that your room is never far away. Newport is a city made for strolling, and the Admiral Fitzroy puts you right in the middle of it all.
Yes. We offer on-site parking for a nightly fee. We offer one parking space per room. Parking is $25 per night, with one parking space available per room. If you are parking with us, please inform the front desk upon arrival so the parking charge can be added to your reservation. Please note that parking is not available before 2:00 PM. After 2:00 PM, you’re welcome to park in any available space. Parking spaces are not guaranteed until 3 pm. If you have more than one vehicle, please ask the front desk for assistance locating a nearby paid parking lot.
Our complimentary breakfast buffet features a lovely spread of fresh seasonal fruit, freshly baked pastries, hard-boiled eggs, creamy yogurts, house-style granola, and a beautiful charcuterie board with a selection of meats and cheeses. And, of course, there is plenty of excellent coffee and refreshing juices to help you greet the morning. Whether you prefer something light and fresh, a little savory, or a pastry with a second cup of coffee, there is something to tempt nearly every morning appetite. Take your time, pour another cup, and enjoy a leisurely start to the day. After all, there are mansions to wander, harbor breezes to catch, and Newport to discover—and no one should explore on an empty stomach.
Yes. Every room at the Admiral Fitzroy has its own private bathroom, thoughtfully appointed with the little comforts that make a stay feel special. You’ll find Dicken’s & Hawthorne bath amenities, along with wonderfully fluffy towels to wrap yourself in after a day of exploring Newport. Each room also includes a refrigerator, cable television, complimentary wireless internet, and air conditioning, so you can enjoy the charm of a historic Newport inn without giving up the comforts of modern life. It’s the sort of place where you can spend the day wandering along the harbor, return to your room, sink into a soft towel, and settle in for a quiet evening—all without sacrificing the conveniences that make a getaway feel effortless.
Yes, our elevator conveniently serves the first through third floors. Our rooftop deck is on the fourth floor and is accessible by stairs only. The extra climb is a small price to pay for the reward at the top—a lovely rooftop retreat with fresh air, open skies, breathtaking sunsets, and a chance to take in a little more of Newport Harbor from above.
While the Admiral Fitzroy is nestled in the heart of Newport rather than directly on the waterfront, you can still catch lovely glimpses of the harbor. Our rooftop deck offers partial water views, making it a wonderful spot to step outside, enjoy a little fresh air, and take in the ever-changing scenery of Newport Harbor. A few of our third-floor rooms also offer partial water views, so if waking up to a glimpse of the harbor is important to you, we’re happy to help you select one of these rooms when available. The views may be partial, but the Newport atmosphere is wonderfully full.
There are plenty of reasons to make the Admiral Fitzroy Inn your home in Newport. Our historic charm, wonderful location, complimentary breakfast, free parking, and genuinely welcoming staff make it easy to settle in and enjoy the very best of Newport without the fuss. Built in 1854, the Inn has the character and warmth of a classic Newport home, paired with the modern comforts you want after a day of exploring. We’re right in the heart of downtown, with restaurants, shops, galleries, the waterfront, and so much more just outside our door. And then there are the little things: a delicious breakfast to start your morning, fresh-baked cookies waiting in the lobby, and a team who is always happy to share a favorite restaurant, point you toward a hidden gem, or help make your Newport stay a memorable one. But don’t simply take our word for it. Our guests have plenty to say about their stays, from our unbeatable location and friendly staff to our breakfast and comfortable rooms. Read our Google Reviews and see what fellow travelers have discovered at the Admiral Fitzroy Inn.
Check-in begins at 3:00 PM, with arrivals welcomed until 9:00 PM. If your travels bring you to Newport later in the evening, simply give our front desk a call ahead of time. We’ll be happy to arrange a late check-in so you can arrive without worry. Check-out is at 11:00 AM. Should you wish to linger a little longer and enjoy Newport at a leisurely pace, late check-out may be available upon request, subject to availability, at a rate of $25 per hour. We’re always happy to help make your arrival and departure as effortless as possible.
Our room rates are based on double occupancy. For each additional guest over the age of two, a $35 per-night fee applies. This additional fee helps us accommodate the extra guest while providing the same thoughtful service and comforts that make your stay at the Admiral Fitzroy Inn special.
For the comfort and enjoyment of all our guests, the Admiral Fitzroy Inn is smoke-free throughout the interior of the Inn. Guests who wish to smoke are welcome to do so in our designated outdoor areas. We kindly ask that smoking remain outdoors so that the fresh, welcoming atmosphere of the Inn can be enjoyed by everyone.
The Admiral Fitzroy Inn is not a pet-friendly property, and pets are not permitted in the Inn. Guests traveling with a service animal are welcome; please let our front desk team know in advance so we can ensure your stay is as comfortable and seamless as possible. Emotional support animals are not permitted. If you’re traveling with a beloved four-legged companion, we’re happy to help you locate a local boarding kennel or other suitable accommodations nearby. For the comfort of our guests and the care of our historic Inn, an unauthorized animal brought onto the property will result in a $100 cleaning fee, which will be charged to the credit card on file.
We understand that plans can change, and we’re happy to offer a little flexibility whenever possible. Cancellations made before your scheduled check-in date will be issued a voucher for the amount of the deposit paid. The voucher may be applied toward a future stay at the Admiral Fitzroy Inn and never expires, so there is no need to rush your return to Newport. Please note that same-day cancellations and early departures are non-refundable. In these circumstances, the full amount of the reservation will be charged to the credit card on file. We appreciate your understanding and hope that, whenever the time is right, your plans bring you back to Newport.
We take great pride in caring for the Admiral Fitzroy Inn and its historic character, furnishings, and thoughtful details. We kindly ask that guests treat the Inn and its contents with the same care. Any damage, loss, or theft of Inn property, including furnishings, fixtures, linens, or other amenities, as well as any smoke-related damage, occurring during your stay will be assessed and charged to the credit card on file. Thank you for helping us preserve the charm and comfort of the Admiral Fitzroy for all of our guests.
Newport’s dining scene is one of the great pleasures of a visit, and our restaurants can be wonderfully popular—especially during the summer and on weekends. We highly recommend making dinner reservations in advance of your stay to ensure you have a table at the time and place you desire. For inspiration and a delightful introduction to Newport’s many restaurants, cafés, and culinary treasures, we invite you to explore Discover Newport. And, of course, our team is always happy to share a few of our own favorite tables.
Admiral Fitzroy Inn
398 Thames Street, Newport, RI 02840 | (866) 848-8780