Skip to main content

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.

Gallery [click to enlarge]

Plan your Newport, RI vacation now!

Frequently Asked Questions

How close are you to the mansions?
The mansions are anywhere from 3/4 of a mile to 2 1/2 miles away along Bellevue Avenue. It is quite a nice walk to head down Memorial Blvd., then take Cliff Walk along the back side of the mansions, all while remembering that you must walk the same distance back to the Inn! Alternatively, you could access the mansions via Bellevue Avenue. Each mansion has very convenient parking, which we recommend taking advantage of.
Are you close to the beach?
We recommend that beach lovers check out Easton’s Beach, known to the locals as First Beach. You can drive here and park for a fee (about $15-$20), but if you have more than a beach towel and sunscreen, then it’s quite a walk!
Can you walk to restaurants and shops?
Yes! The most popular Newport restaurants, such as The Mooring, Brick Alley Pub, Mamma Luisa, Bouchard’s and more are right outside our front door.
Do you have guest parking?

Yes. We offer free on-site parking.  We offer one parking space per room.  Unfortunately, no additional parking spaces are available.  If you need extra parking, our staff will be happy to guide you to the public parking lots in the area.  If you are using a GPS, please enter 398 Thames St., Newport, RI.  Our driveway is located on the left, before our sign, and leads to the parking lot behind the building.

What’s for breakfast?

We offer a free continental buffet breakfast in our breakfast room each morning.  Coffee and tea are available at 7 am and breakfast is served between 8 am and 10 am.

Do all of the rooms have private bathrooms?
Yes, all bathrooms are private. Other amenities include refrigerators, cable television, free wireless internet and air conditioning.
Is there an elevator?
Yes, the elevator goes to the third floor. Our rooftop deck is located on the fourth floor, accessible by stairs only.
Do you have harbor views?
Our rooftop deck has partial water views and a couple of the rooms on the third floor have partial water views as well.
Why should I stay at the Admiral Fitzroy Inn?

The Admiral Fitzroy Inn is a great value and features friendly, knowledgeable staff, with the best location in Newport. We also have freshly baked cookies in the lobby to fuel your vacation sweet tooth. To find out what guests have to say about the Inn, visit our TripAdvisor page.

What times are Check in and Check out?

Check in is between 3pm and 9pmCheck out is 11 am. If you plan to arrive after 9 pm, please call the front desk and we will be happy to assist you in arranging a late check-in.

What about room fees?

Rates quoted are based on double occupancy.  There is a $25 per night charge for any additional person over 2 years old.

Is there a smoking policy?

For the comfort of all of our guests, we provide a smoke-free environment within the inn.  Smoking is permitted in our outdoor areas.  

Do you allow pets?

Pets are not permitted. Please inform the front desk staff if you are traveling with a service animal.  Emotional support animals are not permitted.  We are happy to help you find a local boarding kennel. A $100 cleaning fee will be charged to the credit card on file for any animals brought into the inn without permission.

Cancellation or date-change policy?

Cancelations made prior to the date of check-in will be issued a voucher in the amount of the deposit taken and can be used towards a future stay. There is no expiration date on the voucher. Same day cancelations, or early departures, will not be refunded and the total amount of the reservation will be charged to the credit card on file.

Damage and Theft Policy

Damages or theft of hotel property, furnishings, fixtures, linens, or smoke damage by any guest during the dates of this reservation will be charged to the credit card on file.

Dinner Reservations

We highly recommend making dinner reservations in advance of your stay with us.  Please visit discovernewport.org for a list of local restaurants.

Admiral Fitzroy Inn

398 Thames Street, Newport, RI 02840 | (866) 848-8780