The Mill Street Inn in Newport, Rhode Island, was a prominent mill during the 1850s and used until the 1980s when it was purchased and transformed into a luxury hotel, which opened in 1986 and renovated in 2007, proving that old spaces can be creatively adapted for contemporary use.

Nestled on a mostly residential street among Colonial period houses, the Mill Street Inn has earned a respected place of honor on the National Register of Historic Places, and although the brick exterior reflects the historic architecture of the building, the interior defies its age by ingeniously incorporating contemporary décor juxtaposed against the exposed brick walls in the all-suites hotel. The ambience is comfortable, with an inviting and intimate sitting room off the reception area with its exposed brick walls, large windows, vivid rug, sofa, and two leather armchairs flanking a round glass and metal table accessorized with an orchid plant. An open staircase and metal railings and paintings on the walls, complete the public space ambience.

Mill Street Inn

Edward and I stayed at this tiny architectural gem in late January 2010, where the well-appointed 23 suites provide guests with modern comforts of complimentary wireless Internet, flat screen televisions, and luxury amenities.

Mill Street Inn Lobby

Our spacious two-room suite consisted of a large bedroom and separate living room that provided us with a welcome oasis from which to explore Newport. The L-shaped living room was furnished with a mushroom velvet sofa flanked by a rectangular wood coffee table, round side table, and a floor lamp placed in the corner of the room. Two wood armchairs with baby blue cushions hugged the exposed brick wall accessorized with S-shaped supports, matching mushroom window treatments graced the window, a wood cabinet held a large flat screen television, and a large wet bar with mini-bar completed the living room amenities.

Suite Living Room

The bright and airy bedroom featured windows with wide sills that reflected the former architectural history of the building that were dressed with wheat colored window treatments, the Queen bed featured a high headboard of wheat leather and fabric and beckoned invitingly with its pristine white duvet, four pillows, blue bolster, and 300-thread count linens, against the wood wall. Adjustable reading lights and narrow metal tables flanked the bed and held an alarm clock and a telephone, and opposite the bed, there was a long console table with drawers placed against the exposed brick wall that was accessorized with an attractive orchid plant.

Suite Bedroom

The bathroom featured a long mirror over the vanity accessorized with a selection of Aveda amenities, a walk-in shower with a wood bench and rain showerhead as well as a hand-hand showerhead, and a scale. The closet held an iron and ironing board, robes, and a hairdryer.

The hotel pampers its guests with on-site complimentary parking, and deluxe complimentary Continental breakfast that consisted of a selection of dried fruit as well as fresh berries and fruit, a nice selection of cold and hot cereals, a selection of breads for toasting, yogurt, juice, coffee, and a large selection of teas, which was the perfect way to start the day before we went to explore Newport. During the colder months, breakfast is served in the lower level where tables and banquettes grace the rough-hewn stonewalls. In warmer months, breakfast is served on the attractive rooftop terrace, and although Edward and I had breakfast inside, I braved the cold winter winds for a few minutes to have a view of Newport and the harbor from the rooftop terrace; it was worth it.

View from Rooftop Terrace

The Mill Street Inn is conveniently located in the Historic Hill section of Newport and is a short stroll from Bowen's Wharf and other attractions making it a perfect for the leisure or business traveler.

Mill Street Inn
75 Mill Street
Newport, Rhode Island 02840
United States
Toll-Free:     +1-800-392-1316 (USA & Canada)
Telephone:   +1-401-849-9500
Fax:              +1-401-848-5131
Email:           This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   
www.MillStreetInn.com

Read other articles on Newport, Rhode Island in the Destinations , Restaurants , and Chefs' Recipes sections.

© February 2010. Luxury Experience. www.LuxuryExperience.com All rights reserved.