And I was. When my husband and I walked into the inn, Innkeeper Claire Warner greeted us like old friends. She and the rest of the staff treated us that way during our entire stay.
Claire showed us to our room, and offered to make us sandwiches, but we had planned to go out to dinner. After freshening up, we asked for a recommendation for an Italian restaurant, preferably within walking distance. She not only produced a card with directions to Puerini’s, but also two umbrellas to fend off the drizzling rain. Our meal was delicious, and I have fond memories of walking in the rain, discovering the sights and shops along Touro Street.
Our room, Vanity Fair, was just beautiful. The door opened into a lovely sitting room, complete with a gas fireplace. An ornate mirror opened to reveal a TV, stereo and VHS player. To the left, small white French doors with lace curtains opened into to the bathroom.
A shower with two shower heads doubles as a steam room. There’s no tub in the bathroom, but that’s because a garden tub/Jacuzzi, surrounded by draped windows, dominated the next room. The other side of the sitting room fireplace faces the tub. A fluffy towel, fashioned into a swan, stood guard at the end of the bath.
Our bedroom boasted a hand-carved king-sized bed and a handsome armoire that concealed a TV. A red-striped love seat pleasingly accented the room’s décor.
The next morning, I hated to leave the suite, but after a cooked-to-order breakfast in the parlor, we set out to investigate Newport. It turned out to be a rainy day, so we returned to the inn damp and little chilled.
When Claire asked if she could get us something, I asked for hot chocolate. She apologized, since they were out.
Then she offered, "I have some chocolate – I could shave some off and try to melt it in hot milk." I told her not to go to any trouble, but about ten minutes later, as we relaxed in warm robes, she came to our room with a tray of cookies, the experimental hot chocolate, and homemade whipped cream for garnish. And yes, the hot chocolate was delicious.
A stay at the Abigail Stoneman is a delightful, pampering experience. Guests have a choice of pillows, and may select from an impressive array of bottled waters. My favorite was the soap bar, where a variety of bath oils and handmade soaps were displayed.
In-room morning coffee, tea and juice service is available, and the tray comes with a weather forecast for the day, handwritten on a notecard. Guests may have tea or breakfast in the private “Tea for Two” room, and wireless internet access is available in public areas and most rooms. The list of luxurious amenities offered seemed almost endless. My one regret is that we didn’t order the indulgent breakfast-in-bed service.
Info
The Abigail Stoneman is one of three properties operated by the Legendary Inns of Newport. The Abigail Stoneman is the closest to downtown Newport and is within walking distance of many attractions and restaurants.
The Abigail Stoneman Inn is located at 102 Touro Street, Newport, RI. To make reservations, call: 800-845-1811 or visit: Abigail Stoneman.
The inn boasts five distinctly unique and impeccable rooms. My favorite, other than the one we stayed in, is Above and Beyond, a suite that occupies the entire third floor. Above and Beyond offers an awesome view, five rooms, and hidden rooms behind secret doors.
