We exchanged our time share for a week at the Inn on the Harbor in Newport. The Fairfield itself was very good with a great location right on Thames St. (the main commercial street) with adequate parking, which is a huge savings because some lots were charging (gouging?) $20 to park on a weekend evening. The suite was modest with the living room/dining area overlooking the harbor with a great view, a small kitchenette area with a microwave and two burner stove, full refrigerator and the bedroom to the rear, near the door to the unit. There was no balcony and the screened door could not be opened, but the sliding glass door could be opened. You can leave your car and walk just about anywhere in town or take one of the few bus/trolley lines to get to some distant things--mansions, Fort Adams, etc. There is no pool, but the Fairfield said that arrangements could be made to use the facilities of the local YMCA or one could use the beaches around Newport.

Our only complaint, and it is a major one, was not with the Fairfield itself, but with the loud, intrusive rock music that can be heard, even with the sliding glass door closed. On the Memorial Day weekend, the music from a pier behind the Fairfield played almost non-stop until after 1 AM each day. During the week it was peaceful with no music, but Friday night the restaurtant below the hotel had loud music again. The music is so loud that it is difficult to hear the TV in the living area and interferes with sleep. You should be aware of this and either request a room on the 5th level, possibly facing the street rather than the harbor or bring ear plugs. If not for the loud music, we would have given an above average rating.

I'm somewhat of a hotel snob and was iffy about this place. If I'm not staying in a Four Seasons on business, I want clean, quiet and practical and not necessarily a concierge at my beck and call. There isn't a great deal of information available about the "Inn" but we found a great price and that put us over the edge. And wow, we (2 adults, 1-10 year old) were pleased that we stayed here. Regulars to Newport know that parking can be a problem so we worried about that, too. Parking on site was not a problem at all. The room was fastidiously clean, the staff on every shift was friendly from housekeeping to front desk to maintenance. We liked it so much that we decided to stay an extra night. This property is right on Thames Street with some great walks right outside the door. The room was quiet; the only disturbance was from a neighbor who always slammed his door. Having a kitchen was great...it has everything that you could possibly need. Note: what dishes we left in the sink were washed by housekeeping each day (we left a hefty gratuity) and there are no laundry facilities. Some of you may crave the warmth and intimacy of a B & B. Been there many times, done that. Give me -- as I wrote earlier -- clean, quiet and practical. This place is it. And, believe me, I'm hypercritical so when I give 5 stars I mean it! Enjoy your stay.
p.s. For great morning pastries and coffee, go to Espresso YourSelf at 337 Thames, just behind the famous feet/waves sculpture.

Stayed at this resort in Nov 04 and the renovations were just being completed. A great view, although there is no balcony. You walk directly into the bedroom (queen bed/TV/arm chair) then comes the kitchen with bathroom to the left of it. Following the kitchen there is the livingroom with soda bed, arm chair, small dining table, tv, DVD/VCR and stereo . The kitchen has a full size refrigerator, toaster, coffee maker, microwave and two electrical rings. The room was completly renovated to a high standard, although I would not suggest this room for anything over two adults and one child. Daily housekeeping is also provided.

Great location in the middle of town.