The Gilded Age Returns: Take A Step Back In Time At The Vanderbilt In Newport, RI

Photo Credit: Auberge Resorts Collection

With The Gilded Age making everything old new again on HBO, we thought it was an appropriate time to highlight the glitz, glamour, and splendor of Newport, RI — the fabled summertime home of the East Coast’s wealthiest families, such as The Astors and The Vanderbilts. And on that note, we opted to highlight one illustrious property in particular: the aptly named The Vanderbilt. Yes, that relation.

Photo Credit: Auberge Resorts Collection

Originally built by Alfred Gwynne Vanderbilt, a scion of said “nouveau riche” family, the 1909 property is actually a vintage Newport mansion smack, dab in the midst of downtown that has been meticulously restored to its former glory and is one of the few private homes of the era to operate for guests as a fully functioning and top luxury hotel in Rhode Island, and was acquired in 2018 by Auberge Resorts Collection. 

Photo Credit: Auberge Resorts Collection

In 2022, it was transformed into an unconventional Georgian-style home with nooks and crannies galore and the air of something from the past. Its revived aesthetic embraces the cinematic spirit of the mansion and creates a transportive destination with unexpected discovery at every turn. Elements of curiosity can be found throughout as a nod to Alfred’s passion for exploration and travel. Dallas-based design firm, SWOON, The Studio has reimagined the historic property with a commissioned series throughout the hotel by photographer and artist Maxine Helfman, while introducing new and vintage furnishings, a mix of woods, dramatic fabrics, custom hand-drawn wallpaper, and a rich, saturated color palette throughout — somewhere between a cinemascope movie set and a swish private club.

Photo Credit: Auberge Resorts Collection

Their are many touches here that keep the design both timeless and authentic, from its dramatic lobby area, which purposefully replicates a foyer of a private home, to the Library that showcases a spectacular gallery wall featuring antique portraits, to a billiards room, where one can imagine gentlemen of days past playing snooker or billiards, smoking cigars, and drinking Scotch.

Photo Credit: Auberge Resorts Collection

There are a mere 33 rooms here — and they’re all unique. Imagine staying in Alfred’s own mansion, and you get the vibe. The suites are done in cool tones of blue, simulating the ocean, all in a vintage, bespoke style. Our favorite is the Mansion Loft Suite, a bi-level affair with a with a king size bed and master bathroom on the upper level and sitting area with a pull out sofa and half-bath on the lower level. A claw-foot soaking tub is an added bonus here.

Photo Credit: Auberge Resorts Collection

The various culinary outlets on property follow suit in both vibe and history (outside of the Roof Deck, open in summertime, which we’ll address later). Under the watchful eye of executive chef Timothy Caspare, who has worked at several of America’s best restaurants, inclusive of Pasquale Jones and Eleven Madison Park in New York City and Quince restaurant in San Francisco, the property’s F&B merges classic New England vibes with a comfortable, homegrown touch. The hotel’s signature eatery, The Dining Room at The Vanderbilt, leans into Alfred Vanderbilt’s love of outdoor pursuits via its 1920’s sportsman-inspired epicurean concept with an elevated tavern design and fare. Signature dishes include smoked salmon with duck fat potatoes, rabbit braised with vermouth, and a spin on Rhode Island clam chowder, all enjoyed in a handsome, masculine dining room.

Photo Credit: Auberge Resorts Collection

Then, there’s the The Library, a sumptuous Doris Duke-inspired parlor that has an urbane, cinematic feel, with walls saturated in a rich palette of muted greens and blues. The lounge, which serves light bites and refreshments, is filled with a clever mix of artful found objects, mysterious and moody old-world still lifes, custom sculptures, hand-drawn wallcoverings and classic patterns rendered in unexpected ways. Here, guests will also uncover the parlor’s hidden honor bar. Beneath the scenic wallpaper, a secret door can be found to a coral-coated liquor cabinet, a cool old-meets-new way to enjoy that proper Gilded Age experience. The Conservatory, a light and plant-filled oasis with reclaimed European marble checkered floors, ample foliage, sculptural rattan furnishings, and graphic textiles that offers breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea.

Photo Credit: Auberge Resorts Collection

In the summertime, when Newport truly blossoms, there are two additional settings: the stunning Garden Terrace, which is surrounded by lush planting and is open to al fresco dining and a fire pit seating area that offers up cocktails and boozy popsicles infused with fresh juices and botanicals, alike, as well as the Roof Deck, a rooftop bar that, come summer, leans away from that old school Newport vibe with a blast of modern party music and festive cocktails (along with its traditional menu of summertime New England fare, like oysters and lobster rolls).

Photo Credit: Auberge Resorts Collection

Speaking of cocktails, well, they’re pretty standout. The menu is inspired by 19th century and modern-day Newport, including classic cocktails that have been influenced by the property’s notable history and the destination’s historic landmarks. The one-of-a-kind menu playfully alludes to the area’s bygone days, when Newport’s Gilded Age mansions played host to extravagant parties. Libations take inspiration from regional mainstays such as The Belcourt, an elevated take on the Greyhound cocktail, or the Turkish Espresso, a refreshed take on the classic espresso martini. If you truly want to play into the Gilded Age theme, order up The Hunterhouse Cooler, a whisky-based cocktail with manzanilla sherry, lemon, fresh pineapple, and seltzer, or The Chepstow Tonic, a hibiscus and rhubarb infused gin featuring herbal liqueur, Peychaud’s bitters, grapefruit, and pink peppercorn.

Photo Credit: Auberge Resorts Collection

Last but not least, the property offers something fun for everyone.There are two swimming pools — one indoor and heated, and one outdoor (and not), a fitness center, and a spa with steam showers. Treatments include a unique hot stone massage that uses stones washed under the breaking waters of the Atlantic, and a signature body treatment that incorporates natural botanicals and seasonal fruits. Our favorite: a very modern treatment involving energy healing in the Good Vibes Only: a hot stone heat treatment that uses vibrational energy from tuning forks to be conducted along the seven chakras helps to move stagnating energy and increase relaxation and positive vibration followed by a 50-minute hot stone massage and a steam towel exfoliation.

Photo Credit: Auberge Resorts Collection

What also makes this intimate stay so unique is its unexpected touches. Despite that elegant, old world style vibe, it’s distinctly modern in every way. For those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture, the property has established an exclusive partnership with nearby artisan, Jonathan Glatt, renowned for his classic American furniture with a twist. This local  Rhode Island craftsman offers guests an exclusive hands-on tour and a behind-the-scenes look at the art of furniture making in his 20,000-square-foot showroom in Warren, R.I. There are also offerings that include a glimpse into vintage boat restorations, a private tour to learn about oyster shucking (as well as an on-property oyster shucking experience in The Conservatory called  ‘Shuck Yea’) and even weekly tarot card reading sessions. 

The Vanderbilt is located at 41 Mary St, Newport, RI 02840