Newport has a long history of attracting intrepid travelers to its shores, from George Washington to “The 400” in the late-19th century. Samuel Ward McAllister, friend and confidante to Mrs. William Astor, coined “the 400” in reference to the 400 wealthiest families in New York society. McAllister had just bought a summer home in Newport and successfully persuaded Mrs. Astor to build a “cottage” there as well. The others soon followed. These so-called cottages were no rustic cabins. They were 50- to 70-room mansions with large stables, spacious lawns, gardens, greenhouses and immense palaces of marble, limestone and granite. Some of these lofty 19th-century establishments, like Cornelius Vanderbilt’s The Breakers and Oliver Hazard Perry Belmont’s Belcourt, cost well over $5 million to build–a princely sum at the time.

Thankfully, these days you don’t have to be a Vanderbilt to live like one and experience the best of Newport. Families can hit the beach, go for a sail where the America’s Cup races were staged for decades, meander along rugged shores, visit the mansions the Vanderbilts and Astors erected, go shopping on Thames Street, visit the oldest synagogue and one of the oldest churches in America, or simply relax at the hotel.

Formerly the Hyatt Regency Newport, Gurney’s Newport is situated on Goat Island, which is surrounded by Narragansett Bay and just a quick ride to downtown Newport. The 10-acre resort offers 360-degree water views, its own lighthouse, resident goats who call the hotel home, a marina, spa, bikes, indoor and outdoor pools and onsite dining.

Families staying here in the summer will have a hard time tearing the kids away from the outdoor pool. The resort’s saltwater swimming pool is especially refreshing on a humid day in New England. Swimmers or those seeking solace in one of the waterfront Adirondack chairs can peer at Pell Bridge as it arcs over the ocean to neighboring Jamestown. In the winter months, the resort has its very own outdoor ice skating rink.

There are 257 guestrooms and suites are situated on two different wings of the hotel. Cribs and rollaway beds are available upon request. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.

Guestrooms
The guestrooms offer one king, two queen beds or two double beds, a mini-fridge, coffeemaker, flat0screen television, docking station and outlets by the bedside. The bathroom features a shower/tub combination. The guestrooms with a waterview feature a balcony or oversized windows overlooking the bay.

Suites
The spacious suites feature one king bed or two double beds in a separate bedroom area and a sleeper sofa in the living room area. There is a mini-fridge, coffeemaker, flat-screen television in each room, docking station and outlets by the bedside. The bathroom features a shower/tub combination. There are also bi-level suites available, some of which offer a balcony, and premium suites which are much larger.

Outdoor Pool
The large outdoor saltwater pool overlooks Narragansett Bay and is open seasonally. The outdoor pool is surrounded by a large sun deck with lounge chairs, tables and chairs and umbrellas. Poolside cabanas, which can accommodate eight people, can be rented. Restrooms are located nearby. The Pineapple Club waterfront restaurant is located next to the pool and offers poolside service.

Indoor Pool
The smaller heated indoor pool is open year-round and is located in the spa area. Lounge chairs are available.

Goats
Three resident goats currently live at the resort on their namesake of Goat Island. There has to be goats living on Goat Island! The goats live outside on the lawn overlooking the bay in a replica mansion that could be mistaken for a kids’ playhouse. Two of the goats are twins and the third is their cousin. They are named Cornelia, Cooper, and Henry, after the Vanderbilt family. They go for daily walks and love to greet guests. Give them a visit at their mansion or if you spot them on a walk, be sure to say hello.

Bicycles
Complimentary bikes are available on a first come, first served basis and are a great way to explore Newport.

Kids Club
The seasonal kids' club, recommended for children ages 4 to 12, is available to families. Kids can enjoy the games and activities while parents can enjoy some quiet time.

Marina
The resort’s marina features 22 boat slips and can accommodate small boats to yachts as large as 125 feet. As you cross the small bridge onto Goat Island, be sure to admire the gorgeous yachts docked in the water. Private sailing lessons, sunset cruises and water sports are also available for purchase here in the summer months.

Skating Rink
Gurney’s skating rink, which is constructed directly on the lawn overlooking the bay, is open from late November through early April. Skating fees apply.

Beaches
If you want to hit the beach, you have several excellent choices. Easton's Beach is located just past the entrance to the Cliff Walk. A little further down the coast, in Middleton, you'll reach Second Beach. The surf is always good at Second Beach and the water is relatively warm (this is New England, after all). Bostonians love Second Beach so much that they often drive the one-and-a-half hours to the beach for day trips.

Narragansett Bay
Newport also offers the opportunity to get out on the water and glide under sail on Narragansett Bay. This seaside town is the perfect place to learn the sport of sailing and get a taste of the consistent southwesterly winds.

Scarpetta
This onsite waterfront restaurant is open year-round for dinner only and serves outstanding Italian food. Seafood and pasta top the list here. The spaghetti is also a must-have! The restaurant is open from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

The Lounge and Firepit
This indoor bar/lounge and outdoor firepit deck area offers a great place to enjoy a cocktail and some light bites. The firepit area on the deck offers excellent views of the bay and is a great sunset location. A raw bar, wings, cheese board, and hummus are a few of the food items available here. Food service is available here from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The bar is open until 1 a.m.

The Pineapple Club
Open from May through September, this outdoor poolside spot is an ideal location for a meal. Sit poolside or in a cabana or enjoy a table with an awesome bay and bridge view. The menu offers things like a raw bar, chicken tenders, hummus, quesadillas, salads, lobster rolls, burgers, hot dogs and fish tacos. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to sunset Friday through Sunday in the summer months.

For Five Coffee
Located in the lobby, this coffee café is a good stop for a quick breakfast or a snack. There are a variety of coffee drink options, as well as a grab-and-go menu of pastries, sandwiches, salads, snacks and fresh juices. The café is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.

All About the Extras

• Wi-Fi
  Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the resort.
• Fitness Center
  Cardio and weight machines can be found in the fitness center, which is open 24/7. Complimentary yoga classes also take place on select days and times.
• Parking
  Both self and valet parking are available for a daily fee.
• Shuttle
  The resort offers complimentary shuttle service that runs every half-hour into downtown Newport. A water taxi is also available.

The Best Time to Visit
Newport and Gurney’s are a year-round vacation destination, but the resort sees its most visitors in the summer months when the temperatures are warm and kids are out of school.

Getting There
Newport, Rhode Island, is a coastal town situated about 45 minutes from Providence, the capital of Rhode Island. The T.F. Green International Airport in Providence is located about 30 minutes away and the Boston Logan International Airport is about 90 minutes away from the hotel. New York City is about a four hour drive. Regular train service into Providence train station is also readily available.

Getting Around
The resort is easily walkable and families can explore all of Goat Island by foot or bike. A rental car or taxi is needed to explore more of Newport or Rhode Island. Visitors can walk to downtown Newport from the resort, but it'll be a 10- to 15-minute walk. The resort also offers a complimentary shuttle every half-hour into town and there is a water taxi as well.

For Parents

• Spa
  Adults will love to relax in the spa area. Massages, facial treatments and salon services are available. Guests can also enjoy the dry sauna and indoor pool.
• Bars
  The lounge or fire pit area are great spots to enjoy the sunset with a cocktail.