Best Spa Hotels in Rhode Island

You'll feel like you stepped back in time once you've stayed at the Ocean House's classic New England retreat. This historic resort has been lovingly restored to its original design, down to window placements and interior wall hues. But recent guests don't visit for nostalgia's sake. Rather, they come for the courteous and attentive service staff and the secluded feel of the resort's grounds and beach. They also come for the luxurious accommodations, equipped with high-end amenities, such as flat-screen TVs, wooden furnishings and luxury toiletries. Recent guests also reported returning year after year to indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments at OH! Spa and to treat their taste buds to award-winning cuisine and signature cocktails at Ocean House's several dining venues (though many visitors said that food was expensive here). You'll find the Ocean House located in Watch Hill on the south coast of Rhode Island, about 40 miles south of Newport.

Sitting near the waterfront in downtown Newport, Rhode Island, Vanderbilt recently joined the Auberge Resorts Collection hotel group. The property has been housing city visitors since 1909, and past guests said age hasn't hindered this hotel's ability to host. Travelers love the style of the boutique accommodations: Antique-inspired furnishings are a tribute to the property's history, while bright colors and luxury amenities give it a contemporary feel. Guest rooms and suites include flat-screen TVs, kitchenettes and complimentary Wi-Fi. (Some rooms also feature fireplaces.) Over the course of its long life, the property has seen the addition of pools, a gym and the acclaimed Vanderbilt Spa, which visitors love for its soothing atmosphere and relaxing treatments. Meanwhile, The Vanderbilt Grill earns praise for its classic New England fare.

Just steps away from Newport's scenic harbor, Hotel Viking exudes a sense of Old World charm, combining period decor with luxurious accents like Egyptian-cotton bed linens and satin duvets. But this hotel isn't stuck in the past: Each room includes an LCD TV and complimentary Wi-Fi (included in the daily resort fee). Despite their high opinions of the room design, guests do warn that this hotel can be noisy. Hotel Viking wows with the award-winning wine lists and delectable bites offered at its premier restaurant, One Bellevue, not to mention the replenishing Newport-inspired spa treatments at SpaFjör.

The Providence Biltmore impresses guests with its central downtown Providence, Rhode Island, location and architectural legacy (the hotel was designed by the architects responsible for NYC's Grand Central Station). Though the Providence Biltmore has been a downtown landmark since 1922, the hotel isn't stuck in the past: Rooms are outfitted with modern furnishings, including flat-screen LED TVs, iHome radios and minifridges. Plus, every room offers complimentary Wi-Fi access. Recent travelers were generally pleased with the accommodations, citing comfy beds and newly renovated decor, but some guests were disappointed with the efficiency of the housekeeping staff. Patrons were happier with the hotel's dining: McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks is located on-site (so is Starbucks). If you're not craving surf and turf, you can find plenty of other restaurants nearby (the hotel sits about a mile from the city's arts, entertainment and historic districts). If you're in need of a massage or facial, the Biltmore has you covered there, too: The Spa at the Providence Biltmore is the city's only on-site hotel spa. 

Once a summer "cottage" to a wealthy scientist and explorer, Castle Hill Inn is now one of the most exclusive collections of accommodations in Newport. The Inn and surrounding beach cottages are decorated with an aristocratic charm typical of the seaport's mansions, with perks like a private beach and complimentary breakfast and afternoon tea. Cottages feature cool blue, green and yellow tones reflective of the natural seaside setting and come furnished with high-end amenities, like plush linens and rainfall shower heads. But what continually wins over guests are the scenes of Narragansett Bay and the surrounding coastline. Recent visitors say the vistas are best enjoyed from the Inn's Adirondack chairs perched on the lawn. Previous guests also rave about the delectable cuisine served at The Dining Room. The only potential drawback lies in the location. The Castle Hill Inn sits about 5 miles outside of town, so you'll need a car if you're planning lots of sightseeing. On the upside, if you are a member of Relais & Châteaux's Club 5C, you're eligible for free perks, such as complimentary room upgrades.