I drove into Newport, Rhode Island, just as the sun was setting over the sleepy little summer town. It’s not quite summer, yet, which means Newport is still waking from its winter hibernation. As I made way over the bridge to Goat Island, I pulled over to catch a glimpse of the sky’s colors before it faded to black. Standing next to a few dozen fisherman – all eager to get their catch for the next day – I counted slowly as the colors meshed and the sun faded behind the horizon.
3…2…1… and it was night.
Sunset over Newport, RI
The fisherman packed up their tackle and bait, closed up their ice canisters that contained any catch from their day, and packed up their cars. After a few more shots of the lit-up Pell Bridge (which can easily be mistaken for San Francisco’s Bay Bridge on a foggy day), I got back into my car and headed to the hotel, a short drive over the foot bridge that connected Goat Island to Newport.
The Hyatt Regency in Newport was home for the next 24 hours. A fixture in the Newport landscape, the hotel is also the only lodging on Goat Island making it a perfect getaway for those needing a little privacy but still wanting all of Newport’s boutiques, restaurants and beachside activities at their fingertips.
Gold Army boot serves as the centerpiece for tables at the Army Ball
The Army Ball was taking place at the Hyatt. Men in full military uniforms walked proudly around the hotel grounds, and I silently wished them a prayer of peace. I walked past the two separate weddings taking place in the hotel, but not before stopping to watch the couples sway to the crooning of Frank Sinatra classics, and kids lining up to learn The Hustle. The summer fling from a lifetime ago forced itself to the top of my mind only this time, I was reminded of how far I’ve come, instead of wondering how long we would have before the reality of Monday morning arrived.
I checked into my room in the Captain’s Quarters and immediately went for the balcony doors to let some of the ocean air into the nautical-themed hotel room. Room 3314 was room was far from stale – the king bed was placed ceremoniously in the middle of the room, flanked by a sofa and table, desk and chair, walk-in closet and full bathroom with his and her sinks (I only used the ‘her’ sink on this trip). Turn-down service had already come, which meant chocolates on my fluffed pillows (the perfect way to fall asleep). I uncorked a bottle of Cabernet, poured myself a glass and took a seat out on the private balcony that overlooked Newport’s waterfront. The Pell Bridge was lit in the background and for the first time since Australia, I was in a location far enough from the bright lights of the city see stars.
It was unseasonably cold in Newport but it didn’t matter – there was a big bed, warm blankets and a full bottle of wine to keep me warm. The next day was full of business meetings, arranged dinners and hotel tours, but tonight was all about me. I went inside, drew the blackout shades over the balcony door but kept the door open just slightly so I could hear the sound of the waves as I fell asleep.
Tomorrow I’d tackle the pros and cons of the hospitality industry. Tonight, I needed a good night’s sleep.
Read my full hotel review of the Hyatt Regency Newport on Gadling.com
The Lighthouse at Newport bay
