Gardiner House

I will start with the pros- great location, incredible decor, very clean and the rooftop bar was lovely. Unfortunately, they just don’t seem to know what they want to be- it most certainly isn’t a high-end boutique hotel. I wrote to the “concierge” a few days prior to our visit and it was clear based on their answers - that there was no expectation they would help with anything ahead of time. While the young woman at the front desk was very kind, she told us there was no one who could help us with our bags when we arrived. I asked for a tour and there were basically 3 empty gorgeous rooms and sadly, no outdoor lounging space even though the views are amazing. It is frankly not a full service hotel- it seems like you are on your own from the moment you arrive. We had a large “family” room which was outfitted very nicely, but for almost $1000 a night this was not the level of service we would have expected. They very much need to reassess the flow of the hotel and the “form follows function” rules of spaces - just not very well thought out to have an enormous waterfront -event-room lay empty all but Saturday night. The decor lends itself to be a potential luxury destination, but it is basically a gussied up 3 star hotel.

I would save your money and visit one of the other wonderful hotels Newport, RI has to offer, including The Vanderbilt, Hammetts and the Newport Marriott. I won't go into detail about how AWFUL the service was here, but just know that you do not get what you paid for. Additionally, do not expect to be able to stay on-site as a bride and groom if there is another bride and groom because apparently that is a conflict of interest. Overall, will never stay at this hotel again and will never ever attempt to use them for an event.

Expensive ,small portions, not ready for Prime time is how I would describe Flora at Gardiner house. Nice space, great view etc. As a Dutchman eating and paying for Dover Sole often $ 98 is a bit rich It not having the head on suggests frozen, I did not order it. Nice enough waitress did not know how to open a bottle of wine correctly and kept telling us to order entrees so she could put in the order .. we (3) ended up with 8 appetizer and 1 entree $ 266.- Including a mediocre Tuscan red ($78) from the non existing wine list ,5 red wines to choose from, no vintages from a 8x11 sheet of paper. When I inquired about a winelist I was told " that is it " Steak tartar ($22) was a 6oz round of fresh meat nicely seasoned but ground too fine. Croguetas (3 for $18) nice but at that price I expect more. Sardines (2 for $18) were previously frozen and therefore mushy. Mgr came to meet with his friends at 2 tables, did not pay any attention to other guests and or inquired about quality and or service with anyone else I know it's new, I know there is still some issues with staff but if you think you can charge these prices you need to have some professionals working, a decent winelist etc.

Considering the cost of the room, the expectations of this alleged 5 star hotel were decidedly NOT met. Five stars it is not! The first underwhelming impressions start with the reception which is a cupboard-like space staffed with unexperienced persons. After the check-in, you basically are on your own, kiddo (!), no one in sight, no room service, not even a hotel telephone. As we experienced problems with the air-conditioning impossible to control, television with no connection, shower gel empty, etc., we had to wait the next day to point out the problems which were given no to scant attention when voiced to the rare staff member. Thanks to the faulty air conditioning which was never addressed, came back home with a cold! Not a pleasant experience at all. First and last time.