The Chanler at Cliff Walk — Hotel in Newport

Update: It’s just gotten even worse. After enjoying this hotel, having friends have their weddings here and being a regular in even in the winter season, it saddens me to write this new and updated review. Please note: The valets and Kevin the bartender are the only people here to remain offering service with grace and courtesy. That shared, here’s what one should now know — especially locals like me who dine and drink here regularly but I can assure - likely no more. The service manager, staff, and servers are rude. They have zero social skills, are snobby and have no interest in providing good service as much as they do maintaining their well groomed hair, makeup and fashions. The management has increased some prices and changed the way things have been done - either because their business before was lacking, their costs have risen or they’re still trying to pay for the renovations of the bar and new dining room addition. Unfortunately, this is extremely noticeable and while one doesn’t like price increases, once can accept them IF and only if the quality remains: It does not. The food is currently average and there are many other ocean side places to dine at. Probably the most concerning thing is the deceitful , lying wait staff and manager who told me (after I had just visited the day before on the lawn and have for years with our service dog) that dogs were not allowed on the lawn. What made things even more disgusting was that when I challenged this they said, oh it’s a service dog ok, and took our order for drinks. We seated in the lawn, and waited thirty minutes for drinks. Soon it became clear to us and the other families that the staff had lied, and had no intention of serving us. Thirty minutes later, a brunette who has a heavy accent from god knows where insisted it was a policy and had been for years. I laughed and showed her pictures is us on the lawn the day before. I also pointed out that our well behaved dog, wasn’t barking, was a service animal and that it was not only illegal but incomprehensible that she was insisting on enforcing a rule that to my knowledge as a customer for over five years and attendee of various events knew damn well to be the case. We will not return unless they change the staff, and their dog policy. We can easily visit and dine at their competitors outdoors! And certainly, won’t be recommending our friends have their kids weddings here in the future. What an absolute shame.

Old: i absolutely love the sophistication, menu and bar options. The service is impeccable and I find the staff to be warm, welcoming and very sincere. As locals we strive to support businesses in both their high and low season. But I had to rate this establishment at a three overall because I was sorely disappointed multiple times when calling ahead to find out if lawn service and bar was open — the man who answered the phone and catered to my question was distant, cold and rude. He made me feel as if I were a second class citizen for not being a hotel guest and was rude explaining that service outside on the lawn was reserved for guests — I’ve never been turned away there so found this incredibly rude. It was a disappointment for the 4 friends we had visiting. L Instead we went to another cliff side restaurant and spent over 700$ dining. In summers, While the Chanler is only 4 blocks from our home and we’ve had multiple friends stay there - and it’s always been our first local choice for a cocktail and respite from the business of life, I am not sure how long I will frequent it if ever again. The welcoming nature to residents needs to be improved - and at a minimum the man answering their phones should be schooled with some manners. And there’s one thing Newport is y short of - fine dining and views! There are many other fine dining and drinking establishments to enjoy with outstanding views. This isn’t the only game in town.

It’s a shame though - until Yesterdays phone call I always felt welcome and special ~ whether I had a hotel...

A Love Letter and a Lament: Reflections on The Chanler

For the past 15 years, The Chanler has held an irreplaceable place in my heart. My husband and I were married here on June 30, 2012, and we’ve returned every year since to celebrate, to dine, to simply soak in the beauty and grace that once defined this magical place. Every visit has felt like coming home—because of the unwaveringly exceptional service, the old-world charm, and the elegance that evoked a Newport of another era. The staff has always been warm, intuitive, and consistent—never once have we felt anything but cherished as guests. That standard of hospitality remains the heartbeat of The Chanler, and for that, I remain immensely grateful.

But this year was different.

When I walked into the newly redecorated bar and dining room, I felt like I had been dumped by someone I loved—over a text message. I was stunned. Heartbroken. I had no words, only tears.

The redesign, mainly incorporating Sarah Sherman Samuel’s collaboration with Lulu and Georgia, may shine in a showroom or a curated Instagram post, but it feels deeply out of place here. I say this as someone who admires SSS and even owns pieces from her collection (I adore her tiger grass cloth wallpaper in my own home). But The Chanler is not the place for ripple accent chairs or stark modern minimalism. Once a haven of rich textures, original artwork, and timeless chesterfield leather—each element a quiet nod to the grandeur and history of Newport—the space now feels disjointed, confused. It’s modern versus old money in a way that clashes, rather than converses.

The Chanler used to transport you. It had a soul—a romantic, storied atmosphere that made you feel as if you were stepping into a time when elegance wasn’t trendy, it was lived. Now, the aesthetic speaks more to trend cycles than timelessness. It's Newport trying to be West Hollywood. And no one comes to Newport for new money.

I understand the desire to evolve, to stay current. But evolution should not come at the cost of identity. What once felt bespoke now feels curated for an audience that may not fully understand what The Chanler once was—and still could be. Please, let this be a pause—a chance to reflect. Take the decor to your own home, your next project, your next boutique hotel. But bring back the soul. Bring back the warmth. Bring back The Chanler.

We’ll keep coming back because love is patient, and love remembers. But I hope with all my heart that one day soon, I’ll walk through those doors and feel like I’ve...

My wife and I just stayed here for our first trip away from our daughters. The entire trip was amazing. The estate and rooms were exceptional with every detail thought of. The restaurant was amazing and the food was some of the best we have had. But what made it such a wonderful experience was the staff and service. Craig picked us up at the airport and was kind, funny and patient. Making it a fun trip into the Chanler. Plus he knows his history of the Island so we got to see and learn a lot on the way in and the way out. Paige greeted and helped us get into our room and throughout our stay. She understands how to create a luxury experience for guests. My wife and I constantly felt like we were the most important people there. A very humbling and wonderful feeling. We ate at Cara our first night, where chef Jacob made quite literally the best dining experience we have ever had. It could not have been done though without Andrew serving us. It was interactive and legitimately some of the most creative and best tasting plates I've ever had. We also ate at the cafe and were served by Clara who was so sweet and kind to us. Making the delicious meals even better by amazing service. Also a big thank you to everyone who constantly greeted and served us throughout our stay. Although we did not get to know all of their names, they made our stay incredible none the less. Everytime we left our room, they cleaned up and left us some surprise, that had us feeling so special. The best part is that all of this customer service felt genuine. They really do aim to serve and please. They care greatly and it shows. We are so grateful to have spent a few days there and you should definitely book a stay and experience this for yourself. There is so much to do around town and the front desk will even help you by suggesting or even setting things up for you to do. Making a stay at the Chanler plug and play for around...