The Wayfinder

"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? Beaches, sailboats, a quaint downtown, and historic mansions—Newport, Rhode Island, is a quintessential New England town with Gilded Age pedigree. And many of its hotels are designed to match that persona, from cozy Victorian-era B&Bs to classic Shingle-style resorts. While Newport has continued growing with the times—there are several sleek boutique hotels in town now—its one untapped market is the more casual, youthful traveler. That is, until the Wayfinder opened in July 2020. With a Scandinavian-meets-midcentury-meets-coastal-cool aesthetic (think pastel color-blocking, retro light fixtures, and rattan furniture), the hotel fits in with other en vogue millennial-focused hospitality hotspots in the Northeast, like New York City’s The Rockaway Hotel and upstate New York’s Scribner’s Catskill Lodge. What's the backstory? The Wayfinder is a project by hospitality firm Dovetail + Co., founded by hotelier and developer Phil Hospod—the company’s first project was a collaboration with Urban Cowboy on the acclaimed Urban Cowboy Lodge. For the Wayfinder, Hospod tapped design agency Reunion Goods & Services to transform an old, generic hotel into a funky lifestyle spot driven by local talent, from artists to bartenders. Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book? There are 197 rooms that range from standard kings to two-bedroom suites, accommodating all types of travelers. Quite a few have outdoor spaces and kitchenettes, too. The rooms’ layouts might recall those of the rooms in nondescript chain hotels—remember, this is a renovated property—but their decor is anything but unremarkable. There’s wainscoting, plush textiles, and works by local artists that create homey beach-chic vibes. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Nope, it’s free. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? The Wayfinder excels at F&B: the on-site restaurant and bar Nomi Park is run by Anna Burnley, Tyler Burnley, and Chad Hoffer of the local Mission Group, which is responsible for popular Newport restaurants Thames Street Kitchen (TSK), Mission, and Winner Winner. Nomi Park serves elevated American classics all day (don’t miss the burger!), and the kitchen also handles room service and poolside dining. For a quick grab-and-go option, the hotel has a coffee counter that sells snacks and light bites. And the service? You won’t get white-glove service here as you might at other Newport hotels, but that’s exactly the point. The staff is far more casual, but equally as helpful and kind. What type of travelers will you find here? Given the Wayfinder’s more laid-back attitude, it’s hardly surprising that its guests are fun-seeking couples, friends, and young families—many of whom have brought their four-legged pals with them (yes, the hotel is dog-friendly!). There’s also quite a bit of event space here, so don’t be surprised if you run into a wedding party during your stay. Is there anything you'd change? The location. The Wayfinder is not within walking distance of Newport’s boutiques and restaurants, so having a car is a must. On the plus side, all of Newport’s main sights are within a 15-minute drive, and there’s ample parking at the hotel. There also aren’t any views to speak of—the hotel is inland, not on the waterfront, and the rooms overlook either the parking lot or a tree-lined backstreet. The Wayfinder’s location is not a dealbreaker, but it’s definitely something to keep in mind when booking. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? With a more favorable price point and a more casual atmosphere than its neighbors, the Wayfinder is the place to stay if you’re looking for an affordable, personality-driven, and Insta-friendly hotel in Newport." - Stefanie Waldek