Seamen’s Church Institute of Newport

It’s a wonderful place and I have supported it for a number of years. Unfortunately it is of limited value to visiting sailors because of its short hours. Whoever heard of a tourist attraction in a hot spot like Newport closing at 2:30 in the afternoon!

There are several reasons why I gave this place 5 stars.
First – it gives to the community. If you need a place to be, a shower, a warming center, a comfortable chair, a puzzle, a place to meditate or pray, this is a good place. In a town that can be pretentious, expensive, and cold the Seaman’s Church institute provides a safe, inexpensive place.
Second, there is really beauty in the building-​take a look around. Go upstairs.
Third, every person I have met who has working there has been really pleasant and kind (I have been in a few times).
And finally, the clam chowder is yummy! Really! Better than most places I have had it on island.
So go here and go often!!!

Best kept secret in Newport! Newly renovated, this ‘inn’ is in the heart of Newport for a very reasonable price. Sure, there are shared baths for a dozen or so rooms but never had to wait more than 5 minutes. Besides, any other B&B in New England there is a shared bath. It is walking distance to anything downtown Newport!
The staff are very accommodating. The restaurant is convenient and affordable with breakfast pricing out at $ 3 – 7. Take that Starbucks!
As a wheelchair user, the accessibility is refreshing. I travel a lot and am always leary of the term ‘accessible’ room. But the Seamen’s did a great job on renovations. From the lever door handles to the roll-​in shower, they truly thought out accessibility for people with mobility impairments, plus working within the restrictions of a historical building.
If you want ‘high end’ go and spend the money at the lavish hotels downtown. If you want clean, friendly, basics at an affordable price, check out this place.

First, I’ll say that the staff here was very friendly and attentive. That’s worth something, but doesn’t outweigh the rest…
The Seaman’s Church Institute provides housing for sailors and other workers who cannot afford a bed elsewhere. That’s all fine and good. The problem is that they also advertise themselves as an inn and charge $ 158 per night for those who do not qualify for the subsidized rate. And they do not fully disclose the lodging details:
Our room was clean, but it didn’t have a bathroom. Instead, the 7+ rooms at the inn shared two bathrooms/​showers — one of which was not easily locked and thus I had someone using the bathroom while I took a shower. The staff retires around 5PM so, forget about a wake-​up call, etc. If there’s an emergency, they give you the cook’s mobile #. Parking is also ¼ mile away.
Sure, this place has a good mission, great location (right on the wharf), and is clean. But we felt taken advantage of with such a steep price given what we got. Would have much rather spent an extra $ 50 to have some privacy and not share my shower with a stranger.