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Newport’s New Hot Spot Hammetts Hotel

Text by | Texto por BENJAMIN-ÉMILE LE HAY

Images courtesy of | Fotos cortesía del HAMMETTS HOTEL Last autumn, I had the opportunity to pop into the 2021 Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup in tony Newport, Rhode Island. The legendary Swiss watch manufacturer is known for throwing some of the chicest regatta events around the world: The 2021 Invitational did not disappoint as it was brimming with the jet set and world-class sailors. Nineteen yacht crews from nine countries competed intensely in and around Narragansett Bay, until Saturday, September 18, when America’s Southern Yacht Club overtook the British, team, Royal Thames Yacht Club for an impressive win. In addition, the title sponsor, Helly Hansen and the new Hammetts Hotel served as sponsors of the four-day affair, which saw us take in all the excitement courtesy of Main Street Hospitality. The upscale yet folksy and smart Stockbridge, Massachusetts-based, boutique hotel owner/operator group, has been led by Founder and CEO, Sarah Eustis, for over a decade. I can’t get enough of the brand’s signature Berkshire magic and the coziness that guests can find at such gems as The Red Lion Inn and The Porches Inn at MASS MoCA. Still, this was my first press trip in person since the pandemic and I was both hesitant and curious. When it finally opened in June of 2020, during the pandemic, the 84-room hotel was just about an instant hit for Main Street Hospitality. “It’s a hot spot!” wrote the publicist for the property, who could barely fit me in during one of their busiest weekends.

Newport can be fussy or even exhausting, but somehow, the Hammetts Hotel navigates the very best of Newport with easy access to everything in center of town. We prioritized Aquidneck Island; opting to avoid Rhode Island traffic with closer excursions to First Beach; to explore Fort Adams and Cliff Walk; culminating in a cruise on Ocean Drive to marvel at the palatial homes, before heading back to dinner. Take your time to indulge in Giusto by chef/owner Kevin O’Donnell. Its fun and delicious “Freestyle Italian” cuisine is the standout of the hotel. There’s squid ink ragù and ravioli with fresh corn purée, black mission figs, prosciutto and chanterelle mushrooms; a surprisingly yummy Coppa di Testa with homemade picked vegetables, and fantastic Italian wines. Giusto has resonated with guests and locals alike who enjoy its semi-open kitchen and an outdoor bar. DiLeonardo, the local world-renowned design firm at the helm of the project, incorporated gorgeous wood, accents of iron, brick, wainscoting, nickel, and splashes of navy, giving life to upscale, yet uncomplicated interiors that evoke nautical influences. You can opt for a west end-side, Marina King room, which are cozy but sufficient and, fortuitously, these rooms face the Newport Yachting Center marina. The main event of our stay was always Newport Harbor so we could sip, observe, relax in the sun, and enjoy the scene. We felt little need to leave the hotel. The design and architecture firms involved took the COVID-19 reality and made it an asset by crafting exceptionally tasteful seating and public spaces that underscore social distancing and are inviting. A historical site, the wharf space has gone dozens of iterations: from industrial to commercial and performance venue to parking lot. Multiple community members’ perspectives came to light and the hospitality project ruffled some feathers. To that end, Hammetts Hotel has made an honest effort to democratize The Wharf at Hammetts as it is now called. Notable public spaces in a hotel include a lobby lounge with floorto-ceiling windows (a guest lounge also exists), two meeting rooms, a fitness center and a 9,000-square-foot deck. “The hotel is built as a hub of experiences,” Randi Milewski, the General Manager of Hammett’s Hotel, said, who suggested that we also check out the art at the property’s Sarah Langley gallery. “Since Hammetts opening in 2020, we’ve been extremely proud of not only the property’s success,” added the CEO, “But how it has been a powerful creator of meaningful connections for visitors and the community in a genuine way.” How very right she is.

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https://www.hammettshotel.com https://giustonewport.com