Admiral Fitzroy
Even off-season, or between high seasons, Newport, Rhode Island is a busy place filled with travelers from all over, drawn to the sailing and boating history, to say nothing of the historic mansions, great shops, restaurants, hotels and B&Bs in the town.
While each of the B&Bs looks charming and wonderful, thanks to the high level of excellence the town apparently dictates, The Admiral Fitzroy Inn at 398 Thomas Street in the heart of the waterfront area, is all that and more.
Friendliness is its first name and adjectives including perfect, beautiful, historic, unique and picturesque help fill in some of the attributes that draw people to the Admiral Fitzroy.
The home itself has a fascinating history. It was built in 1854 by Dudley Newton, a famed architect of his time, and was originally a convent for the sisters at St. Mary’s Church. At that time, it was on Spring Street, but in the late 20th century, the house was moved to Thames Street and has been a B&B ever since.
Admiral Fitzroy himself was a British officer best known for creating the first attempt as a scientific weather predictor for the safety of ships and sailors at sea. The first easy-to-use barometer that was created is in the lobby of the Inn. The officer was commander of the Beagle on Charles Darwin’s famed trip, was later Governor of New Zealand and coined the word forecast still used today.
Set back from the road on the busy main street, it’s a flight of steps up to the bright red front door, American flag blowing in the breeze, and a step inside to charm, warmth, and the cheerful smiles and warm welcome of one of the friendliest staff you could ever meet.
To the side of the main carpeted foyer are the breakfast room with its neat white tables and chairs; on the opposite side is an inviting living room with books, an old-fashioned Victrola, even a jigsaw puzzle to work on for a few minutes as well as comfortable seating for great conversations and getting to know other guests.
But it’s the beauty of the walls and furniture in the rooms that captivate you most.
Each of the 18 rooms in the B&B is hand painted, each in its own style, but all including pastel and lightly colored flowers, ribbons, bows, and cohesion with the matching quilts and pillowcases, even the chifforobes hiding the TV and refrigerator in each room. Each room is spacious, with a full separate bath and equipped with lotions, creams, shampoos and anything else you need for morning refreshing.
That isn’t all. The three-story home also has an added staircase to the roof, where there are tables, chairs, and a spectacular view of the city while enjoying a glass of wine or some quiet serenity in the evening. Or, if you prefer to have breakfast up there, simply letting staff know about that makes it happen.
Breakfast is served throughout several morning hours, and it’s a help yourself buffet that includes breads, bagels, muffins, grains, fruits, juices, eggs, and all the extras to make them all special. Once again, it’s a smiling, friendly happy-to-see-you chef standing by eager to help.
It was my Navy daughter who found this delightful piece of R&R for me. At the Naval War College on the Navy Base in town with NJROTC cadets for a training, she had stopped in to get a gift certificate for a retiring officer and was so enthralled by the place she picked up a gift certificate for me, knowing how much I would enjoy it as well.
She didn’t even tell me that Sharon, the retired Navy Chief who is one of the staff at the main desk, is also a jewelry designer, or that the Inn is within walking distance of so many museums, restaurants, and boating opportunities.
Nor did she tell me about Dawn, another front desk attendant, who goes above and beyond to let guests know how friendly the Admiral Fitzroy is.
Going out for dinner one night after a long and happy day that left me weary, I simply wanted a light supper and a glass of wine for dinner. Dawn recommended two different restaurants, both nearby.
Opting for the closest, I went in and exited quickly once I realized the noise level and crowd was more than I could handle after a busy day. Going to the next, I once again left when the tabletop where I was seated was too close to the busy bar and the lighting was so dark I couldn’t read the menu. By the time I reached my third choice, I did not think a 15-minute wait for a table for one was worth the time and headed back to the Inn.
Dawn, eager to hear how I enjoyed my dining experience, was disappointed when I said busy restaurants did not give any indication, they really cared for a single person taking up a table for two when others were waiting and it was a disappointing experience. Rather I go back to my room at the Inn for quiet relaxation, albeit without the food and drink. We said good night amid her profuse apologies for her recommendation.
Ten minutes later, when I answered a knock on my door, there stood Dawn, a huge smile on her face and a gleeful “Look what I found!” In her hands was an ice bucket chilling a bottle of chardonnay, an Admiral Fitzroy glass, and even another cup filled with ice. (The bottle isn’t chilled yet, she explained, perhaps you can put a couple of cubes in your glass for your first glass till it’s chilled) Amid my profuse thanks, Dawn simply smiled and said, “we want you to be happy.”
Pouring a glass of wine, I took the elevator to the third floor, walked up the final flight of steps and sat on that magnificent rooftop under a nearly full moon, enjoying not only the serenity of the night, the beauty of Newport, but most important, the thoughtfulness and generosity the Admiral Fitzroy Inn.
