Where can you find one of the best places to kiss in New England? According to the Editors at Yankee Magazine, it’s The Ivy Lodge in Newport, Rhode Island.  Rhode Island Monthly voted it the Best In-State Getaway and it is a Fodor’s Choice Hotel.

The moment you cross the threshold you are in Romance Country. Leave the world behind as you are warmly welcomed by your hosts, Darlene and Daryl McKenzie. The entrance with its fireplaces, massive gothic oak staircase, richly detailed oak walls, art galleries, and Victorian antiques leads you to a sumptuously appointed room reminiscent of Newport’s enchanted Gilded Age, and a time when lavish movie sets were the norm.

“It’s very romantic and elegant, but not so formal that people feel they can’t kick back and relax,” said the innkeepers whose mission to make the Ivy Lodge a welcome retreat has been wildly successful.  “Guests rarely lock their rooms, and in an increasingly alarming world, we are an oasis,” said Darlene.

Innkeeping was a dream both shared and after attending a seminar and many inn shopping trips, the choice came down to a property on Martha’s Vineyard, or one in Newport. “All we knew about Newport at that time was the jazz festival,” said Darlene, “but we knew we couldn’t live on a true island through the winter months, and we wanted to be able to serve full breakfasts.”  They made the trip to Newport, looked around, and after considering other properties, decided to make the Ivy Lodge theirs. 

The McKenzies spent $1million over the past six years renovating The Ivy Lodge. “This was a tired inn when we bought it,” said Darlene, “and everything needed upgrading.”

The couple replaced the grey and white peeling paint exterior with Victorian era colors of lavender, green and gold. They transformed the interior, with its 70’s and 80’s décor and shared baths, into sophisticated, comfortable elegance with new wallpaper and fabrics, period furnishings, private baths, antiques and working fireplaces. The three car “sway back” garage is now an enchanting carriage house. The wrap around porch with its calming water fountain, chaise lounges and comfortable seating beckons one to read a favorite book, take a nap, or simply relax and enjoy the peacefulness of the place.
The eight opulently decorated rooms, all with modern conveniences, have their own individual charm. Guests will find them elegantly decorated, yet comfortably inviting, and when in them are taken back to a simpler time.  Each room features cable TV, air conditioning, direct-dial phone with data port. Many have VCR or DVD players, refrigerators and stereo/CD players cleverly hidden behind armoires and other period pieces. Some have fireplaces.
The spacious Turret Room is the most requested room in the Inn, and boasts a king size, four poster canopy bed fitted with fabrics of burnt silks, and a cozy fireplace to chase the chill of the cooler seasons. The bath features a double sink vanity and two-person whirlpool. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife, Maria Shriver shared this room on their visit to Newport. Folk singer Don McLean was also an Ivy Lodge guest.
Newlyweds will find the Victoria Room on the second floor the perfect bridal suite. This room,   dressed in monotone fabrics, wallpaper and blond furnishings says “romance,” with its king size bed, fireplace and two person whirlpool.
A sea captain bringing fine fabrics and furnishings home from foreign ports could have decorated the bright, spacious Yellow Room. The Cour de France queen size bed takes center stage, supported by French country prints and boasts a hand painted Bombay chest. A fireplace and bath with a one  person whirlpool tub completes this room. Guests have access to a small balcony, and in the warmer months the room is awash in the fragrance of many blooming flower boxes.
The large common room with it’s cheerful fireplace, quiet elegance and classic Victorian furnishings, is the perfect place for guests to meet at the end of the day, share their Newport adventures, or simply sink into one of the comfortable seats with a good book and favorite beverage.
After a good night’s rest it’s time to descend the staircase and enter the dining room for breakfast where Darlene brings her extensive food service skills. The huge dining table is perfect for guests who come from all over the world, to meet each other and compare notes.

“We have stations of food where guests choose from ready to toast homemade baked goods, fresh fruit and vanilla yogurt, and our own homemade granola complete with juice, coffee and tea.” Those with hearty appetites choose from a sweet or savory dish. The day we were there, Italian Strata and cranberry pancakes with sausage were on the menu. “We do fresh baked goods every day,” said Darlene adding, “today we had apricot walnut muffins.” The menu changes every day and other choices might include a breakfast burrito, baked apples, bread pudding, or tomato based cream cheese frittata.

There is much to do in “The City by the Sea,” and Daryl and Darlene are more than happy to tell guests where to find the best places to shop, dine, sail or sightsee. They know all the “hot” spots, the “cool” spots, and even share their opinion of where to find the most charming beach.

Winter in Newport has its own unique charm, and the Ivy Lodge, in conjunction with the Newport Visitor’s Center winter package program, offers several packages including romantic weekend getaways complete with in room strawberries and champagne. Passes to the mansions along with a passport book that includes visits to the museums, wineries and other attractions are also available.

The Ivy Lodge
(800) 834-6865 - (401) 849-6865
www.ivylodge.com
innkeepers@ivylodge.com