Our Story
A Welcoming Port
Like Nothing Else On The Newport Waterfront
Born of the desire to forge the working history of the wharf into the very pulse of Newport, we’re part of the fabric of this community. Our aim is to be a welcoming port for visitors, as well as Rhode Island locals; always giving as good as we get.
This Ground Has Stories
Long before Hammetts was a hotel, this stretch of Commercial Wharf was Newport doing what Newport does: working. Ice houses, coal yards, fishing operations, and boatyards lined the waterfront as the city’s maritime economy expanded — all while Gilded Age estates rose along the coast in striking contrast to the grit just below.
The 20th century brought new energy. The America’s Cup, the Newport Jazz and Folk Festivals, JFK’s wedding — the city stepped into the national spotlight, and the waterfront evolved with it, shifting from industry to destination. Hammetts Wharf has been a cargo depot, lumberyard, tea house, concert venue, ice rink, and parking lot. Its latest chapter is this one.
Hammetts Hotel opened in 2020 rooted in the fabric of the waterfront and open to everyone who loves it.
Hammett's Bell
Bells have long held significance in maritime history — marking the arrival of notable guests, setting the rhythm of daily life at sea, and cutting through fog as a warning signal. It felt like the right thing to have one out front.
Cast in 1872 at the Buckeye Bell Foundry in Cincinnati, ours still holds its original clapper. We ring it only on special occasions. Our neighbors need their beauty sleep.
Art at Hammetts
Art is an essential part of what we’re all about. We’ve carefully curated work from artists with strong Newport ties that grace our rooms and public spaces. A balance of beauty and grit, these pieces capture and celebrate the true spirit of Newport.
Sarah Langley Gallery
Explore seasonal exhibitions by artists from around the world with ties to Newport.
Permanent Collection
Discover work by artists with strong Newport ties, thoughtfully placed throughout the hotel’s rooms and public spaces.
A little something for you
Whether you’re a returning guest, a local, or someone discovering Newport for the first time, we’ve put together a few ways to make your stay even sweeter.