Booked for the Weekend: A Newport Book Club Getaway

Who says book club has to happen in someone’s living room? Take your next gathering to Newport, Rhode Island, where waterfront dining, historic mansions, charming bookstores, and plenty of places to catch up make for the perfect literary escape.

Whether you’re celebrating your latest read or simply looking for an excuse to get together, a Newport RI weekend getaway is a great way to turn book club into a girls weekend worth remembering.

 

Make Hammetts Hotel Your Home Base

Wondering where to stay in Newport for a girls weekend? Located in the heart of downtown Newport, Hammetts Hotel puts your group right on the waterfront, steps from the city’s best shopping, dining, and attractions.

Choose from stylish guest rooms and suites, including marina-view options overlooking Newport Harbor. Check in, settle into your room, and meet on the hotel’s waterfront deck for some reading, harbor views, and your first book club discussion. With so much within walking distance, you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying the weekend together.

 

Get Inspired: Books Set in Newport, Rhode Island

Newport’s grand mansions, coastal charm, and colorful history have inspired plenty of great stories. Before your trip, choose one of these books set in Newport, Rhode Island, or inspired by its fascinating history to get everyone in the spirit.

• The Wedding People by Alison Espach – A funny, heartfelt novel set at a luxurious Newport hotel, exploring friendship, love, and unexpected connections. A natural choice for a girls weekend.
• The Lost Summers of Newport by Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig & Karen White – A multigenerational mystery filled with family secrets, romance, and the intrigue of Newport’s Gilded Age.
• Murder at Marble House by Alyssa Maxwell – A historical whodunit set against the backdrop of Newport’s famous Marble House mansion.
• Murder at the Breakers by Alyssa Maxwell – A Gilded Age mystery that brings the Vanderbilt family’s extravagant Newport world to life.
• Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty by Anderson Cooper & Katherine Howe – A fascinating nonfiction look at the Vanderbilt family’s rise and legacy, including the extraordinary wealth and society that shaped Newport’s Gilded Age.

Pick one for the whole group or let everyone bring a different Newport-inspired read to share.

 

Explore Newport, One Chapter at a Time

Between book discussions, there’s plenty to discover in the City by the Sea.

• Step inside the story. Tour The Breakers or Marble House and explore the grand estates that inspired Newport’s Gilded Age fiction.
• Discover Newport’s literary history. Visit the Redwood Library & Athenæum, founded in 1747 and the oldest continuously operating library in its original location in America. With connections to literary figures like Edith Wharton and Henry James, it’s a fascinating stop for book lovers.
• Find your next great read. Browse Charter Books on Broadway, an independent bookstore known for its thoughtfully curated selection, local titles, and author events. It’s a must-visit among Newport RI bookstores.
• Shop the afternoon away. Wander Thames Street, Bowen’s Wharf, and Bannister’s Wharf for local boutiques, galleries, and coastal-inspired finds.
• Take the scenic route. Walk a stretch of Newport’s famous Cliff Walk or explore Ocean Drive for sweeping coastal views and a little fresh air between chapters.

Good Books, Great Food & A Night Out

Some of the best book club conversations happen over coffee, a leisurely lunch, or cocktails. With Newport’s restaurants and bars just steps from Hammetts, there’s plenty to enjoy together.

• Coffee & a quick bite. Start your morning at The Nitro Bar on Thames Street for specialty coffee, matcha, and breakfast before heading out to explore.
• Lunch on the waterfront. Settle in at The Black Pearl on Bannister’s Wharf or enjoy fresh seafood and harbor views at The Mooring.
• A casual bite. Share sourdough pizzas, salads, and cocktails at Mother Pizzeria, or head to Bar ‘Cino in Washington Square for Italian-inspired small plates, grilled pizzas, and wine.
• Dinner at Giusto. Gather around the table at Giusto, located right at Hammetts Hotel, for creative Italian-inspired dishes, shared plates, and cocktails. The perfect setting to revisit your favorite plot twists.
• Cocktails & a night out. Enjoy harborfront drinks at 22 Portside on Bowen’s Wharf during the warmer months, head to Clarke Cooke House for a classic Newport night out, or stop by Midtown Oyster Bar for a lively atmosphere.

After all, book club is just as much about the company as it is about the book.

Back at Hammetts: One More Chapter

After a day exploring Newport, head back to Hammetts for a little downtime. Find a comfortable spot on the waterfront deck, revisit your favorite moments from the book, or simply enjoy the harbor views with your favorite people.

That’s the beauty of a book club getaway in Newport. There’s plenty to see and do, but just as many opportunities to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy being together.

Book Your Newport Book Club Getaway

Gather your book club, choose your next read, and make a weekend of it. With its central waterfront location and easy access to Newport’s best restaurants, shops, and historic attractions, Hammetts Hotel is the perfect home base for your next literary escape.

Book your stay at Hammetts Hotel and turn the next chapter of your book club into a Newport weekend.