Best kept secret in Newport. My hubs booked a stay in the Innkeepers room for my birthday. It was absolutely stellar. The captain of the boat that ferried us over was kind and knowledgeable. Once on the island, he toured us around. The room we stayed in had a kitchen and private bathroom. We woke up with a birds eye view of the bay, amazing experience. You can climb up into the lighthouse and have a postcard worthy photo. Don't forget to bring food and drinks, there is nothing else on the island. Be cautious of the seagulls, they are aggressive and protecting their babies. Can't wait to go back! read more

Awful experience with policy and staff. Wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. Also think it's terrible that during an extreme heat wave they wouldn't honor the fact that nobody can comfortably and safely stay in such a place with no a/c. I understand it's historic but they need some upgrades and install a few mini splits. read more

Dating back to the 1860s. Although decommissioned now do to the newport bridge this is about as historic of a lighthouse as you can get. A must aee if you're in Newport area. read more

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Perfection. Stayed one night in the Foghorn Room (no electricity so be prepared). Quiet, peaceful, friendly knowledgeable staff. Zero complaints. read more

Coolest thing we've ever done! Stayed in the fog horn room. Fantastic view of the bay, ships, bridge. Beach is natural, lots of shells and beach glass. The staff are very helpful. Private ferry shuttle. Nice museum. They also have games, flashlights, lighters, umbrellas etc in case you forgot anything. Think camping but way more unique! Highly recommend! read more

A lighthouse to work and not just look Rose Island Lighthouse was completed in 1870 and was built on the remains of old Fort Hamilton. Rose Island lays about half way between Jamestown and Newport and the light was abandoned around 1971 when the Newport Bridge made it redundant. It laid decaying until a group of dedicated individuals decided to not only restore it but actually turn it into a bed and breakfast. The light was relit in 1993 and has stayed on since. It now looks like it did in 1912 but it is definitely not your traditional B&B. You can stay there overnight or for a week but not as a guest but as an actually lighthouse keeper, with work and responsibilities. Lots of little chores and items that require your attention and although there are plenty of people around during the summer months if you choose to stay during the winter it is possible you will be totally isolated on the island. Rose island is about 18 acres but the nesting and quite aggressive birds take it over during the summer, so until Aug. 15 you are restricted to a small part of the island. I have seen not only the ubiquitous gulls, but egrets, herons, pterodactyl like ibex and even rare oyster catchers. No electricity reaches the island so solar panels and a wind turbine makes it self sufficient. Water is precious and people are encouraged to use the outside bathrooms. No simple push, you have to pump the toilet to get it to flush, just like in the good old days. People are allowed on the island for shorter visits and it can be reached either by kayak or the Jamestown Ferry. They usually charge 4 or 5 dollars to get in but it is easily worth the price to see the inside of the lovingly restored old building. There is even a small gift shop to buy cool shirts, books or trinkets. If you like lighthouses, it doesn't get any cooler than this. You don't only get to see the lighthouse, you can go in it and even live in it for a short time. Where else would people actually pay to do work? This is an absolutely unique and unforgettable experience. I've included a link to the foundation. http://www.roseislandlighthouse.org/ read more

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During our latest visit to Newport, Rhode Island, I heard about this lighthouse. Who doesn't like lighthouses! They are just so cool! I could see the Rose Island Lighthouse in the distance from our cruise ship. What makes this lighthouse unique is that you can sleep here. You have to work though. There are three programs available. Check out their website for details. We would love to stay here and enjoy the experience. It would be awesome to do some lighthouse keeping and have a vacation at the same time! read more

Rose island Lighthouse - Rose Island Lighthouse in the distance! - Local Flavor Near Me - Newport, Rhode Island

Rose Island Lighthouse. After passing it so many times while going over the Newport bridge, what a pleasant surprise it was to see that you could actually visit this place! But wait, it gets better: not only can you visit it, BUT YOU CAN STAY OVERNIGHT! For those of you who love the nostalgia and feeling of lighthouses (or for those of you who have loved ones who feel that way), this is a perfect getaway. Making a reservation online was actually pretty easy if you went on their website. They also seem to have gift certificate options that seem to include the whole package of: the room reservation, parking pass, and boat ride to Rose Island. I suppose you could always fine some other parking spot near the Jamestown/Newport ferry and get to the island that way, but then you miss out on meeting Chris (the lobster boat captain that ferries you to and from Rose Island and also the property manager of the Rose Island Lighthouse!). Mr. Chris is a very funny and very friendly guy. He kept us updated on our pickup via phone and plucked us up from the Ft. Adams dock in Newport. About 15-20 minutes later, we arrived at Rose Island (this is when my boyfriend finally realized that yes, we were staying overnight at this lighthouse--it was a surprise for him). Chris took us around the island on a little tour and history lesson regarding the usage of this little spit of land from pre-colonial times to now. We also got the run-down on things like their rain-water solar shower and the hand-pump toilets. Super cool! Once the history lesson was over, it was time to explore the island. There's a lot to do between the free kayaks, the grills, the beautiful views, and of course, exploring everything in the lighthouse. We loved being able to play with the old Victrola and foot-pedal organ. Even more, we loved being able to climb up and just stand at the top of the lighthouse. The view is just too gorgeous for words so I'll be sure to post up some photos. There were a few other families/couples staying in the various rooms around the island and everyone was super nice and we all enjoyed the peacefulness and beauty of this island together. Important things to note if you ever decide to stay: 1) Treat it like a bit of a fancy camping trip. Everything you bring on the island, you take off. There's no trash service here. 2) You bring your own food and there is a grill as well as a small gas stove for you to prepare it. (I'd highly recommend getting some take-out/chowder/stuffies from Anthony's Seafood--it keeps and heats up really well!) 3) Water conservation is very important here because all their running water comes from gathered rainwater. 4) They do provide you with drinking water. Overall, we had a magical time staying at the Rose Island Lighthouse. We're definitely going to be going back again--and hopefully this next time we can try out the Lightkeeper for a Week program! PS: in the summer time, this might be your cheapest stay in Newport that's right on the bay. Amazing deal for a gorgeous view. read more

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I was surprised with a night stay at this place. This old historic lighthouse had been left to perish many years ago. However, today it is still beaconing in the middle of Newport Bay thanks to a group of people that lovingly restored it. You can be part of a fantastic experience by either visiting the lighthouse or being the lighthouse keeper for a night, a week, etc. RECOMMEND this place very highly...breathtaking sunsets and beautiful views of the Newport Bridge are part of the charm of this place...and since it is a live museum you can touch everything without fear...no one will tell you not to touch the items on display. read more

I have stayed out at the Rose Island Lighthouse many, many times - always in the lighthouse keepers quarters and with one exception I stayed in the winter months. The peace and solitude were exceptional and in the winter I had the island to myself. The one exception was a stay in the fall and there were 2 families and, well, it was noisy. Recently the Rose Island foundation has raised the rates to the point that it doesn't make sense. There is the cost of the accommodations, the transport fee to and from the island on the starfish (boat), a car parking fee, and about 2 years ago they tacked on a $50 house cleaning fee. If memory serves me correctly the total cost was $375 a night for one person. The foundation has done a wonderful job restoring the building and recently they added more and more accommodations (in the stone building where the navy used to build the torpedoes in the early 1900's). Unfortunately It has become too expensive and too crowded and I would not recommend it. read more

The first time we heard about the history of the island and got a chance to stay there and actually see some of the old ruins that are still there, we knew that we had to return. That was many years ago and we have stayed there many times since then. It is so enjoyable to sit in a chair and watch the world go by as a gentle breeze flows across the island. Chris is such a workhorse and I don't know what the foundation would do without him. He transports people to the island, brings supplies for the upkeep of the facilities, and fixes items that need repairing. Sometimes communication with the office is a little bit sketchy, but it is our favorite place to visit each summer and we look forward to many more enjoyable stays there! read more

Being a lighthouse enthusiast I had to see this Gem upfront. After tracking down Chris on his boat, who is super nice, laid back and just the kinda of guy you would want to meet. Took my family out to see this amazing site. Then did I find out you can SPEND THE NIGHT!! The island is perfect, the house was super sweet. The thought and care that goes into this lighthouse is amazing. Well Done! Can't wait to spend the night! - Thanks Chris! read more