Vacation rental in Newport, RI?

[turketron]

One of my best friends is getting married this coming June in Newport, RI. I haven't traveled out east much but from what I can tell Newport is a pretty ritzy place so we're attempting to make this as affordable as possible. They've blocked off rooms in a couple hotels that we could book, but we're also considering renting a house that could fit 7 of us.

I started looking on Airbnb and the prices are all over the place- anywhere from $400 to $1500 per day! Are there other trustworthy sites to book these types of rentals? Does anyone have any experience vacationing in this area who could  give us any advice on how to do this without breaking the bank? On a map the area looks pretty condensed, so would it be feasible to rent a place farther out from Newport itself and drive in?

[Cassie]

We just came home from Boston & Newport is 90 minutes away in horrible traffic.  Newport is really awesome. I would try to stay there or you will spend a ton of time driving.

[McStache]

Try VRBO.  The surrounding towns are also quite nice (Portsmouth, Middletown, Bristol, Tiverton) if you are willing to drive a little.

[bear88]

I used to drill at Naval Station Newport. If you are military you can stay on base for cheap. The Mainstay Hotel and Conference Center is a pretty gross hotel, but the Courtyard Newport Middletown is nice. Traffic during the summertime can be crazy, especially crossing the bridge so I would try to book something in town.

[Rural]

I went to a conference there in the summer years ago (more than ten years, maybe closer to twenty), but at that time a college in the area rented dorm rooms in the summer. I don't remember  which college, but it was in Newport proper. Cost was much lower than hotels. That was a long time ago and may have been a special deal since the conference was at the college, but it's worth looking into.

[Johnny Aloha]

I have spent a lot of time in Newport.  I have had good success using AirBNB, but also try craigslist.

Book early -- like now.  Newport will be hard to find an affordable place, but Jamestown or Middletown could provide some good options.

Have fun, it's a beautiful place!

[FLBiker]

Another recommendation for Tiverton or Middleton.  My cousin got married in Tiverton last year, and another is getting married in May next year in Newport.  We're staying in Middleton.

[oldfierm]

Another recommendation for Tiverton or Middleton.  My cousin got married in Tiverton last year, and another is getting married in May next year in Newport.  We're staying in Middleton.

Yup - I lived in Newport for about a year - Middletown and Newport are basically the same town, if it weren't for the sign, you wouldn't know when you've crossed from one to the other.  The other small towns nearby (Tiverton, Jamestown, Warwick, Greenwich) would work with a drive.  If you are looking to have an easy, relaxing time, though, stay where you don't have to drive over the bridge (I think it's called Pell?) to get to the wedding.  The traffic coming into the island from that direction can be BAD during the summer. 

I wish you luck - I had a reunion of sorts with friends there in June of this year.  We stayed in the absolute cheapest hotel/B&B in Newport (on Spring St) and it was still about $300 a night. 

[FLBiker]

Another idea -- get some hotel points.  I got 80000 as a sign-up bonus for an IHG card, and am using points for a reservation in Middleton for the wedding (I think it's a Holiday Inn).  You've got time to do this for June, but maybe the reward room availability will dry up.