Stay.

Looking for a quant inn, don’t overlook the Beech Tree Inn.  A short walk to the town, this charming Victorian offers spacious rooms, private baths and a famous morning breakfast.  The blueberry pancakes won’t disappoint.  If yon don’t want to break the bank – this spot is for you!

If an inn isn’t your style, opt for the more modern Hyatt Regency Newport located on Goat Island.  The Hyatt has a nice gym, outdoor pool overlooking the water, and offers a lovely and generous breakfast.  It is a short walk into the center of town and the hotel provides shuttle service to and from.    

If the weekend is about feeling like a Vanderbilt, check out Oceancliff Hotel.  Its spectacular ocean views are unforgettable.  Another luxurious spot is the Castle Hill Inn & Resort.  This hotel, named in Travel & Leisure’s Top 500 Hotels in the World, is Relais and Chateaux awarded and is perfect for a truly luxurious get away.

Play.

Most visit Newport to play like the rich and famous.  This means visiting the mansions and soaking in the opulence.  If you’re short on time and can’t visit them all, be sure to stop at the Breakers, Rosecliff and the Marble House.  You can get tickets for mansion tours here.

In addition to the mansion visits, take a stroll down the famous Cliff Walk and drive along Ocean Drive. 

 Both include breathtaking views you don’t want to miss!  You can also rent a trike or a scooter and take an adventurous tour.  This website offers good information on the different types of vehicles available.

Eat.

In Newport you find a wide array of cuisine that will suit any pallet.

 Chowder is a must when visiting New England’s coast and in Newport you will find some of the best!  Black Pearl Restaurant and the Cooke House are just two spots that will hit the spot. 

 Fluke offers outstanding small American plates and has something for every diner.  If you are looking for a different menu, Fluke is a great place to share outstanding meals. 

 If you feel like a small bite before walking the scenic Cliff walk, Spiced Pearat the Chanler Hotel is perfect.  It has beautiful views and is CitySaheli’s top choice for lunch.  Opt to sit on the terrace where you overlook the beach, ocean and green hillside.

 A girl’s trip isn’t complete without the perfect girl’s brunch.  Brunch at the Castle Hill Inn and Resort won’t disappoint.  After enjoying a delicious meal, walk around the stunning grounds to chat and take in the views.  You will see beautiful boats sailing into Newport. 

Castle Hill is the quintessential place to spend hours, so plan ahead for a long lazy brunch.  You won’t want to leave.

Last but not least, Del’s Lemonade is a signature of Rhode Island. You will see Del’s trucks all over, do make sure to complete your trip by trying this refreshing lemonade!

Stay.

Gansevoort South:  The Gansevoort South is even better the hotel’s New York location.  The rooms are very large and have sleek décor.  It feels like a home away from home.  With a David Barton gym and spa, rooftop pool and Philippe under one roof, the Gansevoort is a one stop destination. 

W Hotel:  Recently opened in July 2009, this hotel boasts a brand new interior and exterior.  Bliss Spa is set to open Winter of 2009. 

The Mondrian:  Located in Downtown (about a 15 minute cab ride to South Beach) this area is the up and coming destination for going out.  The hotel is decorated impeccably and exudes stylish luxury. 

The Standard:   If you want to yoga and party, the Standard is the place for you.  Located in Miami Beach but off the South Beach strip, this hotel feels like a getaway with the South Beach nightlife only a cab ride away. 

The Whitelaw Hotel:  Great for a low key stay in South Beach.  Stylish and affordable.

Eat.

Hakkasan:  This Michelin rated Asian restaurant is located in London and the food is mouth-watering. 

Barton G:  Located off the South Beach strip, Barton G. offers excellent American food in an innovative and fun manner .  After dinner, check out Below Zero Nitro Bar where the drinks are infused with liquid nitrogen. 

Taverna Opa:  Great Greek food, lively atmosphere and belly dancers galore.  This place is known for great group dining.  Opa!

Espanola Way: Located in the historic Spanish district in Miami, it’s a super cute spot and has a line of different restaurants.  CitySaheli tried the Mexican restaurant, Oh Mexico! And just loved the margaritas.

Toni’s Sushi:  Just darn good sushi.  They have seating that is in ground and the sushi is one of the best.

Party. 

Straight from our Sahelis in the Miami circuit, visit these places on their popular nights.  Keep in mind that popularity changes, so check with your hotel concierge and locals to see if these places are still “hot” on the specified days. 

CitySaheli tip: If you can go to Miami during the weekdays, go since it gives a different perspective on the nightlife scene.  Less touristy and more locals.  Imagine partying in NY on a Friday Saturday versus the weekdays.

Tuesday: Sushi Samba and Florida Room in the Delano Hotel (a CitySaheli favorite)

Wednesday: Vita Restaurant, Liv in the Fountainbleau and Sky Bar in the Mondrian Hotel

Thursday: Air bar, plunge bar, Louis in the Gansevoort South

Friday& Saturday: Wall at the W Hotel, Set, Liv in the Fountainbleau

Remember Miami is just a hop away and a great getaway! You will find something for everyone!!

CitySaheli loves planning bachelorettes and has listed some pointers to make sure your preparations run smoothly.  In the coming months, CitySaheli will profile popular bachelorette destinations and fill you in on some of the best places to eat, to stay and to party.  Fun bachelorette games and activities will also follow.

CitySaheli Bachelorette Planning Tips:

• Budget: Now more than ever, the budget of those invited is very important to keep in mind.  Ask the bride-to-be what her priorities are –an exotic location or high attendance.  Destination bachelorettes tend to cost more since you are not only paying for dinner and drinks, but hotel and flight as well.  You want to ensure that the cost to attend the bachelorette party is manageable for most invited.  Also, make sure you send out an estimated budget BEFORE people agree to attend. 
• Airfare: Going out of town?  Kayak and other search engines allow you to save your search and send you alerts when fares have dropped.  This is a good way to ensure you are getting the lowest price on air.
• Hotel:  If you have friends in corporate America who are coming, ask them to look into hotel discounts! Many hotels in Las Vegas, Miami, New York offer corporate employees incredible rates.  Another option is to ask hotels if they provide group discounts.  This will help reduce cost all the while keeping the accommodations super luxe. 
• Itinerary: Bachelorette parties tend to be large groups.  There could be friends and family flying from all over.  Be organized.  Whether the party is one day or an entire weekend, an itinerary is very helpful.  For example, include a schedule of when people are arriving and departing.  Also, include cell phone numbers and other contact information for all the guests. For additional guidance, see the attached CitySaheli template.
• Dining: Make reservations for group dinners as early as possible. If you plan on going to a popular bachelorette destination such as Miami or Las Vegas, group reservations fill up quickly.  If you are doing something local, you want to ensure you get your top choice for venue.
• Pre-Game: If you plan on drinking and eating before going out on the town, save some money and pre-game at home.  The cost of alcohol can quickly add up and creating your own mini bar with snacks can definitely keep the costs from rising and keep the party going all day long!

Special Touches:

• Activities:  Ensure that the bride is aware of and wants the activities involved.  There can be some bachelorette activities that your bride may or may not want. 
• T-Shirts:  It’s a small cost to have memorable t-shirts made to remember the occasion.  Think of your bride and choose an appropriate theme so she proudly wears her t-shirt everywhere she goes.
• Theme:  Although themes are not necessary, it can add a lot of life and color to the bachelorette party.  Think of the bride’s interests and devise a theme that she can appreciate. 
• Spa:  A spa day at a nice hotel or local spa is a great touch.  You don’t necessarily need to get a spa treatment to use the spa’s facilities.  This is a low cost activity that encourages great girl time!