$100–150

Comfortable and centrally located, the Chestnut Inn (99 Third St., Newport, 401/847-6949, www.newportchestnutinn.com, $125–175) is a year-round Victorian bed-and-breakfast with several air-conditioned double rooms. The front porch makes a relaxing spot for breakfast before a day of sightseeing, boating, or mansion-touring in Newport.

Once the summer home of a well-to-do Boston doctor, The Ivy Lodge (12 Clay St., Newport, 401/849-6865, www.ivylodge.com, $119–319) near Bellevue Avenue is a charming and refined stay at rates that (for the amenities offered) can be quite good value. Dominated by a 33-foot gothic entryway, the house is filled with antiques—and many rooms come with fireplaces, DVD players, and whirlpool tubs. Daily teatime and breakfast are included. (And if the savory bread pudding is on offer, don’t refuse.)

Several small bed-and-breakfasts offer lodging in Little Compton. One dependable option is Harmony Home Farm Inn (465 Long Hwy., Little Compton, 401/635-2283, www.harmonyhomefarm.com, $130–175), where the rooms and cottages either have their own entrances and private porches or come with fully equipped kitchens.

$150–250

Perched on Narragansett Bay, the Bay Voyage Inn (150 Conanicus Ave., Jamestown, 401/423-2100, www.bayvoyageinn.com, $103–191) is more resort than inn. With 32 suites (including kitchenettes and parlor areas), the Victorian-style building is also home to a pool, indoor whirlpools, a fitness center, and a recreation director to help arrange any sailing, fishing, or biking excursions in the area.

On the grounds of the winery, The Roost at Sakonnet Vineyards (162 W. Main St., Little Compton, 401/635-8486, www.sakonnetwine.com, $130–190) makes the perfect landing spot after an afternoon of tastings. The original vineyard farmhouse has three renovated rooms, as well as a porch out back for sunning.

$250 and Up

The ne plus ultra of small luxury hotels, The Chanler (117 Memorial Blvd., Newport, 401/847-1300, www.thechanler.com, $309–1,399) feels a lot like sleeping in your own private mansion—except, of course, for the other guests. Not that you’ll really notice them; you’ll be too busy taking in the sumptuous decor (each room sports a different theme, from English Tudor to Martha’s Vineyard), lounging in your private whirlpool tub, and gazing at the views of the ocean. Don’t miss the “beach butler” service, wherein a tuxedoed staff member drives you to and from a semi-private beach, and sets you up with chairs, an umbrella, a customized beach picnic, and reading materials.

© Michael Blanding and Alexandra Hall from Moon New England, 2nd Edition