Hotel Viking

The hotel, a grand historic building opened in 1926, offers a blend of classic charm and modern convenience, making it a memorable destination. Its signature feature is its prime location, placing guests at the heart of the city's attractions. While many guests appreciate its timeless appeal and dedicated staff, some note that certain areas are showing their age. The hotel is particularly well-suited for sightseers and couples seeking a romantic getaway due to its walkability to key landmarks. Families also find it accommodating with its amenities and proximity to entertainment. For those planning a stay, it is advisable to inquire about the specific room type to ensure it meets expectations, and to be aware of potential additional fees.

Facilities & Amenities
The hotel offers a range of facilities, though guest experiences are mixed. Most guests appreciate the indoor pool, which is heated and a popular amenity, especially for families and during cooler months. The hot tub is also available, though some guests reported issues with jets not functioning or concerns about water clarity. A well-equipped fitness center is on-site for guest use. The spa receives high praise for its relaxing atmosphere and quality treatments, including a sauna and Himalayan salt wall. The lobby and common areas are generally described as bright, comfortable, and well-maintained, exuding a welcoming ambiance. An outdoor fire pit provides a pleasant space for relaxation, and the rooftop bar offers enjoyable views. A convenient cafe in the lobby is available for quick meals and coffee. While Wi-Fi is provided, some guests experienced spotty or weak signals in their rooms.

Cleanliness & Room Comfort
Guest feedback on room comfort and cleanliness is varied. Many guests commend the overall cleanliness of the hotel and find the beds comfortable, ensuring a restful night's sleep. Some guests were pleased with spacious rooms, particularly in upgraded suites. However, a significant number of reviews highlight that many rooms are dated, describing them as tired, worn, or in need of refurbishment, with issues like peeling wallpaper, stained furniture, or cracked fixtures. Small bathrooms are a recurring complaint, often lacking counter space, proper ventilation, or modern features, with some reports of mold or slow drains. Noise levels from adjacent rooms or the hotel's HVAC system are occasionally mentioned as disruptive. While a coffee maker is typically provided, some guests noted a lack of other in-room amenities such as a mini-fridge or adequate closet space.

Dining & Food Quality
The hotel offers several dining options, with generally positive feedback on food quality. The breakfast receives consistent praise for being delicious, with a good variety of options including fresh fruit, pastries, and hot dishes, complemented by quality coffee. The main restaurant is often described as a pleasant and quiet setting for meals, with many guests enjoying the ambiance and finding the menu appealing. The bar is a popular spot, known for its comfortable atmosphere and well-prepared drinks. Room service is also available and appreciated by guests for its convenience and quality. While most experiences are positive, some guests found the restaurant to be expensive or noted occasional slow service, and a few mentioned that the bar area could become quite loud, impacting the overall hotel foyer.

Location & Accessibility
The hotel's central location is consistently highlighted as one of its strongest assets. Guests appreciate being within easy walking distance to many popular attractions, including the Newport mansions, Thames Street, the waterfront, and various shopping districts. This allows for convenient exploration of the city without needing a vehicle. While the hotel offers valet service, parking is a frequent point of contention, with many guests finding it expensive and noting the lack of self-parking options. Some guests managed to find street parking nearby to avoid the valet fee. Despite the parking challenges, the hotel's position off the busiest streets contributes to a quieter atmosphere at night, making it an ideal base for experiencing the city's charm.

Staff & Service
The staff generally receives high praise for their friendly and helpful demeanor, contributing significantly to a positive guest experience. Many reviews commend the attentive service provided by the front desk, who are often described as professional and accommodating, facilitating quick check-in and assisting with requests. The valet service is frequently highlighted as efficient, prompt, and welcoming, making a strong first impression. Housekeeping is noted for its responsiveness, though some guests experienced delays in daily room servicing or restocking. Staff members across various departments are often singled out for their exceptional hospitality and willingness to resolve issues. However, a few guests reported instances of unwelcoming or unprofessional interactions, particularly at the front desk, and some felt that management did not adequately address their concerns.

Additional Information
Guests should be aware of several additional charges, including a resort fee and an urban destination fee, which some found to be unexpected or not clearly justified by the amenities provided. The hotel maintains a pet-friendly policy, though associated fees are noted as substantial, and some guests reported issues with noise from other guests' pets. As a historic building, the hotel retains much of its original character, which is appreciated by many, but this also means some features, like the design of certain bathrooms, may not align with modern expectations. Specific policies, such as room keys automatically deactivating early or the absence of grab bars in showers, were mentioned by some guests as minor inconveniences or safety concerns.