Perched above the city at One Bellevue Avenue, Hotel Viking has long stood as one of New England’s most storied hospitality landmarks. As it approaches its 100th anniversary, the hotel announces a comprehensive renovation that will both honor its past and usher in a new era of creativity, connection, and contemporary luxury. The revitalized property will reopen in May 2026 as Newport’s cultural anchor and premier lifestyle destination, offering an experience that blends timeless elegance with a modern sense of belonging.
A Legacy of Gathering
Built in 1926 by Newport’s founding families, Hotel Viking was conceived as a gathering place for locals and travelers who sought something more than a stay by the sea. It was imagined as a home for culture, creativity, and conversation, a place where artists, writers, and thinkers could find both inspiration and respite. Over the decades, it became a setting for celebrations and stories that helped shape the identity of the city itself.
“Hotel Viking holds a deeply meaningful place in Newport’s story,” said Ben Rowe, CEO of KHP Capital Partners. “As we approach the 100-year mark, our goal is not only to restore its beauty but to rekindle its soul. The project is about honoring history while creating a space that feels vibrant, current, and deeply connected to the community.”
A Design Language That Weaves Past and Present
The renovation is being led by KHP Capital Partners, in collaboration with Pivot, the lifestyle operating vertical of Davidson Hospitality Group. The design honors the hotel’s existing architecture while layering in refined, residential touches that bring new warmth and vitality. Public spaces embrace the rich heritage of the building, preserving many of its original details and craftsmanship. In the guest rooms, the design balances refinement with a sense of calm. “We wanted the spaces to feel special but never pretentious,” said Christian Schnyder, Principal of Beleco Design. “Hotel Viking is for guests who appreciate beautiful design and meaningful comfort.”
Central to the hotel will be new restaurants and bars, created by Chef Robert Andreozzi, celebrating the bounty of Rhode Island’s farms and fisheries. Andreozzi, a two-time James Beard Award nominee and alumnus of Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Del Posto, and Frasca Food and Wine, brings a warm and imaginative approach to dining. “We are creating spaces that feel alive,” said Andreozzi. “This will be a place for great food, connection, and creative energy.”
Rooted in Community
At the heart of this project is the belief that great hospitality begins with community. The hotel will collaborate with local artists, designers, and craftspeople to ensure that every detail carries Newport’s creative fingerprint. Partnerships with regional purveyors, galleries, and cultural institutions will anchor the Viking as a platform for local voices and a home for shared expression.
“In a city shaped by arrivals and departures, Hotel Viking has always stood as a constant,” Rowe said. “This next chapter reaffirms that role by preserving the stories of the past while inviting our guests and neighbors to write the next one.”
This centennial project represents more than a renovation; it is a restoration of purpose. When it reopens, the property will once again serve as Newport’s cultural living room, where elegance, authenticity, and creativity come together.
