Eight Rhode Island properties earned recognition in Forbes Travel Guide’s 2026 Star Awards, announced Tuesday, with Aurelia at Castle Hill Inn among just three new Five-Star restaurants in the United States this year.
Aurelia, a New England-influenced prix fixe restaurant inside the Gilded Age mansion on Ocean Drive, joins 82 Five-Star restaurants worldwide. The other new U.S. Five-Star restaurants are Atlas Buckhead in Atlanta and Flybridge in Boca Raton, Florida.
“We are deeply honored to receive the Forbes Five Star Award for Aurelia at Castle Hill, a distinction that reflects the extraordinary dedication, creativity, and passion of our team, and serves as a meaningful affirmation of our commitment to excellence,” the inn said in a statement Tuesday.
The recognition comes as the restaurant and hotel are temporarily closed following a two-alarm fire on Feb. 5 that caused significant damage. The fire was deemed accidental and related to the use of a wood-burning fireplace, according to the Rhode Island State Fire Marshal’s Office.
“As we look ahead, we are energized by what’s to come and excited to welcome guests back for the season, when we reopen the Mansion,” the inn said. “We look forward to returning with the same level of care, precision, and sense of place that defines Aurelia, and to continuing to share this special experience with our community and those who visit us.”
Castle Hill Inn announced earlier this week that its Beach Houses and Beach Cottages, which were unharmed by the blaze, will begin welcoming overnight guests on March 5. The Newport Restaurant Group, which owns and operates the 100% employee-owned property, said its goal is to reopen the inn’s restaurants and bars, including Aurelia, by Memorial Day.
Castle Hill Inn itself earned a Four-Star hotel rating in the 2026 awards.
Rhode Island’s other winners are all Five-Star: The Chanler at Cliff Walk, Ocean House and Weekapaug Inn in hotels; Cara and Coast in restaurants; and Ocean & Harvest Spa.
Forbes Travel Guide is the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises. Incognito inspectors pose as everyday guests to test hundreds of exacting standards, always paying for their stay. Exceptional service accounts for 70% of a property’s rating.
The 68th annual list is the most expansive yet, spanning more than 100 countries and totaling 2,422 properties, including 343 Five-Star hotels, 82 Five-Star restaurants, 118 Five-Star spas and the first-ever Five-Star cruise ship accolades.
“Forbes Travel Guide’s newest Star Award winners showcase an exciting evolution in luxury,” said Amanda Frasier, the organization’s president of standards and ratings. “As guests navigate the increasingly complex travel landscape for the best places to stay, sail, dine and spa, we are proud to provide them with the trusted, integrity-based guidance they need.”
The full list of 2026 winners is available at ForbesTravelGuide.com.