The Chanler at Cliff Walk has unveiled a reimagined lobby and collection of guest spaces, marking the next phase in the ongoing evolution of the historic oceanfront mansion perched at the start of Newport’s Cliff Walk.
The redesign, debuted Tuesday, continues a multi-year collaboration between Proprietress Lani Shufelt and architecture firm Studio Valerius. It follows the 2025 debut of the hotel’s signature restaurant, Remy’s Loose, which hinted at a new creative direction for the 20-room property.
“The Chanler at Cliff Walk has always been an estate guided by intention,” Shufelt said in a statement. “This next chapter continues that legacy, honoring the character and history of the mansion while allowing it to evolve naturally over time.”
At the center of the transformation is the lobby, where guests are greeted by a scalloped white oak reception desk accented with hammered brass pinstripes and onyx stone. Behind it, an illuminated brass key display holds the hotel’s 20 room keys as a nod to the arrival ritual that begins a stay at The Chanler.
A grand fireplace finished in plum and blush glazed tiles from Zia anchors the room, while a coastal-inspired textured plaster relief by New York-based artist Esteban Monsalve wraps the space above custom white oak millwork, bronze mirror panels and seagrass wallcoverings by Phillip Jeffries. Dreamlike custom carpets by Paris-based artist Marguerite Le Maire ground the lobby, and sculptural lighting from Apparatus, Sophie Lou Jacobson, Cym Warkov and Blue Green Works has been installed throughout the house.
The second and third floors have been designed as a floor-by-floor sensory experience. On the second floor, raffia-textured wallcoverings reminiscent of the Rhode Island coast are paired with hand-rolled, kiln-slumped glass sconces marking each guest room entry. The third floor features blush pink-striped grasscloth, seaweed-inspired rugs and brightly glazed ceramic mirrors by an emerging artist. Ascending the staircase, guests pass a blush pink custom ceramic newel-post light by Cym Warkov designed to evoke a porous coral form lit from within.
The renovation also extends to the ground-floor guest restrooms, where glossy glazed tiles and tonal seagrass silk wallcoverings envelop the spaces in Castleton green and Spanish pink. Brass-edged mirrors and sculptural sconces add warmth, and the women’s restroom includes a stone mantle fireplace and a dedicated vanity counter.
The Chanler features 20 uniquely designed guest rooms, including Manor Rooms, Estate Rooms, Ocean Villas, Garden Villas and Signature Rooms. Along with Remy’s Loose, a French-inspired concept with coastal Rhode Island flair, the hotel is home to The Living Room, a cocktail and caviar lounge, and Cara, a menuless private chef’s table experience.
More information and reservations are available at thechanler.com or by calling 401-847-1300.
