Newport fire heavily damaged Wayfinder Hotel owned by Phil Hospod
Firefighters were called to a 4-alarm blaze Monday night around 8 p.m. Fire Chief Harp Donnelly IV said all hotel guests and staff were evacuated safely, but two firefighters were taken to the hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
“We are making this a dynamic location,” said owner Phil Hospod, during a tour of the hotel in July 2020 by the Daily News. “All of the artists’ works you see are from Rhode Island artists. We have about 1,000 pieces in all the rooms. We’re excited to be part of the Newport community and intend to be here long-term.”
The hotel featured lounge areas a creative design studio Reunion Goods & Services of New York City re-imagined the guest rooms and public areas.
“We’ve made it relaxing to be here,” he added. “We want it to be casual, in an elevated way.”
Here’s what else we know about the hotel, before the fire.
What to know about the fire:Nearly 100 firefighters battle ‘stubborn’ blaze at renovated Wayfinder Hotel in Newport
How many rooms does The Wayfinder have?
The hotel has 197 rooms, 30 deluxe suites, a seasonally open outdoor pool, a 24-hour gym and a restaurant, according to the hotel’s website.
What does it cost to stay at The Wayfinder Hotel?
A reservation for a room or suite at the Wayfinder Hotel ranged between $219 and $689 throughout June, July and August, according to TripAdvisor.com and Priceline.com on Tuesday morning. While both online service had rooms available throughout the summer, the hotel’s website had blocked out reservations until May 2023.
When did the hotel open?
The hotel was reopened in 2020 with new flooring, walls and ceilings, according to General Manager William Rademacher, who gave a tour to The Daily News in July 2020.
The 197-room Wayfinder is owned by Phil Hospod and his firm, Dovetail + Co., which purchased the hotel in January 2019 for $14.34 million. It was previously the Mainstay Hotel before undergoing a $16 million renovation that started in October 2019.
Is the Wayfinder pet-friendly?
Yes. The hotel has a two-pet limit and provides some pet amenities including “welcome treats,” food and water bowls and a pet bed, according to the website.
Where is the hotel located?
The Wayfinder Hotel is located at 151 Admiral Kalbfus Road, Newport, RI 02840.
