My wife and own timeshares in western Massachusetts and Virginia Beach and have also traveled to quite a bit over the years. From the time of check in and throughout our entire stay here we have been very impressed. The staff at the front desk were very friendly and helpful making our check in very smooth. I was very pleasingly surprised also to not get the typical "meeting offer to tour the resort" to give us a sales pitch. I am now figuring out it is most likely this is one of the few resorts that are so great that they are completely sold out. My wife and I have been exploring Newport everyday so we haven't yet used the resorts amenities but the 2 bedroom condo we are in is perfect. From "both" balconies we have wonderful views of the bay and they are absolutely breathtaking. The decor in the room is very nice and the appliances are all updated. I do not usually write these reviews but I am so happy with our stay I felt the need to share our experience here. Even though we came in December there is still plenty to see in do, today we are going to hit the cliff walk and a mansion or two to see the "Christmas" decorations.

We had a one bedroom for the two of us and it afforded us plenty of room. We were on the top floor, the only unit on that floor...so private and quiet. We had a lovely deck and the unusually warm weather allowed us to enjoy every morning and evening out there. The view of the marina was calming and peaceful. The indoor pool looked clean and well kept, but we never made it for a dip. We were able to walk to a local coffee shop right out of the '50s for a great, affordable breakfast. The staff there were friendly and the service was as good as the food. It was restaurant week and we took advantage, having several wonderful dinners at a bargain price. And again, we were able to walk to all of them. Yes, some of the furniture needs replacing and the bathroom could use an update, but everything in the unit was clean and comfortable and in good working order. The carpet could use a steam clean, but no stains on any of the living room furniture or dining room seats. The kitchen had everything we needed for a quick breakfast (when we didn't go down the block) or an afternoon snack before dinner. If we had wanted to cook a complete meal, everything was there, including the dinnerware, pots, pans, baking dishes, microwave, toaster, coffee maker and a blender. There was a dishwasher with detergent and soap if you wanted to hand wash the dishes. We had a washer and dryer in the bathroom closet and again, the detergent was provided. Several packs of coffee and popcorn were in the basket on arrival. Bathroom amenities included shampoo, conditioner, lotion, hand and bath soap, as well as facial cleansing bars. A hairdryer was under the sink. Plenty of paper towels, tissues and toilet paper were also provided. All you really need to bring is your food and beverages. The icemaker in the full-size refrigerator provided plenty of ice...no need to take an ice bucket out in search of a machine. We walked almost everywhere. There are plenty of shops right there on the same block and the Brick Alley area and shopping outlet is a pleasant 15 minute walk away. There is a great armory filled with antique dealers right next door. We did take the car out for the 10 mile drive (it treated us to spectacular views along the beaches with glimpses of some of the mansions) and to take a short hop to the two local vineyards. Again we lucked out...there was a Harvest Festival at the Greenvale Vineyard with a terrific jazz trio. A ten dollar tasting gave us 5 samples and we got to keep the glasses. We learned that the musicians often play the Algonquin Hotel in Manhattan where there is a $60 cover charge and we got to hear them play three sets for the price of the tasting. It was an inexpensive and most enjoyable afternoon. The Newport Vineyards also have a good tasting (and you get to keep the glasses there, too--more to add to our collection...) but the setting is not as enjoyable as Greenvale (and no live music the day we visited). We took the short drive over to the Newport Casino, but were disappointed. It seemed sort of dark and dingy and there wasn't much action. Only slot machines...lots of machines for folks on a budget (penny, nickel and dime machines were in the majority). The bars were closed in the daytime and the cafeteria style food venue left a lot to be desired (both the buffet and the snack bar inside the casino itself). All in all, the Onshore is in a great location and the staff were very friendly and helpful. We had a "touch up" service on the third morning---clean towels and all of the garbage was removed---so can't complain about the service. And we were told if we needed clean towels at any time all we had to do was call the desk. We are returning in December with my partner's teenagers and they were able to tell us which unit we would be in...a 2BR/2BA unit...and it's even closer to the water! We are looking forward to seeing the mansions all decked out for the holidays (the desk clerk gave us a coupon to use that will save us $5 per person whether we order ahead online or wait until we return). We really enjoyed ourselves and found the Onshore a nice place to return to after long days of sightseeing, shopping and wine tasting. There is only one parking spot per unit which probably poses a problem when the place is completely booked. Spots are assigned according to the location of your unit and some of them are pretty tight. I have a Jeep Grand Cherokee and it was a squeeze, but not impossible. They did tell me that I could ask for another spot if I didn't like it, but we managed (and you stepped out of the car into the doorway of the building where our unit was located...nice on the really windy nights). I, like several other reviewers, would have given the full five stars except for the need for some updating.

We went to Newport, RI for a girl's weekend away. The staff was wonderful. They made sure we had everything we needed and went above and beyond what we expected. We had a three bedroom condo and there were 8 adults-plenty of room. We hope to return next year!

Newport on Shore is in a great location on Thames St. in Newport. Within walking distance to most everything. Brick Market Place, Bowens Warf, shopping, and great places to dine. The staff was excellent and friendly. The condo units were a good size, 2 baths, full kitchen and washer and dryer. Very clean and well stocked. The only negative is the the place needs to be updated. The furniture is worn and the TVs need to be replaced. Dining room chairs were wobbly. Really minor since I don't spend a lot of time in my room on vacation but there is room for improvement. There are 2 small decks that offer great views and a fireplace for chilly nights. Would stay here again. Would also give this location an excellent rating once it was updated. Also has indoor and outdoor pools but didn't use the pool. Very heavy chlorine smell.