One city, three price points: weekend in Newport, R.I.

BUDGET

Getting there

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www.newportrestoration.org

The 90-minute Colonial Newport Walking Tour takes visitors past Revolutionary War-era houses and shops.

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MARY MacDONALD / mmacdonald@ajc.com

Lavish mansions line Newport’s Cliff Walk, which offers spectacular views of the Rhode Island coastline.

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Newport is an hour’s drive south of Boston and three hours north of New York City. One-way air rates to either city during sale periods range from $69 to $89; regular rates are about $150 each way.

Stay

Treat yourselves to winter rates start at $109 at the posh Hotel Viking. Cozy and recently restored rooms in this historic hotel have satin duvets, Egyptian linens, bathrobes and marble bathrooms. 1 Bellevue Ave., 401-847-3300, hotelviking.com

Eat

Snuggle by the fireplace at the landmark Brick Alley Pub & Restaurant (three-time winner of Jameson Irish Whiskey’s “best Irish coffee” award) while perusing a menu of more than 100 items and a wine list of 250 vintages. Sandwiches, burgers and entrees range from $8 to $30. 140 Thames St., 401-849-6334, brickalley.com

Experience

Visiting with the kids? Stop at the Save the Bay Exploration Center Aquarium — an interactive science-learning center with hands-on activities for families wanting to learn more about Narragansett Bay’s inhabitants. Open Saturdays through April 18, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. $4 adults; under age 3 free. 175 Memorial Blvd., 401-324-6020, savebay.org

MODERATE

Getting there

Newport is 30 minutes from Providence. Nonstop Delta flights start at $429 round-trip, 21-day advance.

Stay

One cottage and three suites at Fourty1North Marina Resort sleep three to five people. Each has plush furnishings (such as Tempur-Pedic beds) and a full kitchen; some have harbor views, $200-$290 through May; $300-$550 June-September. Breakfast included. 351 Thames St., 401-846-8018, 41no.com

Eat

The romantic White Horse Tavern (circa 1673) is one of America’s oldest taverns, with original giant interior beams, cavernous fireplaces and period antiques. During the Newport Winter Festival (Feb. 12-22, excluding Feb. 14; newportevents.com) patrons have a choice of three entrees specially priced at $16.73. 26 Marlborough St., 401-849-3600

Experience

The 90-minute Colonial Newport Walking Tour delves into the revolution to the ruin and renaissance of the city’s residents, $10. 127 Thames St., 401-841-8770, newporthistorical.org. Stroll cobblestone streets along boutiques, galleries, and taverns of Old Quarter.

SPLURGE

Getting there

Walk-up business class rates start at $599 each way to Providence.

Stay

Each of the 20 uniquely themed rooms at The Chanler at Cliff Walk features a wet bar, antique fireplace, DVD/CD player (free DVD library), and granite bathroom with heated floor and tile mural. Rates range from $309-$599 midweek to May 7; weekends $359-$649 to March 5, $379-$779 March 6-May 7. 117 Memorial Blvd., 401-847-1300, thechanler.com

Eat

The top wine bar-steakhouse on the waterfront, 22 Bowen’s Wharf, offers dozens of wines by the glass, prime steaks priced to $50, and 2- to 3-pound fresh Maine lobsters at market price. 22 Bowens Wharf, 401-841-8884, 22bowens.com

Experience

Discover a slice of America’s Gilded Age at one of 11 historic homes and gardens spread over 80 acres along Newport’s coast. The finest are the Breakers, the Elms, Marble House, Rosecliff and Chateau Sur Mer. Drive to each in one day or walk when weather/time permit. $31 to visit five mansions. newportmansions.org

Maerz is a retired travel consultant. Look for her daily deals on ajc.com/travel.