A fire erupted at the historic Castle Hill Inn in Newport, Rhode Island, late Thursday, prompting the evacuation of all guests and staff. Emergency responders from multiple fire departments, including the Newport Naval Station, worked to extinguish the blaze. The cause of the fire and the extent of the damage remain under investigation by the Newport Fire Marshal’s and State Fire Marshal's offices.

Castle Hill Inn, a renowned boutique hotel, is a landmark in Newport, known for its scenic views and fine dining. It has been recognized as one of the best hotels in the U.S. by USA Today. The inn, originally a Gilded Age mansion built in 1875, has hosted notable figures. The fire's impact on the Inn's operations and the local tourism sector is yet to be determined.

Management has provided lodging for displaced guests. The incident underscores the potential vulnerability of historic properties to unforeseen events. The investigation will be crucial in determining the extent of the damage, the required repairs and the Inn's reopening timeline. The financial implications for the Newport Restaurant Group, the Inn's parent company, are still unclear.