The Yankee Pedlar Inn

The Yankee Pedlar Inn was built in 1891, and is one of the oldest hotels in Connecticut, which is really saying something. Originally, it was the house of Irish immigrant Frank Conley and his wife Alice. The hotel opened as the Conley Inn just as the couple had hoped, particularly after spending $40,000 to turn it into an amazing Victorian, complete with marble, oak furniture, and 52 amazingly decorated guest rooms. In a short time the Inn became one of the most successful inns in America and was known throughout the country as one of the most lavish getaways available. The hotel continued to be a great success under ownership of the Conleys until 1910 when both Alice and Frank died. For years the Inn passed from owner to owner, until 1997 when Anil and Dee Patel bought it. Over the years, there have been numerous rumors about the Yankee Peddlar Inn of Newport and some of the strange things that go on behind its walls--stories that might explain why it seems impossible for anyone to own the building for any considerable length of time. Many of the stories involve mysterious voices that pester guests while they're trying to sleep, particularly in room 353, where Alice Conley was rumored to have died. According to many guests, she's still around today, making sure that everyone is having a comfortable stay. Visitors say that when the rocking chair in Room 353 moves on its own, it's a good sign. It means she's keeping an eye on you. In room 295, many people have reported run-ins with the ghost of Frank Conley, who's often seen leaving the room to walk down the hall in order to use the phone in the front room. Lights go on and off on their own, strange whispers are heard, and many people have experienced shoves, kicks, pinches, slaps, and even the feeling of being pulled by an invisible force. Sometimes groups of people staying at the hotel will report sharing the same dream. In the dream, they are being given a tour of the building by a man with grey hair and a deep voice--a man many claim to be Frank Conley. The rumors of the hotel's alleged ghosts have spread so far that the Inn was used as the inspiration (and filming location) for the movie The Inn Keepers--a film about two hotel workers' investigation into the inn's mysteries during its last weekend open. Lucky for us, the Yankee Pedlar Inn shows now signs of closing. If you're thinking about staying at the inn, and you're hoping to have a paranormal experience of your own, make sure to book room 353 or 295, then again, chances are that you'll bump into one of the Conley family members regardless of which room you choose. -Roadtrippers Welcome to the beautiful Yankee Pedlar Inn and step back to the charm and gracious warmth of 100 years. The Inn was originally built by Frank and Alice Conley to the highest standards of the time. Upon its opening in 1891, there was no other inn throughout the state to rival its style and grandeur.Today, the inn is comprised of 55 individual rooms with private baths and 5 suites. Each individually decorated with Hitchcock furniture, stenciled walls and restored with modern conveniences.A tavern and restaurant each with crackling fireplaces and oak hewn beams offer superb cuisine and live entertainment. Our ballroom with grand fireplace is a favorite spot for small conferences, formal weddings, reunions and private parties.Relax, stroll our lobby and step back 100 years to period furniture, interesting literature and the charm of yesteryear.We hope you have a wonderful stay at the Yankee Pedlar and that you love our Inn as much as we do.