Since the latter half of the 19th century, Newport has been one of the most popular places to spend the summer season, made famous by its expansive sandy shores and the mansion-like cottages on historic Bellevue Avenue. After the great hurricane of 1938 wiped out the town's numerous beachside establishments, the Toppa family decided to build a new inn on the beach. It opened two years later, the property set it back 100 feet for an extra measure of comfort. The New England Gambrel-style inn is still Newport's only beachfront hotel, offering guests scenic ocean views from many of its rooms. Displays of historic memorabilia are found throughout the hotel.