Westgate Hotel

The Westgate Hotel is a French Renaissance-style building featuring a grand ballroom and multiple ground-floor retail spaces serving as both accommodation and an events venue. The structure hosts contemporary music performances and cultural gatherings in its restored interior spaces.

The hotel was constructed in 1884 using pillars salvaged from an earlier city gate building dating to 1779, creating a structure that blended old and new materials. In 1839 the location became the site of a violent confrontation related to the struggle for voting rights.

Three commemorative statues outside the building reflect how this location became a symbol of the struggle for democratic rights. These monuments connect visitors to a pivotal moment in the fight for equality.

The location is easily reached on foot and sits in central Newport where shops and other attractions are nearby. Be aware that the building operates as an active hotel and events venue, so interior access may vary depending on current bookings and performances.

The building retains visible pillars that once belonged to a city gate from 1779, making it a rare example of how architectural elements were recycled when old fortifications were replaced with modern buildings. Walking past these salvaged columns allows visitors to connect with Newport's physical past embedded in its present streetscape.

Location: Newport

Location: Stow Hill

Elevation above the sea: 12.3 m

GPS coordinates: 51.58760,-2.99660

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:45