Hotel Viking

We had the privilege of having our Newport destination wedding at The Viking Hotel on November 7, 2021.
Given the state of the world sand the pandemic, to come together and celebrate our marriage was even more meaningful to us. Our entire weekend was joyful with flawless service because of the entire staff. Every interaction was positive, warm and welcoming. You could tell the team was excited for us and happy to have us at the Hotel.
The journey at The Viking started in February when we made appointments to see two venues to determine if Newport was the right fit for us as no one is local to Rhode Island. I reached out via the website and Linda Ferguson was the first to respond and schedule a site visit. She was also the first to send me menus and additional information and some availability for October and November of 2021.
We arrived at the hotel for our appointment and Joe at the door was waiting for us and knew we were here to see Linda. As soon as we walked in I knew it was the place for us. The Viking has done many renovations and enhancements and our wedding colours were pink and blue! We had an extremely thorough tour with Linda of Hotel and Kay Chapel and I fell in love with the Bellevue Ballroom. The Hotel felt more of a boutique manor than a hotel.
We went back to the car and I wanted to cancel the other appointments but I didn’t. We came back the next day which was Saturday and Joe was there to greet us again as I wanted to look at space one more time as we are not local. He was a terrific ambassador and went into great detail of what to expect in the fall when the hotel was back 100% operationally in a peak season.
Cut to the next week where Linda and Robin worked with me on my dates, budget and room block. I signed within the week!!!!
Over the next few months, Linda and Cassandra were there to answer all questions, refer vendors, make rooming changes, schedule tastings and tour my family again in April. They always responded quickly and thoroughly and I felt that the whole team was working with me.
In October we came and spent the night for the first time for our tasting. Linda once again walked the space with me and we diagrammed the layout and went through my questions. We were delighted to meet Chef Kevin who helped us select some alternatives for my Italian groom – and went off the menu for some items we really wanted. When we fell short of our F&B minimum Linda and the Chef worked with me on adding a seasonal soup and late night cheeseburgers and fries for my guests.
Finally the big weekend arrived….most guests arriving early Thursday and Friday and spending 3-4 nights to celebrate with us and see the sites of Newport. We held a dinner at Sardella’s and Lobster Boil and then the main event.
The staff at Front desk and housekeeping were amazing. The Director of Ops introduced himself during our tasting and remembered us. All the housekeeping and last minute requests were handled perfectly. All my guests loved the hotel and at least 10 of them are also hospitality professionals so they are very picky. Linda made sure my suite was serviced as we had quite a few guests all weekend long. The amenities sent to us were lovely and I thank you.
The ceremony was amazing and Linda was there to calm any nerves and help get everyone down the aisle in one piece. She was also there to witness a very emotional groom during the rehearsal so I am sure she knew she had her hands full.
The Ballroom looked beautiful and the vision I had was brought to life by Linda and the banquet team. I did not get the name of the Banquet Manager but she was so lovely. She made sure everything was going smoothly and checked in with us and explained what needed to be picked up and gave me until the next day to do so. The food was not only delicious but hot. The specialty meats on the charcuterie board were greatly appreciated by all guests. The chef took time to come see us and the banquet captain was there to make sure me and Kenny had everything and helped me with my chair each time I got up…..which was a lot. They worked fabulously as a team.
I use the word perfect every time I am asked how my wedding was and it really was. I was not stressed and really enjoyed my time with my guests and on the dance floor. I truly wish we could do it again!!!!!
We are so grateful for everything The Viking did for us and I cannot recommend this hotel and team enough. I am a twenty year hospitality professional and event planner and it was amazing!