About Us

Built in 1898 as a large family-style beach boarding-house hotel, the Admiral Dewey Inn has historically offered room, board, and access to the simple seaside pleasures of the Matunuck Beach community.

Operating year-round as a 12-guest room inn, the Admiral Dewey continues to welcome guests to enjoy all that Matunuck has to offer!

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In the winter of 2021, the Admiral Dewey Inn was acquired by the Matunuck Group - the family of food, beverage, hospitality, and retail businesses owned by Matunuck local, Kevin Finnegan.

With the goal of honoring history and nostalgia, the Matunuck Group has made an effort to maintain the old charm and character of the inn - while updating the accommodations to include modern resort comforts and amenities.

The History

With the development of automobiles and trains in the 19th & 20th centuries, the beaches along the eastern seaboard of Rhode Island quickly became popular destinations for East Coast families and city-dwellers to escape to and enjoy a seaside summer lifestyle.

Located 30 miles south of Providence, Matunuck became one of the most sought after beach communities of its kind.

Built in 1898 as a large family-style beach boarding-house hotel, the Admiral Dewey Inn offered room, board, and access to the simple seaside pleasures of Matunuck.

The Admiral Dewey Inn was one of six family-style hotels along Matunuck Beach Road.

Recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, the late-Victorian style inn is the only one that remains intact and in original use. It chronicles a significant era social history - the growing importance of resort and recreation development.

Named for Admiral George Dewey (1837 - 1917), the victor of the Battle of Manila Bay, by the original owners George and Etta Champlin.

Guests would visit the inn year after year in hopes of reserving the same room for their extended stay in Matunuck. The Inn became a home for those seeking a summer getaway but didn’t own property in the area.

Iconic playhouse located just around the corner. Admiral Dewey Inn has traditionally hosted many actors and their families over the years.

About Us

The History

668 Matunuck Beach Road, Matunuck, RI 02879 | reservations@admiraldeweyinn.com | 401-783-2090

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