The Breakers is the best known of the Newport cottages largely because it is the largest and most ostentatious. Its $20 a person to get in and by noon (they open at 9) there is a 30-45 min wait to get in. You can’t take pictures inside and the tour is about 45 mins long. The tour guide was very knowledgeable but there were so many tours going on that it was easy to get mixed up with other groups. The house itself is ridiculously gaudy (which may be a reason to avoid it or flock to it). My husband commented that if this had been the first mansion we had gone to; it would’ve been our last. Still it is one of the 1000 things to see before you die. I recommend the Astor’s Beechwood instead.

We had a wonderful time at the Breakers in 8/07. This was our first visit to the area and to this home. It fulfills all expectations of beauty and grandeur!

If you are doing a Newport, RI as a weekend visit I'd suggest you check the line first at the Breakers before you purchase tickets. We waited outside the Breakers for 1 hour on a busy Saturday. After a waiting in line for so long, the tour itself, and shopping in the gift shop half of our day was spent just at the Breakers. Other homes can be toured much quicker with fewer crowds.

Don't miss our on this home. It truly is an American treasure.

The Breakers is an absolutely gorgeous Vanderbilt palace. It is breathtaking--a must-see in Newport. It has over 70 rooms, including 23 bathrooms. What a great piece of American history! You will be shocked over and over again!

Besides being a stunning mansion that one could only dream of owning, The Breakers now holds a special place in my heart...I got engaged on 10/21/06 on the steps in the back overlooking the water! It was like a fairytale! There's always a line for the tour, but it's well worth it.