This is a timeshare with 4 buildings, run by RCI now. We have owned there since the early 1990's and have seen the management go thru LOTS of change.
What never changes is the beautiful, convenient location right on the water midway down lower Thames Street. There are 2 decks for each unit in the Northwind building, and very large 2 bedroom units with full kitchen and working fireplaces, individual washer and dryer. The heating system works poorly, and the kitchen dishes are very sparse - i.e. what good is a dishwasher if you only have 6 flatwhere placesettings??? We did find the general maintainance details much improved over previous stays and the indoor pool was actually warm.
This is the first time we have been given a list of restaurant specials in the area, also a better listing of what attractions are open ( it was "Christmas in Newport" time). Don't stay in Newport without checking at the tourism office in the bus station!
When we first purchased at Newport Onshore, the management company was small and local, so we had lots of decorative finishing touches and knowledgeable LOCAL staff. Now with the emphasis (from an owner viewpoint) redirected to getting 5* ratings, the niceties visitors to the Newport area enjoy have gone away. The Onshore staff is definitely robotic, although more responsive than last year. The lack of knowledge of the front office staff is incredible.
Do stay at Onshore if you want to be about in Newport or if you want to just crash with a book in front of the fire. Do NOT stay at Onshore if you are looking for "Resort" type of activities. They are just not there.

Most offensive of our stay is the continual marketing contact, which is extremely in your face. They promise $50 cash for "one half hour". NOT worth wasting your time, because it will take longer - way longer as 2 or 3 people successively sit down to talk with you. This facility was sold out long ago, so the marketing is ffor RCI and its points. There are much better ways to spend your time in Newport!!!

My husband and I just spent a week at the Wyndham Newport Onshore. Beware if they try to put you in Room 425. Not only was the room dirty, it was the noisiest room we have ever stayed in. There was a compressor that ran the building's sprinkler system just outside the door. It came on at all hours of the day and night and ran for about two minutes. There was no way to sleep through the noise. In fact it was so loud that you could not hear the TV when it came on. There is also little insulation in the walls or the ceiling. Even people talking in normal voices are easily heard and people walking in the room above sound like they are in the room with you. We did ask to move and were told they "were booked". Doubtful since this was off season and there were few cars on the premises. If this is a Wyndham Gold Crown Resort, the properties that are not Gold Crown must be really unacceptable.

My husband, myself and relatives stayed at Newport OnShore over the July 4th holiday. We would defininatly return, either to rent or even purchase into a timshare there. We rented a two bedroom unit, each bedroom had a TV and its own bathroom. The bedrooms were located at each end of the unit, so it allowed much privacy. Bedding was "clean" and didn't show any signs of wear. The living room had a very cozy atmosphere, comfortable seating, large screen TV , DVD player and a fireplace. The kitchen was fully equipted with a large dining area. At each end of the unit was a balcony where you could overlook the harbor.
Being there over the July 4th holiday, we were able to sit on the balcony and see the fireworks displays held throughout the week. The only objection was no daily housekeeping. I didnt find it objectionable, just a little odd. I think they were doing this to cut costs. All in all it was a great place to stay and highly recommend it to all.
Toni in Maryland