- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
The Breakers
Rating Details »
- Good for Kids:
- No
29 reviews for The Breakers
I went to The Breakers with my fiance on my 31st birthday. It was the end of May and it was a beautiful spring day. We took the self-guided tour and had fun being tourists and wearing the nerdy headphones. You will have a great time on this tour, you will be so amazed and you will learn things too. I now like to use the term "conspicuous consumption" and "gilded age" when I can.
Normally, I don't get to throw those terms around on a regular basis. But, if you take the self-guide tour of The Breakers, you could use those terms!
Seriously. GO!!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
I'd like to thank all the visitors that have said such lovely things about my summer estate. Yes, it's opulent. Yes, it's lavish. Some even call it gaudy. You know what though? I built it this way so you yelpers could gawk at its awesomeness.
Go at your own pace with the self-guided tour on headphones. Be sure to sweat profusely into the headphones so the next visitor can have some of your DNA. Had I anticipated this many visitors during the summer I would have installed A/C a hundred years ago. My bad.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (4)
- Cool (1)
If you are going to do a mansion tour, this is the one to do. It was interesting to hear the history of the Vanderbilts in this house. You could really place yourself in the gilded age and feel the opulence.
$18 per person. Say what??!!! I could have gotten another lobster roll and a beer at Flo's!!
+1 star because I've decided when I build my mansion I will name it "Breakers II, electric boogaloo"
People thought this was:
- Useful (8)
- Funny (7)
- Cool (7)
The Breakers is absolutely stunning! What grand opulence, attention to architectural and interior decoration, breathtaking views and properties. A true depiction and look into turn of the century American wealthy lifestyle, a time travel back to the Gilded Age. High vaulted ceilings, fountains, canopy beds, gold leaf molding and wall coverings, painted ceilings, artwork galore. I've never seen anything like this place before in my life!
There was no line on the foggy, rainy day I spent at this "summer cottage". I walked right in, was handed an audio headset, and sent on my way to discover the splendor that makes up the Breakers. The audio tour was absolutely worth every minute that I spent listening to it. Voice-overs, classical music, and extra informational sections gave me a real insiders look to the mansion. No straining to hear the lone tour guide up ahead blurt out things then move quickly along. I was able to spend as much time as I wanted viewing things of importance and beauty.
The Vanderbilts who resided and still do? reside here knew how to live in style. The views from the back tiled patio are a sight in itself. Expansive lawns and greenery, rolling waves and crashing ocean, salty breezes rustle the plants stored out here. What a relaxing and enjoyable environment. The enormity of this place is astounding, you have to see it with your own eyes to truly understand its grandeur.
I returned home later in the evening. . . wondering why I lived in a room the size of a Vanderbilt closet. Time to re-evaluate my living quarters, haha.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
This was my favorite mansion. It was HUGE but it also had class. It wasn't like the other mansions that were just "EH" but once you step in it blows you away. The view from the back patio was breathtaking which was one of the highlights of this mansion.
Now if only they would sell this place to me....
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (2)
You may leave depressed due to envy or revolted due to the garish display of wealth - either way, it's not to be missed. An amazing view of the ocean and incredible master craftsmen put a lot of sweat into its creation.
Don't forget to ask the tour guide questions about who lives on the thrid floor and watch their reactions (current Vanderbilt descendants stay in the summer) - for some reason, they try to hide this fact.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
fruitbaskets. i'm with brian down there- the glamor and beauty of the home are significantly overshadowed by the absolute absurdity of the amount of money spent on this loony-toon, fruit loop, joan rivers, whack tree of a house, WHICH, by the way, was only used for a few months out of each year.
if you're in the area and you wanna see how stupid rich people of the past spent their money, just go. it's wild. absolutely wild. even if you don't appreciate architecture or the art of froo froo silly silly.. you will still be amazed. it's a fun way to spend the day with touring family members.
ok actually they were enormous philanthropists, but still.. those loons ate a big ol' plate of crazy when they thought this house up: http://static.px.yelp....
i mean did you SEE that big ass gate??? they could have invested in laser eyes and a rocket ship with the money from that gate alone!
i guess i ate a plate of crazy too, cause i'm givin it 5 fancy ones.
People thought this was:
- Useful (10)
- Funny (12)
- Cool (9)
I'm still not sure exactly how I feel about The Breakers. On one hand I almost feel nauseated by the incredible cupidity, avarice and supercilious attitude that is literally dripping off every wall and ceiling. Vanderbilt had more money that god and he did everything in his power to make sure everyone knew it and this is the result.
On the other hand the place IS incredible. The location on a cliff off of Belluvue is truly spectacular and the grounds amazing. The inside of the house, and I hesitate to even call it a house, staggers the mind. There is something amazing everywhere you look and it almost hurts to try and assimilate it all.
Sure it was crowded as hell and probably always is. Waiting in line and bumbing into people sucked. But like it or hate it there is no denying that visiting The Breakers is an amazing experience.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (3)
$18 to visit a big house? Really, is it worth it? Yes! It is ridiculously worth it. Thine eyes will pop out of thine head at the non-stop gratuitous displays of wealth, in a humongous mansion used for less than two months of the year. Each and every room, hallway, corner, inch....you get the idea...is gilded to the hilt with ornate, luxurious and splendid displays of wealth. It's a feast for the eyes and also a mindscrew, thinking about what you could have done with all that green (implemented universal health care, traveled the world in planes made of solid gold, etc).
People thought this was:
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
I am so glad that things like this exist in the world. I'm so glad the society is in place, preserving this history. I cannot believe this was ever someone's "summer home." The children's playhouse alone is larger than anything I could hope to own in San Francisco. I so appreciate the tour guides who take their time (volunteer I'm guessing?) to share the stories and explain what we're seeing. I wish I had been in a smaller group so I could've asked the million questions I was thinking, and also so I was less tempted to scream at a busload of kindly old retirees to SHUT THE HELL UP ALREADY. We are on a damn tour, we paid to see this place and hear about it. I don't need you running your mouths at Dead Batteries on My Hearing Aid decibel levels in a huge echo-y chamber while I'm trying to listen to someone on the other side of the room speak!! Sorry.
Anyway, great tour. Can I please have a fabulous dinner party out on the veranda overlooking the ocean? Thanks.
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (2)
lavish.
filthy rich.
OG baller's
been going to this place for ever..I could be a tour guide by now.
fun facts
passionate staff
Such a beautiful freeze frame of a different time.
$16 for a single ticket
$30 something for a pass to go to 5 mansions in the neighborhood
....dare to dream
People thought this was:
- Useful (3)
- Funny (3)
- Cool (4)
I went in the summer time but I went right when the opened. I hate waiting in lines and did not want to wait in a line to see an old house.
I was like 4 th in line, they took the first 3 groups (maybe 7 people max) then made us wait, but didn't tell us to wait, just put the rope in front of us. I found that a little rude since we just dropped a decent amount of money on tickets.
Our tour guide was knowledgeable. She was able to keep up with the screaming kids and obnoxious parents.
My favorite part of the house was the kitchen.
The gift shop was way over priced. It used to be the servants head quarters. I kind of wished they left it as it was it would have been neat to see.
Also the view from the balcony is breathtaking.
When I think of my past experience here I get creeped out. It is just so weird that rich people lived there so long ago and all of their stuff is still there. (FYI - one of the vanderbilts lives on the 3rd floor still - pretty creepy!!!)
But a must see if you are in Newport.
Amazing. Fantastic. Gorgeous. Awe-inspiring. I can only use to many more words to describe the Breakers.
For those of you who haven't been here, this might put it into perspective for you: This "cottage" has a foyer which could fit my entire (medium-sized) house in it. The foyer. My house. Yes, this is the kind of brazen opulence we're talking about here.
The best part is, it's on my college campus, so I get to look at it allllll the time. And then promptly weep at my pitiful fortune, having not been born into a family of bajillionaires. Sniffle.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Funny (2)
- Cool (2)
Opulent, extravagent, completely over the top (wow my thesaurus is getting a work-out). I've always said that I wanted to live 100 years ago, but I'm refining that. I wanted to have been a Vanderbilt 100 years ago. I wish I could have taken inside pictures to show the details in the architecture, and the gold leafing, and the view.
Sadly we chose to go on a day that was well into the 80s and a cruise ship had arrived; but the line was only about 15 minutes and the tour group was an appropriate size. The guide was well informed and brought us through at a good pace. I would personally have liked to see more things like the servant's quarters and the basement and real workings of the house.
Man - some people have too much money....
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (2)
A must see if in Newport.
Tours are self-guided. Not a place for small children, please leave them at home. No photography allowed as well.
the mansions are absolutely stunning, nice place to visit, can be quite educational seeing first hand how these people who had unlimited resources lived in their vacation homes.
unlike many other mansions you might visit, this one is a guided tour only.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
First off I want to know how Joe G. got a picture of the inside of The Breakers. We must have been told a few hundred times no photos were allowed to be taken inside.
That said, this is a gorgeous mansion filled with an interesting snap-shot of an era of yesteryear. As Tracee D. said in her review, fun facts and a passionate staff.
All in all, if you're in Newport, put The Breakers on your "must see" list.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
We had toured The Elms a few years ago and decided to check out The Breakers this trip. When you purchase your ticket in the tent just inside the gates they don't tell you there is a line hidden from your view to get in. Imagine our surprise when we walk down the drive and see a line of people snaking around the front entrance. It looked like it was moving, and of course we'd already paid to go in so we stood in line and waited. And waited. An hour later we were standing on the front step and finally admitted for a tour.
I did enjoy the tour of the house - our guide was very well-mannered, you would almost think he was part of the Vanderbilt's original staff! However, the incredibly long lines sucked and we weren't able to spend as much time after the tour because we had other plans for the evening and had to leave. Go forewarned and inquire if there is a wait when you get your ticket. That or plan on spending time in the sun waiting to get in with other tourists and their misbehaving children.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
- Cool (1)
I thought this was a fantastic place, and after spending so much time touring castles in Europe, I really thought I'd be disappointed. It was awe-inspiring, and I wish I could have taken indoor photos. Standing upstairs, looking down onto the first floor is a spectacular sight. The view from outside is incredible as well, with a huge green span of lawn, and the ocean, front and center. Definitely worth it!
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
If you have to go here on the weekend during tourist season, you need to make sure you go early when they open in the morning or plan to wait in a LONG line of at least 30-45 mins. If you can go in the off-season, you will walk right in.
I am not in to the mansion thing, however, this place is really special. I went with my parents and had low expectations. It is a little bit pricey, but if you are going to go to a Newport mansion, this is the place. The best thing about it, besides the amazing size and visuals, was our tour guide. It was some old guy part of the historic society, but wow, he was SUPER knowledgeable. He really seemed to know what he was talking about, understood every aspect of history about the place from the architecture, the art, and the folks who lived and visited the place when it was regularly occupied. I was very impressed.
If you feel the desire to visit the mansions, this is the one to go to. After this, you might was well go to the beach or do something else, but I wouldn't visit more mansions, you will be disappointed as you will naturally compare them to the Breakers.
I also recommend going here TWICE. Why? Because every tour guide is different and even when I went a second time when I had guests visiting, I enjoyed it as the guide I had told me about different things. Surprisingly, I liked it the 2nd time just as much as the first.
People thought this was:
- Useful (2)
- Cool (3)
This is definitely worth visiting, although I wouldn't suggest going in the mid summer, not just because of the lines, but there is nothing worse than sitting in line and being hot and uncomfortable.
I have seen all of the mansions, and they are all pretty impressive. The Vanderbilt (Breakers) was my favorite, but I liked Rosecliff a lot as well. This house is amazing, and you learn a slight history lesson to!
I did however see a lot of antsy children there, and I don't think that kids appreciate it as much as we would, so I wouldn't suggest bringing them along. It might look like a family thing, but most of the kids were just begging to leave.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Cool (2)
Opulent as a MF.
These foolz had cash money and new how to party.
Worth the $15 even if your GF has to drag you there.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
Okay, do you remember Robin Leach's show "Lifestyles of The Rich and Famous?" This Breakers is what that show was all about.
The Breakers is the summer "cottage" of Cornelius Vanderbilt. Cottage? Uhhhh, cottage my ass. It is one of the bigger mansions I have personally seen in some time. It is absolutely an extraordinary landmark. Since I was only in town for a few hours, I decided to tour The Breakers as it was supposed to be the grandest of all the Newport mansions. Now I didn't get to see the others from the inside (saw their exteriors and all amazing), so I won't say the Breakers is the best. But I will say that The Breakers exceeded even my expectations. I think the tour is a bit costly for one house, but then when I saw it and heard how much it costs to preserve the damn thing, it makes sense. In fact it may be a bargain!
The house is simply exquisite. Being an architectural fan, I loved learning about the construction of this place. Entire rooms designed and built in Paris and then being shipped over to the States. Mirrors placed strategically on the walls for light in lieu of the shady electrical system. If this place were built today, it is said it would cost roughly $52 million. But the kicker is that some of it could not even be reproduced because there is no one in the world with the skills to replicate some of the craftwork.
My favorite rooms were the library with a monsterous fireplace and the dining room with the huge ceilings, gorgeous ceilings, alabaster columns, and unbelievable dining table and chairs- now that's what I'd like to entertain in! Without a doubt, walking into the Breakers you will really step back in time to a bygone era where luxurious life was free of worry and full of parties.
People thought this was:
- Funny (1)
Every year I take a group of my students to the Newport Mansions, and The Breakers is always their favorite one. It is hard to understand the opulence of the place, as everything is just soooo over-the-top, but it's fun to see. My favorite part is the kitchen. It's crazy to think that the Vanderbilts never even stepped food into that kitchen, because it's so beautiful. If you can only get to one of the Newport Mansions, I'd recommend Breakers. It's breathtaking.
Similar to one of those castles in the outskirts of Paris - very majestic yet bleak. It is almost like visiting a boring haunted palace. The mansion is cool at first, but it gets boring soon after that because every room is almost exactly the same and it feels like a high school history class field trip. Not bad to visit while ur at newport if you don't have much to do... or if you love art museums.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
- Funny (1)
- Cool (1)
Though it's not as large as the Biltmore in North Carolina, this is the most splendid of the restored Vanderbilt palaces and the poshest in Newport. This is the one to see if you have time and money for only one Newport home. My partner is from St. Petersburg, Russia and tells me this is the only place he's ever seen in America comparable to the palaces of the Russian royalty and nobility there.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
If you are only going to visit one of the Newport mansions, you should probably come here. After coming here, you've pretty much seen it all. When I grow up, I want to live in a house like this.
Man those guys back in the days were living phat! What an awesome house.
When you're in Newport, you HAVE to see at least one of the mansions - even if it's a different one each time. The Breakers is the most famous one, and for good reason. What it must have been like to live in this enourmous house right on the water. I'm only giving it a 3 though because I'm a photo buff and they won't let you take pictures inside..lol..
People thought this was:
- Funny (1)
