Block Island Lodging
A remarkably wide variety of accommodations are offered on Block Island. Prices change dramatically from season to season and place to place, a fact that demands a little research. In Old Harbor, historic portside hotels overlook the bustling ferry dock. A block or two away in every direction are quieter, smaller B&Bs and inns. Grand Victorian hotels just out of town offer antique-filled rooms, hot tubs, verandas, tapas, fine dining and entertainment.
The lodgings listed below are all clean and accommodating. For specific offerings, read the descriptions closely or call the numbers listed. Most inns require minimum stays on summer weekends. Many Block Island visitors prefer to rent homes by the week. For information on rental homes, see the Real Estate chapter.
1661 Inn & Hotel Manisses.
Step into yesteryear with a stay at The 1661 Inn & Hotel Manisses. The rooms are furnished with antiques and Early American paintings; many rooms offer a combination of ocean view, deck, whirlpool tub or fireplace. Included is the 1661 Inn’s renowned champagne buffet breakfast overlooking the Atlantic Ocean; wine and nibble hour; and a tour of the island. A favorite place for weddings, private parties and conferences.
Spring Street.
800/626-4773 or 401/466-2421.
www.blockislandresorts.com
The Atlantic Inn
This antique-filled Victorian inn at the top of High Street offers six acres of gardens and grounds, and tennis, croquet and horseshoes for its guests. All rooms are furnished with private bath. Breakfast is included. Harbor and ocean views grace the veranda. The romantic fine-dining restaurant offers a unique four course prix fixe dinner menu. Tapas and cocktails are served nightly on the veranda and at the bar.
High Street
401/466-5883, 466-5678
www.atlanticinn.com/
Block Island Reservations and Real Estate
This reservation service is located in the middle of town, in the lobby of the Harborside Inn. From here you can reserve rooms in several of the island’s hotels and suites. Apartments, cottages and homes are available for nightly and weekly rentals. Island sales information can also be found here. Guests are offered luggage storage, moped and bike discounts, as well as recommendations for entertainment and dining.
213 Water Street
800/825-6254
www.blockislandhotel.com
Blue Dory Inn
Located in the Old Harbor historic district, the Blue Dory Inn has garnered praise in national publications. The tastefully appointed rooms are full of character. All rooms have either an ocean or a harbor view. A full buffet breakfast is served in a comfortable kitchen space, with ample tables and counters. Three fully equipped suites are also available, as are romantic beachside cottages.
Dodge St.
401/466-5891 or 800/992-7290
Email: rundezvous@aol.com
Gothic Inn
The eye-catching Gothic Inn is perched high, overlooking the whole of Crescent Beach. This cheery cottage has all the trappings of a Victorian getaway by the sea. Its six steep gables are lined with gingerbread woodwork, and the front porch looks out on quaint Dodge Street. The inn is a short walk from the ferry dock. Parking is available on the property (but bikes are recommended). And rates are reasonable. Proprietors Bennet and Toube Wohl.
401/466-2918, 800/944-8991.
Dodge Street
www.thegothicinn.com
Hygeia House.
This is the restored homestead of Dr. John and Senator Christopher Champlin. Bought and restored by Dr. Champlin's great-grandson, Champlin Starr, and his wife, Lisa, the Hygeia House now operates as a 10-room inn. All of the rooms have water views, original furniture and private baths. Perched high on a hill with commanding views of both harbors, the Hygeia House is the also the home of the Block Island Poetry Project, a springtime celebration of poetry, music and people.
401/466-9616.
www.hygeiahouse.com
The Inn at Block Island.
An old sea captain’s home furnished with antiques, warmed with home-style cooking and love. Bring your children and canines to this family-geared vacation spot. All rooms include air conditioning, private bath and satellite TV. Full breakfast and afternoon nibbles are served daily on the wrap around porch with ocean views. Located on Old Town Road, a short walk from town, beach and ferry.
Open May to October.
877/324-4667 or 401/466-5524.
www.theinnatblockisland.com
Island Manor Resort
Located on Chapel Street, just one block from Old Harbor, the Island Manor Resort is a short stroll away from the ferry, shops and beaches. Choose from efficiencies that sleep four with full kitchen and private bath, or suites that sleep six with full kitchen and two private baths. The resort also has gas barbeque grills, picnic tables and play areas that make it the perfect choice for families. Inquire about their interval ownership offerings. Chapel Street
401/466-5567
Narragansett Inn
A white-washed icon with sweeping vistas of the Great Salt Pond, this tranquil inn epitomizes Block Island style with airy rooms, ocean breezes and a rolling lawn. This is a spectacular location for a wedding, rehearsal dinner or other special event. Buffet breakfast served daily and cocktails nightly in the Sunset Lounge. An unpretentious menu features salad bar, soups, burgers, seafood and nightly specials.
Ocean Ave.
Open Memorial Day to Columbus Day
401/466-2626
The National Hotel
Originally built in 1888, this prominent hotel with wraparound porch is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located in the heart of the town of Block Island, walking distance to the ferry landing, the shops, restaurants and beaches. All forty-five rooms have been renovated with private baths, televisions and telephones while retaining its Victorian charm. Some of the rooms do have ocean views and they are all non-smoking. The rates do include a light continental breakfast.
Water Street.
466-2901.
www.blockislandhotels.com
Old Town Inn. Newly renovated country inn set amongst spacious grounds at the center of the island. Ten guest rooms with private baths. Gourmet breakfast buffet and afternoon hors d'oeuvres included.
Old Town Road.
401/466-5958
www.oldtowninnbi.com
Payne's Harbor View Inn. This grand mansard overlooking New Harbor, just a few hundred yards from beautiful Crescent Beach, is Block Island's newest hotel. The inn offers suites with Jacuzzis, large rooms with whirlpool tubs, private decks, cable TV and antique furnishings. Spacious parlors, breathtaking views and a rolling waterside lawn make this inn a great place to stay. Owned and operated by an original island family. www.paynesharborviewinn.com 401/466-5758.
The Seacrest Inn
Located in the historic district of town, this family owned and operated inn is out of the main traffic pattern but only a few minutes from the Old Harbor ferry dock. Shops, restaurants and churches are all within walking distance, as are the best beaches. All rooms have private baths. The inn also rents bikes: 7- to 24-speeds, tag-alongs and children’s bikes. Helmets and locks are provided.
Open May-Oct.
High Street
401/466-2882
The Sheffield House
A lovely Victorian bed & breakfast with an expansive front porch for reading, relaxing or sharing conversation. The six guest rooms, most with private baths, and delicious breakfast fare have made The Sheffield House the perfect island destination. The short walk to beaches and town offer guests a quiet and enjoyable experience. Open May through November and available off-season as a rental for family gatherings, reunions and special occasions.
MC, Visa, Discover.
High Street.
866/466-2494, 401/466-2494
www.thesheffieldhouse.com
Sullivan House
This island landmark, a 1904 Victorian with a majestic wraparound porch, sits atop a hill overlooking Great Salt Pond to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Each room has a private bath, four-poster or canopy bed and ocean views. Breakfast included. A Jacuzzi is available in the suite. This is a prime location for weddings, rehearsal dinners, private parties and business conferences. Several rental properties are available.
Corn Neck Road
401/466-5020
www.TheSullivanHouse.com
Surf Hotel.
This island landmark hotel, with its distinguished Victorian atmosphere, stands directly on the beach. Famous for the rocking chairs that line the porch. This season celebrating 50 years of family ownership! Open Memorial Day to Columbus Day. Dodge Street. 401/466-2241.