Block Island Hotels, Inns, B&B's

The largest and oldest Block Island Hotels date back to the mid 1800's when tourism on BI began. As you approach Old Harbor from the water, the grand hotels are the first things you see. You won't need a car if you are staying in town, you can walk right to your hotel! The grandest of the grandest of all Block Island Hotels, the Oceanview, burned to the ground in 1966 but you may still visit the grounds where it stood.

Block Island does not have any chain hotels, or chain anything for that matter. The largest hotel on the island is over 150 years old and has 50 rooms. These old Victorians are like living history. You can feel first hand what it was like to be alive and on holiday decades ago. If you are thinking of staying at one of these grand old hotels, use the drop down menu to find out about each one.

On the main drag is the National Hotel, the Harborside Inn and further up the road on Spring Street is the Manisses, the 1661 and the Springhouse, popular in the summertime with its weddings and events.

Traveling from town up High Street you'll find the Atlantic Inn. Down by the Ferry Docks you'll see Ballard's Inn on the Beach. To some visitors Ballard's is all they know of Block Island! Rounding the bend on Water Street onto Dodge Street is the Grand Surf Hotel, currently closed after 30 years. This hotel is now for sale. If you have ten or so million to spare contact an island sales broker.

More Block Island Hotels and Inns can be found as you descend Dodge Street from the Surf Hotel. In New Harbor near Payne's Dock is the Narragansett Inn overlooking Great Salt Pond.

Rooms and Rates vary. The best rates are mid-week in the off season, highest rates are July & August. Rates are anywhere from $75/night in the off season to $400/night for the same simple room in July or August.

The point is that there a still places on Block Island that are set 'back in time' and may be "rustic," that is to say without even simple amenities you are used to off island.

This may be appealing to some people, appalling to others so ask questions, ask for photos, and know what you are renting.

If you require complete privacy and things like air conditioning in your hotel room, it is available, so ask specific questions and book early!

These Inns range all the way from 5-15 rooms down to the islander who rents out her extra bedroom or two. Staying at a small inn or a bed and breakfast gives you a real flavor of island life. Many offer breakfast. Each inn has its own personality as unique as its innkeeper; who, by the way, is always willing to share island stories as well as guide you during your stay.

Good places for families to stay are the Hygeia House, the Bellevue, The Gables Inn, 1661 Inn, Champlin's Marina Inn and The Narragansett Inn

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Share Your Block Island Hotel Experience

Do you have tips on, a story about or just a favorite place you have stayed on Block Island? I'm sure others would love to hear all about your Block Island vacation experience!