18 Best Block Island Hotels (Our Favorite!)

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From the Author: Our family has been taking week-long vacations on Block Island for 6+ years. We love this island and know it well. If you have any questions, we respond quickly to comments!

Block Island just might be New England’s best kept secret. It may be small (9.73 sq miles to be exact), but it’s filled with 17 miles of some of the most beautiful, and diverse beaches in the region.

It’s best hotels are equally beautiful and diverse – a delightful, ever-evolving mix of old meets new. And because of Block Island’s intimate size, it never seems like you’re too far from anything.

Here are our picks for the best Block Island hotels.


NOTICE // We try our best to keep the information in this guide as up to date as possible. If you notice anything has changed, please leave us comment down below.


LAST UPDATE:

1. Block Island Beach House (“The Surf” & “The Gables”)

NOTE: The Block Island Beach House has two locations: “The Surf” and “The Gables”. The Surf is located directly on the beach. The Gables has a pool and is located just a short 3 minute walk away from The Surf (on the same street). Whether you stay at The Surf, or The Gables, you’ll get access to BOTH the beach and the pool!

Hotel Information:

  • Pet Friendly: YES – Dogs ONLY, and only in select rooms.
  • Pool: YES – Heated pool at “The Gables” location.
  • Beach: YES – Located right on Crescent Beach!
  • Parking: YES – Website says only 5 spots, but I called and they use one of the staff’s home parking nearby for overflow (walking distance). They say they’ve never had an issue accommodating all guests!
  • Walkability: HIGH – Located right downtown. Steps away from all the shops, bars, and restaurants and a 5 min walk from the ferry.
  • Food & Drink: YES – The Surf onsite restaurant, and a surfside Beach Bar.
  • Recreation: NO – But hey, you have the beach, pool and access to downtown! Plenty to do.
  • Minimum Stay: Minimum of two nights during the weekend. One night stays fine during the weekdays!
  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Cat Friendly: No
  • All dogs must be on a leash.
  • Nightly pet fee of $50.00 per dog. No more than 2 dogs allowed.
  • You’ll pay a $250.00 fee per night if any dogs are found in rooms not designated as dog-friendly, or if your dog causes any stains/damage.
  • Heated Pool: YES – But note that the water is not kept hot by any means! Only slightly warmer than the ocean.
  • Towel Service: YES
  • Pool Bar: NO – No alcohol allowed in the pool area either. You’ll have to take a short walk down to the surf-side Beach Bar for a drink.
  • Lifeguard: NO – Swim at your own risk.
  • Open to Public: NO – Guests of The Surf and The Gables only.
the gables block island beach house pool

The Surf is located directly on Crescent Beach!

There are 40 chase lounges and umbrellas available to guests on a first-come-first-served basis.

Beach towels are also included.

surf beach block island umbrellas

Consider leaving the car at home if you’re planning on staying here. You simply don’t need one as this property is less than a 5 minute walk from the ferry!

Most everything is within walking distance, and for the few things that aren’t, just hail a cab.


2. Darius Inn

Hotel Information:

  • Pet Friendly: YES – Dogs ONLY, in select rooms.
  • Pool: NO – No pool.
  • Beach: YES – Located steps away from Crescent Beach and a short 5 min walk from Ballards Beach.
  • Parking: YES – However they have limited parking on site and it’s available on a first come first serve basis. Parking is free, but it’s NOT guaranteed.
  • Walkability: HIGH – Located right downtown. Steps away from all the shops, bars, and restaurants and a 5 min walk from the ferry.
  • Food & Drink: YES – The Darius has a daily “happy hour” with drinks and apps. You’re also walking distance from several bars and restaurants downtown.
  • Recreation: NO – But you’re right downtown and walking distance from the beach.
  • Minimum Stay: 3 night minimum for suites and 2 night minimum for rooms.
My family at the Darius Inn Block Island
  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Cat Friendly: No
  • There are 5 dog friendly rooms: Suite Four, Suite Three, Suite Two, Suite One, & Room 5.
  • $50 fee per dog/per stay.
  • Call them ahead of time if you plan on bringing your dog!

Located steps away from Crescent Beach and a short 5 min walk from Ballards Beach.


3. The 1661 Inn

Hotel Information:

  • Pet Friendly: NO – No pets allowed.
  • Pool: NO – No pool.
  • Beach: NO – About a 9 minute walk from Ballards Beach and 10 minute walk to Crescent beach.
  • Parking: YES – Free on-site parking available to all guests.
  • Walkability: MODERATE – 10 minute from downtown and the ferry. Just a bit further to closest beach.
  • Food & Drink: YES – Breakfast is served at The 1661 Inn – featuring an array of dishes including eggs, pancakes, fresh fruit, bacon, sausage, breakfast potatoes, homemade muffins and much more.
  • Recreation: YES – You’re located directly across the street from a working farm! As a guest you’ll be able to explore the farm and meet the animals.

4. Spring House Hotel

Hotel Information:

  • Pet Friendly: NO – No pets allowed.
  • Pool: NO – No pool.
  • Beach: NO – About a 9 minute walk from Ballards Beach and 10 minute walk to Crescent beach.
  • Parking: YES – Free parking on-site.
  • Walkability: MODERATE – 8 minute from downtown and the ferry. Just a bit further to closest beach.
  • Food & Drink: YES – The Spring House Restaurant is on-site.
  • Recreation: NO – But there is a TON of outdoor/lawn space at this hotel – our kids love running and and down the hills.
spring house hotel block island

5. The National Hotel

Hotel Information:

  • Pet Friendly: NO – No pets allowed.
  • Pool: NO – No pool.
  • Beach: YES – Located steps away from Crescent Beach and a short 3 min walk from Ballards Beach.
  • Parking: YES – There is a parking lot for the hotel – it’s complimentary but does get busy particularly in July and August, so they cannot guarantee a parking place.
  • Walkability: HIGH – Located right downtown. Steps away from all the shops, bars, and restaurants and a 2 min walk from the ferry.
  • Food & Drink: YES – The National Hotel Tap & Grille is on-site with both indoor and outdoor seating.
  • Recreation: NO – But hey, you have the beach and access to downtown! Plenty to do.

6. The Atlantic Inn

Hotel Information:

  • Pet Friendly: NO – No pets allowed.
  • Pool: NO – No pool.
  • Beach: NO – About a 12 minute walk from Ballards Beach and 13 minute walk to Crescent beach.
  • Parking: YES – Free parking on-site.
  • Walkability: MODERATE – 8 minute from downtown and the ferry. Just a bit further to closest beach.
  • Food & Drink: YES – Restaurant 1879 is on-site. Great food and an incredible wine list!
  • Recreation: NO – But not too far from downtown!

7. Hotel Manisses

Hotel Information:

  • Pet Friendly: YES – Dogs ONLY.
  • Pool: NO – No Pool
  • Beach: YES – 4 minute walk to Ballards Beach and a 6 minute walk to Crescent Beach (right in front of the Block Island Beach House).
  • Parking: YES – Dedicated guest parking right in front of the hotel.
  • Walkability: HIGH – 5 minute walk to ferry, downtown and two beaches.
  • Food & Drink: YES – The Block Island Oyster Bar and Grill is located right on-site. Inside and outside seating available.
  • Recreation: NO – But you’re steps away from downtown shops and restaurants!
  • Minimum Stay: Minimum of two nights during the weekend. One night stays fine during the weekdays!
  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Cat Friendly: No
  • They allow small dogs in two (2) of their rooms that have private entrances.
  • Nightly pet fee of $50.00 per dog.

4 minute walk to Ballards Beach and a 6 minute walk to Crescent Beach (right in front of the Block Island Beach House).

On-site at Hotel Manisses is the Block Island Oyster Bar and Grill – sister restaurant to Kimberly’s on Ocean Ave! It’s absolutely worth a visit.


8. Ballard’s Beach Resort

Hotel Information:

  • Pet Friendly: NO – Not pets allowed in the hotel, but dogs are allowed on the beach (so long as they are on a leash).
  • Pool: NO – No pool.
  • Beach: YES – Ballard’s Beach Resort is “oceanfront”, it’s not technically on the beach itself. That said, Ballard’s Beach is just a minute walk away.
  • Parking: YES – Free parking is available to guests staying at Ballard’s Resort.
  • Walkability: HIGH – Located a short 3 minute walk from the ferry and downtown. Lots of bars and restaurants right nearby!
  • Food & Drink: YES – Breakfast, lunch and dinner served on-site at the beachfront restaurant. And a separate Tiki Bar on the beach.
  • Recreation: YES – Volleyball and live music on the beach!
  • Minimum Stay: Minimum of two nights during the weekend. One night stays fine during the weekdays.
Ballards from the ocean

Ballard’s Resort is just steps away from the quarter-mile-long Ballard’s Beach! You can reserve cabanas, lounge chairs, umbrellas, boogie boards and even a private beach fire!

There’s also a Tiki Bar right on Ballard’s Beach that serves amazing frozen drinks.

And if you’re traveling with kids during the summer months, there is a life guard on duty.

Keep in mind that this beach can get quite crowded – after-all, it’s only a short 5 minute walk from the Ferry (lot’s a day-trippers).

frozen drinks at Ballards Resort Block Island

If you have any interest in using Ballard’s cabanas, lounge chairs, umbrellas, etc. BOOK AHEAD! They sell out all the time.

You can reserve them here.


9. Blue Dory Inn

Hotel Information:

  • Pet Friendly: YES – Dog and cat friendly! 30 dollar fee per night, per pet.
  • Pool: NO- No pool.
  • Beach: YES – 60 second walk from Crescent Beach!
  • Parking: YES – Parking is located behind Sherman cottage, to the left of the Blue Dory Inn. If it’s full, park at the Avonlea!
  • Walkability: HIGH – Located right downtown. Steps away from all the shops, bars, and restaurants and a 5 min walk from the ferry.
  • Food & Drink: YES – This is a Bed & Breakfast! Complimentary breakfast served every morning and afternoon wine and hors d’oeuvres.
  • Recreation: NO – But you have the beach and access to downtown! There is a lot to do!
  • Minimum Stay: Typically a minimum of two-three nights during the weekend. One night stays might be fine during the weekdays but call and check!
Blue Dory Inn street view
  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Cat Friendly: Yes
  • There is a fee of $30 dollars per night per pet.
  • A hose is available on the south side of the Blue Dory to wash your pet off when coming off Crescent beach.
  • They have made special arrangements in the past to allow pets to be unattended but you’ll have to provide your cell phone number so staff can contact you if something goes wrong!
Blue Dory Inn Block Island

Located a 60 second walk from Crescent Beach (there is a path from the back door that leads right down to the water!).

There are complimentary beach chairs and towels available as well.

Blue Dory Inn beach view

A hose is available on the south side of the Blue Dory to wash your feet (and dog!) when coming off Crescent beach.

The Blue Dory Inn is located directly behind the Avonlea. Both properties are owned and operated by the same company.


10. The Inn at Spring House

Hotel Information:

  • Pet Friendly: NO – No pets allowed.
  • Pool: NO – No pool.
  • Beach: NO – About a 9 minute walk from Ballards Beach and 10 minute walk to Crescent beach.
  • Parking: YES – Free on-site parking available to all guests.
  • Walkability: MODERATE – 10 minute from downtown and the ferry. Just a bit further to closest beach.
  • Food & Drink: YES – Complimentary breakfast/coffee on-site.
  • Recreation: YES – You’re located right next to a working farm! As a guest you’ll be able to explore the farm and meet the animals.
The Inn at Spring House block island

11. Champlin’s

Hotel Information:

  • Pet Friendly: YES – Dog and cat friendly. Must be on a leash. Additional nightly cost incurred. Dog park on-site.
  • Pool: YES – Heated pool on the water with a pool bar!
  • Beach: NO – 30 min walk or 5 min drive.
  • Parking: YES – On-site.
  • Walkability: LOW – 30 min walk from downtown, ferry and the nearest beach. But lots of amenities on-site, and a few walkable restaurants nearby.
  • Food & Drink: YES – Bars, restaurants, coffee, ice cream and candy shack all on-site.
  • Recreation: YES – Kayaks, paddle boards, pedal boats, bikes, lawn games, fire pits, and playground.
  • Minimum Stay: The marina and the hotel have minimum night stays ranging from two nights to four nights during the season. Occasionally they have shorter stays available, so give them call!
Champlins Block Island overhead drone shot
  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Cat Friendly: Yes
  • All pets must be on a leash.
  • Nightly pet fee of $65.00 for one pet. $95.00 for two pets.
  • There is dog “park” on-site (really just a grass area) in front of the Pier 76 building.
  • If your pet has an accident on the property that requires professional cleaning, you’ll be charged for it (cost of cleaning plus $100).
  • Heated Pool: YES
  • Towel Service: YES
  • Pool Bar: YES – Drinks and food options available.
  • Lifeguard: NO – Swim at your own risk.
  • Open to Public: NO – Starting July 1st each year, guests are required to wear wrist bands and Champlin’s double-check them at the pool gate. Prior to July, pool is open to the public!
Best Block Island Hotels with a Pool

Go get a frozen banana mudslide and smash burger poolside, or at the marina bar, dock-side. They are revered island-wide!

Some say Champlin’s slides are even better than the slides at The Oar. I’m team Champlin’s. My wife is team Oar. Let us know which team you’re on!


12. The Farm House (by 1661 Inn)

Hotel Information:

  • Pet Friendly: YES – Dogs ONLY.
  • Pool: NO – No pool.
  • Beach: NO – About a 9 minute walk from Ballards Beach and 10 minute walk to Crescent beach.
  • Parking: YES – Parking is located right on-site.
  • Walkability: MODERATE – 8 minute from downtown and the ferry. Just a bit further to closest beach.
  • Food & Drink: NO – But a short walk to the Farmstead Refreshments Food Truck and the Spring House Hotel Restaurant.
  • Recreation: YES – You’re located directly on a working farm! As a guest you’ll be able to explore the farm and meet the animals.
  • Minimum Stay: Typically a minimum of two-three nights during the weekend. One night stays might be fine during the weekdays but call and check!
  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Cat Friendly: No
  • This is the only property that 1661 owns that is pet-friendly.

GPS struggles with this address: Simply go up High St. and take a left before the “Atlantic Inn” sign. The Farm House is the only building there!


13. Avonlea, Jewel of the Sea

Hotel Information:

  • Pet Friendly: NO – No pets allowed.
  • Pool: NO- No pool.
  • Beach: YES – 30 second walk from Crescent Beach!
  • Parking: YES – Guest parking available on-site. If it’s full, you can park behind Sherman cottage, to the left of the Blue Dory Inn (a short walk away).
  • Walkability: HIGH – Located right downtown. Steps away from all the shops, bars, and restaurants and a 5 min walk from the ferry.
  • Food & Drink: YES – Complimentary New England breakfast served every morning and afternoon wine hour.
  • Recreation: NO – But you have the beach and access to downtown! There is a lot to do!
  • Minimum Stay: Typically a minimum of two-three nights during the weekend. One night stays might be fine during the weekdays but call and check!

Located a 30 second walk from Crescent Beach (just steps off the back porch!).

Complimentary beach chairs and towels available.

Avonlea Jewel of the Sea beach view

14. Old Bakery Guest House

Hotel Information:

  • Pet Friendly: YES – Dogs ONLY.
  • Pool: NO – No pool.
  • Beach: YES – Located steps away from Crescent Beach and a short 5 min walk from Ballards Beach.
  • Parking: YES – However parking is NOT guaranteed. You’ll want to call ahead to check availability.
  • Walkability: HIGH – Located RIGHT downtown with views of scenic Old Harbor. Steps away from all the shops, bars, and restaurants and a 2 min walk from the ferry.
  • Food & Drink: NO – But you are steps away from tons of dining options right downtown.
  • Recreation: NO – But hey, you have the beach and access to downtown! So much to do.
  • Minimum Stay: The Old Bakery typically has a two night minimum but I would call ahead as this is at the owner’s discretion.
  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Cat Friendly: No
  • Only one dog allowed at this property.
  • An additional fee of $50 per night will be charged for a small dog (<25lbs), and $75 per night for a larger dog (>25lbs).
  • Please call the front desk and alert them over the phone if you plan on bringing a dog with you!

Steps away from Crescent Beach (right in front of the Block Island Beach House) and 5 min walk from Ballard’s Beach.


15. Barrington Inn

Hotel Information:

  • Pet Friendly: YES – Dogs ONLY.
  • Pool: NO – No pool.
  • Beach: NO – Located a short 9 minute walk from Baby Beach (Frederick J. Benson Town Beach).
  • Parking: YES – Parking is located right on-site.
  • Walkability: MODERATE – It’s a 19 min walk to the Ferry but you’re just a short 6-8 minute walk from several bars and restaurants and only an 8 min walk from the beach!
  • Food & Drink: YES – Breakfast and afternoon wine and cheese served daily.
  • Recreation: YES – Play a game of croquet or sit around the fire!
  • Minimum Stay: They require a 3-night stay for any booking that includes a Saturday night in July or August, otherwise nightly stays are fine. 
  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Cat Friendly: No
  • Room 1, Room 2, and Barn 1 are all dog friendly options.
  • $75 nightly fee per dog. Call ahead if you have more than one!

16. Old Town Inn

Hotel Information:

  • Pet Friendly: YES – Dogs ONLY allowed.
  • Pool: NO – No pool.
  • Beach: NO – Property is a mile (19 min walk) to the closet beach – Baby Beach (Crescent Beach).
  • Parking: YES – Plenty of parking directly on-site.
  • Walkability: LOW – 24 minute walk from the ferry and the downtown area. You’ll definitely want to bring a car!
  • Food & Drink: YES – Free breakfast.
  • Recreation: YES – Huge lawn with garden, fire-pit area, bag toss, etc.
  • Minimum Stay: Two-night minimum stay. Three-night minimum stay over the Fourth of July holiday and Labor Day weekend.
  • Dog Friendly: Yes
  • Cat Friendly: No
  • Dog friendly year round in all rooms!
  • $15 a night charge per dog.
  • Dogs must be leashed at all times with inside the Inn.
  • OK to bring them to breakfast when dining outside.
  • Fine to have dogs off leash when playing in the yard.

17. Narragansett Inn

Hotel Information:

  • Pet Friendly: NO – No pets allowed.
  • Pool: NO – No pool.
  • Beach: NO – But located a short 3 min drive (16 min walk) from Baby Beach (Frederick J. Benson Town Beach).
  • Parking: YES – Parking is around back, near the laundry building.
  • Walkability: LOW – 24 min walk from the ferry and downtown, but you do have a handful of close by restaurants!
  • Food & Drink: NO – But you are a very short walk from The Oar, Dead Eye Dicks, Mahogany Shoals and Payne’s Donuts!
  • Recreation: NO – But there are Kayak/SUP board rentals and bike rentals near by.
the narragansett inn block island

18. Payne’s Harbor View Inn

Hotel Information:

  • Pet Friendly: NO – No pets allowed.
  • Pool: NO – No pool.
  • Beach: NO – About a 9 minute walk from Baby Beach (Frederick J. Benson Town Beach).
  • Parking: YES – Free on-site parking available to all guests.
  • Walkability: MODERATE – It’s a 19 min walk to the Ferry but you’re just a short 6-8 minute walk from several bars and restaurants and only an 8 min walk from the beach!
  • Food & Drink: NO – But you are a short walk from The Oar, Dead Eye Dicks, Mahogany Shoals and Payne’s Donuts!
  • Recreation: YES – Kayak and paddle board rentals in season.
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Author
Michael Donovan
Hey. I’m Mike, Mackenzie's husband, and dad to Declan and Maeve. I'm also a co-founder and writer here at Stay New England. I've been traveling across the New England region for well over a decade now and I'm excited to share all that I've learned!
Photo of author
Author
Michael Donovan
Hey. I’m Mike, Mackenzie's husband, and dad to Declan and Maeve. I'm also a co-founder and writer here at Stay New England. I've been traveling across the New England region for well over a decade now and I'm excited to share all that I've learned!

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