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!
There are only two hotels with a pool on all of Block Island: Champlin’s and The Block Island Beach House.
There are two other possibilities however, but they aren’t hotels.
Neptune House is a time share that owners occasionally rent out. It’s a bit trickier to book, with less than ideal availability. More on that later.
Additionally, if you’re open to a house rental, the Villakula Cottage is a luxurious property with a private pool, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
Although your options are limited, each offer something uniquely “Block Island”!
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:
Editors Roundup
Best for Families: Champlin’s Hotel, Marina & Resort (Check Availability)
Best for Beach Access: Block Island Beach House (Check Availability)
Best for Off-season: Neptune House (Check Availability)
Best High-end: Villakula Cottage (Check Availability)
1. Champlin’s Hotel, Marina & Resort
Champlin’s is number one on this list for a reason – it’s the only hotel on Block island that has a pool with water views! (it overlooks Great Salt Pond).
The resort boasts 42 newly renovated, Maritime-themed rooms that sit just steps away from Champlin’s 140+ slip, deep-water marina.
This place is great for all travelers, but it’s particularly amazing for families.
Every time we visit, there are countless kids running up and down the docks, fishing, crabbing, and enjoying the Block Island living.
The hotel has several restaurants, bars (including a pool bar), an ice-cream shop and even a candy store on-site! Most are dock-side, with water views.
Please be aware that Champlin’s is about a 30 min walk (5 minute drive) to downtown, the ferry, and the closest beach.
There are taxis available, and Champlins has a complimentary shuttle that drops guests off downtown (but it runs infrequently). It’s best to bring your own car if possible.
On a positive note, you are just a short 10 min walk from two of our favorite restaurants, the Oar and Dead-Eye-Dicks. And a 13 min walk from our favorite bar, Mahogany Shoals!
Hotel Information:
Pool Information:
Insider Tip:
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!
2. Block Island Beach House (“The Surf” & “The Gables”)
Looking for a Block Island hotel with a pool, immediate access to downtown AND the beach?
Look no further than the Block Island Beach House.
The Block Island Beach House is actually made up of two separate buildings/properties: “The Surf” and “The Gables”.
The Surf is located right on Crescent Beach. It’s the only hotel on the island with beachfront rooms!
The Gables is located on the same street, just a short 3 minute walk away. It’s here that you’ll find the newly constructed in-ground, heated pool.
Whether you’re a guest at The Surf or The Gables, you’ll have access to the beach AND the pool. Just be prepared for the short walk to one, or the other.
Both buildings are located right downtown, just steps from the ferry, shops, restaurants, and bars – making the Block Island Beach House a great option for visitors who don’t have access to a car.
It’s worth noting that the rooms, while nice and newly renovated, are quite small and the walls are thin.
You’re also competing with the hustle and bustle of downtown at The Surf. Lots of traffic (both foot and car) in this area!
Not an “issue” per se, but something to keep in mind.
If you want something a little more calm and “private”, try The Gables instead.
Hotel Information:
Pool Information:
Insider Tip:
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.
3. Neptune House
Neptune House has a pool, but it’s not a Block Island hotel. It’s a resort.
Well actually it’s a timeshare that some owners decide to rent out during select times throughout the year.
Which is why I mentioned at the top that booking this location is a bit trickier than The Block Island Beach House or Champlin’s.
It is increasingly rare that Neptune House has any vacancy during the “prime” season (Jun 17 – Sep 22) – this is usually when the owners use the property.
That means you’re likely only able to book a stay here during Spring, or Fall (but it’s still worth calling to double check if any prime season vacancy has come up).
Not ideal, but don’t worry, the pool is open during the entire resort year (mid-April through early November)!
If you can make the timing work, Neptune House has a lot to offer.
Condo style living, with fully equipped kitchens make this location perfect for longer stays.
And the grounds are ideal for families – tennis/pickleball court, game room, lawn games, heated pool and more.
And for adults looking for a night out, Club Soda is just a 4 minute walk away.
Hotel Information:
Pool Information:
Insider Tip:
The reality is, most of the Block Island shops and restaurants are closed during the off-season (Spring and Fall, when Neptune House is likely to have vacancy).
Nightlife is virtually non-existent during this time; weather is apt to be colder, damper, and very windy; and the changing ferry schedule makes the island less accessible.
Not trying to dissuade you from booking a stay here, just making sure you’re well informed!
4. Villakula Cottage
If you’ve got a bit more budget, a bigger party (sleeps up to 14 guests), and you’re open to a house rental, Villakula Cottage is a fantastic option.
Located at one of the highest points on Block Island, this 6 bedroom cottage with a private pool overlooks the Atlantic Ocean.
Between the fireplace, horseshoe pit, full sized wet bar, pool table, shuffleboard, pingpong, arcade games, darts, etc. – you and your party will never run out of things to do.
Hotel Information:
Insider Tip:
If you do decide to stay here, you’ll most definitely want to bring your own car.
It’s about a 10 minute drive inland from the ferry/downtown and a 9 minute drive to the nearest beach (Charlestown beach).
Also keep in mind that the pool is opened from Memorial Day weekend until September 15th. If you book outside those dates, you won’t be swimming!
Final Word
The beaches of Block Island are incredible, but there’s nothing quite like a vacation day or two by the pool to switch things up, and get out of the sand.
If having access to a hotel pool during your Block Island trip is a must, you have a few great options: Champlin’s, or The Block Island Beach House.
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with either, but if you’re still struggling to choose…
I’d say go with Champlin’s if:
- You’re visiting with a family
- You have access to a car
- You don’t mind being away from downtown
and go with the The Block Island Beach House if:
- You’re looking for a romantic getaway
- You don’t have access to a car
- You want to be able to walk to most places
And if you’re open to accommodations that aren’t hotels, check out the Neptune House and Villakula Cottage.
Have any questions about either hotel that I didn’t answer? Ask away in the comments section below!
