Planning a trip to Block Island and trying to decide where to stay? While the island is small, choosing the right area can completely change your experience – from how easy it is to get around, to how quiet (or lively) your stay feels.
I first visited Block Island in 2015, and I’ve returned many times since for day trips and longer vacations. After exploring the island across different seasons and staying in different areas, I’ve learned which parts of Block Island are best for first-timers, which are ideal for a quieter escape, and which locations make getting around easiest.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how Block Island is laid out, explain the pros and cons of each area, and share my honest recommendations on the best places to stay based on how you want to experience the island. Bu the end of this post, you’ll be able to make the best decision for your the type of vacation you want, and avoid common mistakes.
Ready to start planning? Let’s jump in!
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Short On Time? Here’s A Quick Guide:
✓ Best Overall Hotel: The 1661 Resort
✓ Best Cozy New England Vibes: The Atlantic Inn
✓ Best Budget Option: Old Town Inn
Understanding Block Island: How It’s Laid Out
In short, it’s easiest to think of the island in two parts: Old Harbor, and the rest of the island. Old Harbor is the island’s downtown, and this is where you’ll find the vast majority of the shops, restaurants, and hotels. This is also where the ferries dock when you arrive, so once you step off the ferry, you’re already in the heart of the island.
Outside of Old Harbor, you’ll find all the sightseeing, attractions, hiking, and most of the beaches.
Granted, the island isn’t big – it’s actually only about 10 square miles, and about 7 miles on its longest side. However, it’s just large enough that you’ll need to drive or bike around. So, one of the biggest things to consider is how close you want to be to Old Harbor and downtown.
Best Area To Stay On Block Island
My overall pick is staying in Old Harbor/downtown – especially for shorter getaways and first-time visitors.
The good news is, as mentioned, pretty much all of the hotels are found here, anyway. If you’re looking to stay outside of downtown, your best bet would be a vacation rental.
Staying in Old Harbor/downtown allows you the convenience of walking to shops and restaurants, and then driving or biking out to the island’s attractions, versus driving into downtown to eat every day, which proposes challenges when it comes to finding a parking spot. While not all restaurants are located in Old Harbor, many are, which still makes it such a convenient area to stay.
However, two of the island’s best restaurants – The Oar and Dead Eye Dick’s – are located in New Harbor, and there’s one hotel I recommend in that area, too, which I’ll get more into below.
Staying In Old Harbor/Downtown: Pros, Cons & Who It’s Best For
As mentioned, staying in this part of the island is best for first-time visitors, and those who would rather walk to get to dinner and visit the shops. It’s also perfect for those who want easy access to the ferry, and those who want to stay in a hotel, as all the hotels and the ferry are found on this part of the island. In truth, I stay in Old Harbor for about 90% of my getaways to the island because I really do think it’s the most convenient.
Some may worry that a con of staying in Old Harbor is that it’s the busiest part of the island, and that’s definitely true. However, Block Island doesn’t really get as busy as places like Cape Cod or Ogunquit, ME because it’s much smaller. So yes, downtown is more lively, but it’s not overwhelming. You can also stay in a quieter part of Old Harbor, too, and I’ll provide options below for you.
But that said, just keep in mind that the ferries come in and out here, so you’ll see large groups of people arriving and departing. And this is also where Ballard’s Beach is located, which is known as the party beach on the island. But honestly, unless you stay right by the ferry dock or Ballard’s Beach, you shouldn’t find staying in downtown overly noisy or less relaxing.
Another pro to staying in this area is that you won’t have to rely on transportation as much, since Old Harbor is the most walkable part of the island. Most hotels are within walking distance to the ferry, restaurants, and shops.
Best Hotels In Old Harbor/Downtown
The 1661 Resort – My Best Overall Pick
My favorite place I’ve stayed on the island is The 1661 Resort. While it’s pricey, I feel like it’s very worth the cost for what you get. And there are several different room types, so you can choose from a variety of price points, depending on your budget.
Their main inn is the one closest to the ocean, and is connected to the dining area for breakfast. They also have a newer hotel on their grounds called The Eureka, which is where I most recently stayed on the island, and it’s gorgeous. It’s got a more modern coastal New England vibe to it, and the rooms with balconies or porches are honestly amazing. The room we booked was spacious, the outdoor deck was amazing (we used it a lot!), which overlooked the farm and zoo area – but there was also a distant ocean view, which was lovely.
Regardless of which property you book at the 1661, you get access to all the amenities, including a generous discount for their champagne breakfast buffet, their wine ‘n nibbles happy hours (which we go to a lot during our stays), and all guests have access to all areas of the grounds. The zoo and gardens are open to the public, so naturally, guests have access to those, too.
What I Love About The 1661 Resort:
✓ Many rooms have ocean views with patios or outdoor space.
✓ Option for breakfast on-site, which is a nice champagne breakfast with unlimited mimosas, omelettes, pancakes, and pretty much everything you could want. There’s an additional cost for the breakfast, but it’s nicely discounted for hotel guests.
✓ Other on-site amenities include a spa, the animal farm, the resort’s gardens, expansive lawn spaces to enjoy ocean views, a playground for the kids, and they even have an acupuncture treatment space.
✓ It’s less than a 10-minute walk to town center, but the resort feels more secluded and quiet.
✓ They have a shower for guests to use after check-out, if you wanted to stay longer on the island and need to take a shower before getting catching the ferry back to the mainland.
→ Click here to check out rates & availability at The 1661 Resort
Room Tip For The Eureka: I think the best room is 102, which is on the first floor, and has a huge covered porch overlooking the farm, with a distant ocean view. We stayed in room 101, which is right next door, and while we loved our big porch, we both agreed that splurging on room 102 next time is the way to go. The other rooms with balconies have smaller outdoor spaces, but are higher up for slightly better views.
The Atlantic Inn – Best For Cozy New England Vibes
Another one of my favorites is The Atlantic Inn, which isn’t far from The 1661 Resort. Perched on the highest point of Old Harbor, this is a beautiful historic property that retains a lot of its timeless and cozy charm, while still feeling upscale and coastal. The rooms are beautifully done, and some have ocean views.
One of the reasons I slightly prefer The 1661 Resort is because you have more room options that have attached balconies or patios, but here at the Atlantic Inn, there’s plenty of shared outdoor space to enjoy, including a gorgeous porch and expansive lawn.
The Atlantic also completed its most recent renovation in 2024, and the designer did a fantastic job of honoring its historic roots, while evoking perfect coastal New England vibes. For some reason, I get strong Anne of Green Gables vibes during my stays here because many of the rooms are simple, but have lovely. touches like patterned wallpaper and such.
One thing to note is that the property definitely feels historic when staying in the rooms, and while that’s a good thing for for the most part, it’s worth noting that the rooms do show their age in some respect. For example, they added air-conditioning to all the rooms during the recent renovation, however, you’re not able to turn the temperature lower than 72 because the system can’t handle it. Some of the windows don’t stay open because they’re older, wooden windows. There are also no TVs in the rooms, and some of the rooms tend to be very small. However, the bathrooms are very modern and updated, which is nice.
For me, though, that’s part of the charm when you book a more historic property, and I still really love staying here. They even use traditional keys for the rooms, which is honestly such a fun touch. That said, if you want super modern, you’re better off booking something like The Eureka at the 1661 Resort.
What I Love About The Atlantic Inn:
✓ The charming rooms that feel like a bit like you’re in Anne of Green Gables, but a modern coastal New England twist in many ways.
✓ A quiet property that’s less than a 10-minute walk to downtown, but feels more secluded.
✓ An on-site restaurant that’s incredible, and offers a more upscale experience. You have options to dine outside on the covered porch with a distant ocean view, or inside in their stunning dining room. They also have a really nice bar area that was beautifully restored and redesigned during the recent renovation.
→ Click here to check rates & availability for The Atlantic Inn
Old Town Inn – Best Budget-Friendly Option
The Old Town Inn is another fantastic option that caters to folks on a budget, but isn’t lacking in amenities. Keep in mind that when I say “budget-friendly” on Block Island, you’ll have to adjust your expectations a bit because the island is expensive overall, but this wonderful inn the best place I’ve stayed when wanting to spend less than what many other hotels charge on the island.
Rooms here are very clean and cozy, and don’t have TVs, but you’ll find newly-renovated rooms and bathrooms that are perfect for your stay. The grounds have lots of beautiful plants and flowers, and the inn is overall very welcoming and homey, while still feeling modern and coastal.
What I Love About Old Town Inn:
✓ Updated rooms that are clean and cozy.
✓ A great location just about 1 mile from the main town area, so you can still walk to town and not worry about parking. However, this may pose a challenge to folks with mobility challenges.
✓ Located in a quiet area with pretty grounds.
✓ A really nice breakfast is included with your stay.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at the Old Town Inn
Rose Farm Inn – Best Quiet & Scenic Stay
The Rose Farm Inn is where to stay if you’re looking for a more peaceful and quiet escape – not because the other hotels on this list aren’t peaceful, but because this hotel sits adjacent to acres of open fields, but you’re also not far from Old Harbor. In fact, it’s steps from The Atlantic, and owned by the same people.
With a traditional New England atmosphere that also also encapsulates the heart of Block Island, you’ll find cozy rooms, flower gardens, bike rentals on-site, a gorgeous sundeck, and distant ocean views from the property.
What else I love about the Rose Farm Inn:
✓ The beautiful grounds with fields, ocean views, and flower gardens.
✓ The lovely continental breakfast that’s included with each stay.
✓ Smart TVs in all the rooms, and some rooms include a distance ocean view.
✓ A guest bathroom and shower to use after check out if you want to stay on the island a bit later before catching your ferry back.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at the Rose Farm Inn
Block Island Beach House: Best “In Town” Experience
This hotel is in the heart of Old Town, and a 5 minute walk from the ferry terminal (if that, depending on how fast you walk). You’ll be steps from all the shops, right on Surf Beach, and close to many restaurants.
Block Island Beach House has a very modern boho atmosphere to it, which makes for a different vibe when staying on the island. Some rooms are overlooking the beach, too, and may be worth the splurge, depending on your budget.
The biggest con to staying here is that it’s in one of the most busy areas on the island. The street just outside of the hotel is a main driving area to access many of the beaches and attractions, and in general, you’ll feel the liveliness of the downtown area. That said, you’re literally steps from ice cream, shops, and restaurants.
What else I love about the Block Island Beach House:
✓ The on-site dining called The Surf, which sits right on the water, and has both a covered deck and open area in the sun.
✓ Coffee & Cocktails, their little on-site café, which made really good lattes!
✓ Easy access to Surf Beach, which is part of Crescent Beach – one of the prettiest stretches of coastline on the island. Keep in mind that the sand near the hotel is mixed with some black sand, which makes it look visually a little appealing, but it’s really nice, and also a great spot for snorkeling since the water is shallow.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at the Block Island Beach House
Staying Outside In New Harbor
Let’s talk about New Harbor next 😊
New Harbor is about 1 mile northwest of Old Harbor, but it’s not really a downtown. It’s a quieter area that sits along Great Salt Pond, and home to boating marinas, outdoor dining spots, and a small selection of hotels. It’s where you’ll want to stay if you’re looking for a mix of amenities, but want something quieter than Old Harbor.
That said, the downside to staying in New Harbor is that you’ll have to drive or bike into Old Harbor if you want to eat there, visit the shops, or when you need to get to/from the ferry.
However, New Harbor is a lovely area of the island. There are far fewer hotel options here, so you’ll be more limited on where you can stay, but it’s also home to two of the island’s best casual restaurants: The Oar, and Dead Eye Dick’s. Plus, it’s also got an ice cream place called Dip’s Scoop Deck.
If you’re planning on having a boat while visiting the island, this is probably where I’d recommend you stay because of easy access to marinas.
Best New Harbor Hotel: Payne’s Harbor View Inn
This hotel is a lovely option if you want to stay in New Harbor. You’ll be able to walk to both The Oar and Dead Eye Dick’s, and many rooms have balconies with water or harbor views. In general, the hotel is a bit more outdated than the options I recommended in Old Harbor, but they do provide a more traditional, New England experience with antique furnishings and such.
They also offer guests a complimentary champagne continental breakfast.
→ Click here to check rates & availability at Payne’s Harbor View Inn
Staying In The Quieter Areas Of Block Island
The only type of accommodation outside of Old Harbor and New Harbor are going to be vacation rentals. This is best for people who are looking for longer stays, or a more local feel for their getaway. I often recommend staying in vacation rentals for longer stays, anyway, as you’ll have more room to spread out – which is especially handy if you’re traveling with a larger family or group.
There are some advantages and disadvantages to staying further out from Old Harbor. The biggest pros are that it could be more cost-effective if you have a large group. You’ll be able to cook at home, too, which also saves money.
You can also have more control over how close to the beaches you are when staying in other areas. I think the prettiest beaches on the island are outside of downtown, so this allows you some flexibility when staying in a vacation rental.
The biggest con is that you’re further from downtown, so when you went to explore that part of the island, or visit one of the restaurants, you’ll have to have a plan for parking if you drive in, and know that parking is limited.
Best Places To Stay Outside Of Downtown
Hartnett’s Bluff House Vacation Rental – Best For Incredible Ocean Views
This house rental on the island can’t be beat in terms of ocean views, as it sits above a private rocky beach, allowing you to feel miles away. The primary bedroom suite even has a large picture window overlooking the ocean, which is honestly incredibly rare to find anywhere in New England without spending a fortune.
The house is about 3 miles from Old Harbor, so you’ll definitely need a car during your stay. It can host up to 6 people at a time, and also has a full kitchen, 3 bedrooms, and 2.5 bathrooms.
Why Hartnett’s Bluff House is worth booking:
✓ Incredible ocean views without leaving your bed, or the house.
✓ Everything you need for your stay, including kitchen facilities, laundry, etc.
✓ Total privacy during your stay for a true “world’s away” vacation.
Good to know about this house:
✓ It only books by the week (Monday-Monday) in July and August, and has minimum night stays the rest of the season.
→ Click here to check rates & availability for Hartnett’s Bluff House
Crescent Beach Cottage: Stay Right On The Beach!
It’s also hard to beat this cottage that has a private beach right on Crescent, which is one of the prettiest stretches of sandy coastline on the island. The cottage has a classic coastal New England vibe on the outside with weathered shingles and blooming hydrangeas (in season, of course), and inside, is perfect for up to 6 people.
More About Crescent Beach Cottage:
✓ Upper balcony to enjoy
✓ Outdoor shower
✓ Sunset views from the deck
✓ A four-season room, which is so nice if you happen to have a rainy afternoon
→ Click here to check rates & availability at Crescent Beach Cottage
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Planning A Block Island Getaway
→ The biggest mistake people make when booking their Block Island accommodations is not thinking about how much time they want to spend downtown. During our first-ever trip, we were torn between a hotel in town, versus a vacation rental in a quieter part of the island. We were so happy we chose the hotel in town for that trip because we didn’t have to worry about finding parking during peak meal times, and we could walk everywhere. As mentioned, it’s easier to drive to places outside of Old Harbor than driving into town to find parking, if that makes sense.
→ The second biggest mistake is one I’ve actually made, and that’s not thinking about seasonality when booking your getaway. As someone who loved a good shoulder season getaway, Block Island is not the best destination for that. Most businesses open on the island starting Memorial Day weekend, and begin to shut down after Labor Day. You won’t be able to make the most of your trip if you travel to the island in April, early May, or even further into October. We once stayed on the island in Late September, and some places were already closed to the season, or they were about to close within a few days. I also once visited for two nights in mid-May (right before Memorial Day weekend), and many places were not open yet.
Insider Tips For Planning Your Trip
→ Plan well in advance. Since the season on the island is shorter than most other coastal New England destinations, most people visit from June – Labor Day. Hotels, ferries, and car rentals will begin to book up fast. The biggest ones to worry about are your hotel and ferry – if you’re bringing your car to the island. The car ferries are the ones that have more limited options. If you take the passenger-only ferry, you don’t have to book as far in advance.
→ Speaking of your car, you’ll need to decide if you should bring your car with you, or just rent one when on the island. You can also bike around the island to get around, but keep in mind, the island is hillier than most people realize (I learned that the hard way on our first trip, and let me tell you, it was a ride awakening 😂). Coming soon – a detailed guide to getting around the island with and without a car to help you decide what to do. But, the short answer is that it’s very handy to have a motorized way to explore the island, at least for one day during your trip.
→ Since the most convenient ferry option departs from Point Judith in Narragansett, consider adding a night or two in this town before or after your trip to the island. Narragansett is one of my favorite places to explore in Rhode Island, and is home to beautiful beaches, a lighthouse, nature trails, a cute downtown, great restaurants, and more. It’s definitely worth combining these two destinations into one trip if you can (that’s usually how I do it).
More of my Block Island posts you may find helpful:
That’s A Wrap On Where To Stay On Block Island!
And there you have it! That’s my guide to the best places to stay on Block Island for the perfect vacation. Whether you’re looking for a charming historic inn, a more modern hotel, or a cozy beach cottage, there are some truly wonderful accommodations to choose from across the island. I hope this guide helped you find the perfect place to stay for your trip, and as always, happy planning!
