Block Island Beach House

Block Island Beach House: A Comprehensive Review of a Michelin Key Selected Property

The Block Island Beach House, nestled in New Shoreham, United States, is a Michelin Key Selected property offering a distinct blend of coastal charm and modern amenities. Guests frequently praise its prime beachfront location and unique aesthetic, making it a popular choice for those seeking a laid-back island getaway.

Overall Rating & Sentiment

Generally, the Block Island Beach House garners a good to exceptional sentiment among guests, with an overall rating of 7.8 out of 10 based on over 200 reviews. Many describe it as having a "cool small hotel vibe" and a "laid back" atmosphere perfect for creating lasting memories.

Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about the hotel's exceptional location, being the only beachfront hotel on the island with direct access to Crescent Beach. The beautiful views, especially from rooms and the porch, are frequently highlighted. The design, described as "coastal chic," "modern-casual surf shack," and "classic coastal New England," with vintage-inspired goods and surfboards, is also a significant draw. Amenities like the outdoor swimming pool, private beach access with chairs and umbrellas, and on-site dining options contribute to a comfortable stay.

Room Quality

The 46 guest rooms across its three buildings (The Surf, The Gables, and The Gothic) are individually decorated, aiming for a hip, neutral, and fresh aesthetic. While some rooms offer stunning ocean views, some with private balconies, others provide village views. Rooms typically include air conditioning, private bathrooms, flat-screen TVs, and mini-fridges. Guests often find the beds super comfortable. However, it's noted that many rooms, particularly in The Surf building and The Gothic, can be small, and some bathrooms are described as having a "poor design". The Gothic, with nine rooms, is particularly noted for its tranquil ambiance suitable for individual travelers and couples.

Dining Experience

Block Island Beach House offers a comprehensive dining experience with four distinct, integrated spots. The Surf restaurant, located on an oceanfront porch, provides classic summertime fare, including fresh seafood and BBQ, alongside local beers, wines, and cocktails, all with sunset views. The Beach Bar offers an open-air outdoor experience with frosé and classic summer cocktails. For breakfast, "Coffee & Cocktails" serves an expertly crafted menu, including avocado toast, acai bowls, and egg sandwiches, opening daily from 7 am to 11 am. While breakfast is not served directly at all parts of the hotel, coffee and tea stations are available in hallways.

Service & Staff

The staff at Block Island Beach House generally receives positive feedback, often described as friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Guests appreciate their willingness to assist, for example, with carrying luggage up the stairs. The hotel operates with a "people-first philosophy" focusing on specialized guest experiences.

Location & Accessibility

The hotel boasts an "amazing" and "great" location, being centrally situated in New Shoreham and directly on Crescent Beach. It's conveniently walkable from the ferry dock, making it ideal for those without a car. Guests can easily walk or bike to explore the island and nearby attractions. The property is also close to various tourist destinations and offers a shuttle service for further exploration. Limited on-site parking is available.

Value & Pricing

The value for money at Block Island Beach House receives a rating of 7.0. While many guests find the accommodations and location to be perfect, some reviews indicate that the pricing can be perceived as high for what is offered, with one guest calling it an "obscene amount of money for what it is". Room rates seen in searches ranged from approximately $215 to $438 or more.

Common Complaints

Recurring criticisms include the small size of some rooms, which some guests find cozy but compact. There have been mentions of issues with room cleaning, with some guests reporting that their rooms were not cleaned during multi-night stays even after bringing it to staff attention. The historic nature of the property means there is no elevator in the main building, requiring guests to use stairs, though a lift is available for first-floor access and common spaces. Some guests also noted poor bathroom design in certain rooms. Additionally, the beach directly in front of the hotel can sometimes get crowded.

Sources

1. booking.com
2. fathomaway.com
3. mrandmrssmith.com
4. blockislandinfo.com
5. booking.com
6. larkhotels.com
7. the-e-list.com
8. elder-ash.com
9. michelin.com
10. travelocity.com
11. momondo.com
12. kayak.com
13. michelin.com
14. larkhotels.com
15. theblockislandapp.com
16. thesurfblockisland.com
17. larkhotels.com
18. reddit.com
19. larkhotels.com