Block Island, Rhode IslandOld Harbor
Block Island Beach House
Victorian surf inn
Old Harbor Block Island, Rhode Island
Price
$$$
Rated for
Design Heritage ResortOutside the door
The house
LarkVictorian surf inn
An 1870s Victorian mansion runs as an easygoing beach house, stepping straight off its porch onto Crescent Beach.
“This beachfront hotel is one of the newer, splashier spots on the island, offering easy access to the sand and Old Harbor.”
What it’s good at
Notable
Whitewashed shiplap frames bold botanical wallpapers and commissioned large-format surf Polaroids.
What they say
Michelin Selected
Michelin
Also in AFAR.
what’s inside has been given a thorough redesign, resulting in interiors that are roughly one part modern-casual surf shack to one part classic coastal New England.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Crescent Beach sits right outside the door, and the Old Harbor ferry landing is an easy five-minute walk down Dodge Street.
1 of 4
The rooms
Whitewashed shiplap lines the walls alongside vintage wooden surfboards, and select rooms open onto private balconies over the water.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The outdoor swimming pool sits across Dodge Street at The Gables, lined with white loungers and daybeds.
Restaurant
The Surf
Tables spread across the covered porch and gravel terrace, serving local seafood and beach barbecue beside the water.
At the table
The indoor bar counter serves morning espresso and breakfast biscuits before turning to afternoon cocktails.
How it began
Built in the 1870s for the island doctor, the oceanfront building operated for over fifty years as the Surf Hotel.
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.