Beach-Time Fun is Front and Center at Block Island’s New Resort

Indulge your family’s island fever this summer at Block Island Beach House, the destination’s only beachfront resort, opened July 1.

Access to the 31-room hotel is a snap, thanks to its location steps from the Old Harbor ferry port, and the vibe is relaxing and vintage, but with updated amenities.

“I’ve always thought of Block Island as the perfect summer spot,” said Rob Blood, chief executive officer, Lark Hotels, which operates the resort, and a partner at Boston-area design firm Elder & Ash. “The mentality and pace here is completely different from anywhere else in the area — it’s relaxed, casual, and made for memory making.”

In 1873, the property was a Victorian cottage housing Block Island’s doctor, and its restoration was carried out carefully to offer guests the updates today’s guests expect while paying homage to its history and style.

Lark Hotels

The design style is a mix of antiques and modern accents, from hand-crafted wooden poster beds, vintage rugs and original hardwood floors. The overall look is “surf shack,” thanks to a partnership with multimedia artist Matt Schwartz of She Hit Pause and aimed at evoking a nostalgic summer feeling throughout the property. Polaroid images of surfboards, waves and native flowers adorn guestrooms, along with 60s- and 70s-era surfboards.

Accommodations range from 135-square-foot beachfront rooms to the 324-square-foot King Suite, to a pet-friendly suite with an exterior entrance. Block Island Beach House also offers ADA-accessible suites that feature a king bed, private seating area and exterior entrances.

Photo: Read Mckendree

Open seasonally, rates range $209–659 for double occupancy depending on room type and time of stay.

Amenities include The Surf, an oceanfront summer kitchen and bar under a covered porch, which serves beach barbecue and fresh fish served with sunset views, and the Beach Bar for aprés-beach cocktails and Sunday clam bakes. Coffee & Cocktails, just inside the front door, serves locally roasted coffee, wine, craft beer, draft cocktails and an eat-in or grab-and-go full menu from breakfast through dinner on a first-come, first-serve basis.

While away a few relaxing hours on the wrap-around porch overlooking the ocean and another generous porch looking out at the village.

Lark Hotels. Photo: Read Mckendree

Of course, the real draw is the direct beach access, where families can enjoy the ocean or lounge in complimentary beach chairs, complete with beach umbrellas and towels.

Can’t make it this summer? The resort is making good use of the off season to expand further by May 2020. The expansion will include the addition of a swimming pool and ocean-side cottages and suites, perfect for families and those looking for space to spread out. There also will be an outdoor event space just steps from Crescent Beach, offering a photo-worthy location for weddings and corporate retreats for up to 150 guests.

Lark Hotels. Photo: Read Mckendree

The property will also open the Surf Shack next summer, an intimate venue featuring a wall of oceanfront windows and heirloom furnishings for up to 30 people.

Lark Hotels, launched in 2012, is a collection of boutique hotels in New England, California and New York.