Back to Block Island

The 1661 Inn

From $295/night • Score: 4.9★ (1640 reviews)

Exterior 1Exterior 2Interior 1Interior 2Surroundings

First Impressions & Architecture

Approaching The 1661 Inn from the ferry terminal on Block Island feels less like arriving at a standard hotel and more like being welcomed into a grand, historic seaside estate that has presided over the Atlantic for generations. Perched majestically on the breezy swells of Spring Street Hillside, the inn commands some of the most enviable panoramas in all of New England. The property’s classic New England architecture—characterized by weathered cedar shingles, crisp white trim, and wraparound porches designed to capture the briny ocean breezes—instantly establishes a tone of relaxed, coastal sophistication. As a luxury travel journalist who has traversed the globe, I recognize immediately when a property understands its geography; The 1661 Inn does not fight its natural environment, but rather frames it as living art.

The journey up Spring Street Hillside reveals a sprawling campus of interconnected buildings and standalone cottages that blend seamlessly into the undulating landscape. Manicured lawns punctuated by coastal hydrangeas lead the eye outward toward the endless expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, where the horizon blurs the line between sky and sea. Stepping inside the main inn, the sensory experience shifts from the invigorating salt air to an atmosphere of understated, rustic elegance. Antiques mingle comfortably with plush, inviting upholstery, nautical charts, and polished brass fixtures that pay homage to Block Island's maritime heritage. There is an unmistakable sense of heritage here—a comforting weight of history that newer, sterile luxury builds simply cannot replicate. Yet, this historic reverence is paired with an effortless, modern hospitality that immediately strips away the stress of mainland life.

The architectural triumph of the property lies in its clever terracing. Because the inn is built into the hillside, almost every vantage point offers a dramatic perspective of the water below. Whether you are rocking on the communal wraparound porch with a glass of iced tea or walking the gravel pathways between the main house and your private accommodations, the ocean is an omnipresent companion. The exterior lighting is intentionally subtle, designed not to compete with the brilliant canopy of stars that blankets Block Island once the sun dips below the horizon. It is an arrival sequence that whispers luxury rather than shouting it, setting the stage for a deeply restorative island retreat.

The Room Experience

Accommodation at The 1661 Inn transcends the traditional hotel room paradigm, offering instead a series of private coastal sanctuaries designed with indulgence and relaxation in mind. During my stay in one of the premier ocean-facing suites, I was immediately struck by the meticulous attention to detail. The interior design avoids clichéd nautical tropes in favor of a sophisticated coastal palette: crisp linens, warm hardwood accents, and soft, tactile textiles that invite you to kick off your shoes and exhale. Large picture windows and sliding glass doors dissolve the barrier between the indoors and the majestic natural surroundings, framing the Atlantic like a moving masterpiece.

The focal point of the room is undoubtedly the private, ocean-facing balcony. Outfitted with comfortable seating, it serves as the ultimate private theater for Block Island’s legendary sunrises and sunsets. Mornings begin here with a steaming cup of coffee while watching the lobster boats dot the sparkling water, while evenings invite a bottle of wine as the sky blazes in shades of burnt orange and violet. Inside, the comforts are equally compelling. A stately gas fireplace commands the room, casting a warm, flickering glow that transforms the space into a cozy haven when the coastal fog rolls in off the water.

The bathroom is a masterclass in indulgence, anchored by an oversized, two-person spa tub. Positioned to offer maximum relaxation, the tub is complemented by high-end bath amenities, plush oversized bathrobes, and thick, absorbent towels. The bedding is of the highest caliber—hypoallergenic duvets and high-thread-count sheets that practically guarantee a deep, restorative sleep aided only by the distant, rhythmic murmur of the ocean waves. Thoughtful touches abound, from discreet bedside reading lights and modern climate control to localized artwork that celebrates the island's unique ecosystem. Every square foot of the room experience is calibrated to ensure guests feel pampered, isolated from the outside world, and utterly cocooned in luxury.

Signature Amenities & Atmosphere

What truly elevates The 1661 Inn from a charming historic hotel to an iconic island institution is its astonishing collection of signature amenities. Chief among these is the property’s famed exotic hobby farm, an unexpected and utterly delightful feature that sets this hotel apart from any other luxury retreat in the Northeast. Tended with immense care on the hillside grounds, the farm is home to an eclectic menagerie that includes gentle camels, curious llamas, expressive emus, and friendly kangaroos. Strolling the pathways to visit these magnificent animals provides a whimsical, grounding counterpoint to the refined luxury of the rooms. It is a feature that delights travelers of all ages, infusing the stay with a sense of playful discovery.

Beyond the animal enclosures, the atmosphere of the inn is defined by a culture of generous hospitality and unpretentious elegance. The common areas are designed for lingering. The interior sitting rooms feature stacks of classic literature, board games, and inviting fireplaces, encouraging guests to unplug and converse. Outdoors, scattered Adirondack chairs and secluded seating nooks ensure that even when the hotel is fully booked, you can always find a private corner to read, meditate, or simply gaze out at the ocean.

The service ethos bridges the gap between high-end professional hospitality and familial warmth. The concierge and front desk teams possess an encyclopedic knowledge of Block Island, offering tailored recommendations that steer guests toward hidden beaches, dramatic bluffs, and quiet nature trails. There is no rigid corporate stiffness here; instead, the staff operates with an intuitive grace, anticipating needs before they are voiced and ensuring that every guest feels like a valued proprietor of the estate. This harmonious blend of eccentric charm—courtesy of the farm—and polished resort amenities creates an atmosphere that is simultaneously luxurious, whimsical, and deeply comforting.

Food, Drink & Local Nightlife

Culinary experiences at The 1661 Inn begin with what is arguably the most famous morning ritual in the region: the complimentary champagne buffet breakfast. Served daily with sweeping, panoramic water views as a backdrop, this legendary meal is a destination in its own right. Guests are greeted with iced bottles of champagne to pour freely into their morning orange juice, setting a celebratory tone for the day ahead. The spread itself is a lavish bounty of culinary craftsmanship. Made-to-order omelets are prepared with farm-fresh ingredients to exact specifications, accompanied by an array of freshly baked pastries, local jams, seasonal fruits, artisan cheeses, and savory breakfast meats. Dining on the veranda while sipping bubbly and watching the sunlight dance across the Atlantic is a quintessential Block Island experience that no traveler should miss.

While the inn does not operate a full-scale dinner service on-site year-round, its sister properties and the surrounding walkable-core of Old Harbor provide an exceptional culinary landscape. Within a pleasant stroll down the hillside, guests can access some of Rhode Island’s finest dining establishments. The local gastronomy heavily emphasizes the bounty of the surrounding sea, with menus featuring freshly caught swordfish, butter-poached lobster, and local oysters harvested just hours before hitting the table.

As evening descends, the local nightlife strikes a balance between laid-back island tavern culture and sophisticated lounge spaces. Guests can wander into town to enjoy acoustic music at cozy neighborhood pubs, sip craft cocktails on waterfront decks under the glow of string lights, or sample regional craft beers while mingling with fellow travelers and island locals. The vibe is decidedly unpretentious; footwear remains casual, and the focus is squarely on good company, exceptional local flavors, and the hypnotic rhythm of island life after dark.

Who This Stay Is For

Practical Travel Notes

Planning a seamless escape to The 1661 Inn requires a few logistical considerations, particularly given Block Island’s island geography. Access is primarily achieved via ferry from Point Judith, Rhode Island (accommodating both passengers and vehicles), or via high-speed passenger ferries from various regional ports, as well as scenic small-plane flights.