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The Narragansett Inn

From $175/night • Score: 4.5★ (680 reviews)

Exterior 1Exterior 2Interior 1Interior 2Surroundings

First Impressions & Architecture

Stepping off the Block Island ferry and making your way toward the West Side Road is akin to passing through a portal into a bygone era. Long before the island became a modern summer sanctuary for weekenders seeking respite from the northeastern megalopolis, it was the crown jewel of Victorian-era steamboat tourism. At the epicenter of this rich maritime heritage sits The Narragansett Inn, a sprawling, salt-kissed landmark that has commanded the gentle shores of the Great Salt Pond since the late 19th century. Approaching the property, one is immediately struck by its unpretentious majesty. Unlike the hyper-polished, glass-and-steel monoliths that define contemporary luxury in places like Newport or Nantucket, The Narragansett Inn proudly wears its history in every cedar shingle, gabled roofline, and weathered balustrade.

The architectural soul of the inn is anchored by its legendary, wrap-around broad front veranda—a quintessential New England staging ground for lazy afternoons and gin-and-tonics at dusk. This elevated wooden deck, lined with white-painted railings and classic rocking chairs, frames sweeping, cinematic vistas of New Harbor. Here, the rhythm of island life establishes itself instantly: the gentle clinking of halyards against aluminum masts in the marina below, the low rumble of incoming fishing vessels, and the soft, salt-laden breeze that sweeps across the Great Salt Pond. The structure itself is a masterclass in vernacular Victorian resort architecture, designed to capture maximum airflow and light during the humid dog days of July and August.

Entering the main lobby feels like stepping onto the meticulously curated set of a period film, yet it retains a deeply lived-in, authentic warmth. Original wainscoting, vintage maritime charts, framed sepia photographs of nineteenth-century steamships, and worn hardwood floors that creak with the gentle, charming resonance of decades past welcome the traveler. There is no sterile corporate reception desk here; instead, guests are greeted by staff whose demeanor reflects the unhurried, idiosyncratic pace of Block Island time. The architecture does not try to intimidate or dazzle with superfluous opulence; rather, it envelops the visitor in a cocoon of maritime nostalgia, setting a deeply relaxed, contemplative tone for the entirety of the stay.

The Room Experience

At $175 per night, accommodations at The Narragansett Inn represent one of the most astonishing value propositions in contemporary New England hospitality. In a travel landscape where coastal accommodations routinely gouge guests for minimalist boxes with inflated price tags, the inn offers an honest, soulful, and remarkably spacious room experience that honors its Victorian pedigree. While luxury in the twenty-first century is often synonymous with marble-clad bathrooms and automated smart-room technology, here, true luxury is defined by cross-breezes, historical character, and unobstructed views of shimmering maritime activity.

The guest rooms, spread across the historic main building and adjacent annexes, vary in their exact dimensions and layout, which only adds to their idiosyncratic charm. Expect high ceilings, large double-hung windows that invite the crisp island air inside, and period-appropriate furnishings that eschew generic hotel chains in favor of antique wooden dressers, floral quilts, and iron bed frames. Floors may tilt slightly toward the sea—a testament to the building's storied settlement over more than a century—and doors may require a firm, knowing shoulder to latch properly, yet these aren't flaws; they are badges of authenticity that connect the modern guest directly to the Victorians who once strolled these same hallways in hoop skirts and linen suits.

Bedding is crisp, clean, and prioritizing comfort above all else, ensuring a deep, restorative slumber soundtracked only by the distant, mournful call of gulls and the rhythmic lapping of the pond against the bulkhead. Lighting leans toward the warm and amber, casting a soft glow over reading nooks positioned perfectly beside windows. While bathrooms in the historic section can be on the compact side, they are impeccably maintained, stocked with classic, high-grade amenities, and feature reliable hot water pressure that easily washes away the salt and sand accumulated from a day spent exploring Mansion Beach or the Mohegan Bluffs. For travelers seeking a sanctuary that prioritizes soul, narrative, and unpretentious comfort over sterile perfection, the rooms at The Narragansett Inn are an absolute revelation.

Signature Amenities & Atmosphere

The true beating heart of The Narragansett Inn lies not within its historic four walls, but immediately outside them, anchored by its magnificent, sloping lawn that cascades gently down toward the edge of the Great Salt Pond. This massive expanse of manicured emerald turf serves as the ultimate communal living room for the property. Dotted generously with classic wooden picnic tables, brightly colored Adirondack chairs, and shaded patches beneath venerable weeping willows, the lawn is a masterclass in experiential hospitality. It is a place where strangers effortlessly become companions over a shared sunset, where children toss frisbees against the backdrop of bobbing sailboats, and where afternoons dissolve seamlessly into evenings without anyone checking a watch.

The panoramic vistas of New Harbor boat traffic from this vantage point are nothing short of hypnotic. Guests can spend hours perched in an Adirondack chair, binoculars in hand, tracking the ballet of vessels navigating the narrow channel—from multimillion-dollar sailing yachts and classic wooden yawls to the steady stream of charismatic local watercraft. The atmosphere shifts dynamically throughout the day: morning brings a serene, meditative quiet pierced only by coffee cups clinking and the rising sun burning off the harbor mist; midday introduces a vibrant, sun-drenched energy as boaters dock and head ashore; and dusk culminates in legendary, fiery New England sunsets that paint the sky in bruised purples, fiery oranges, and molten golds.

Beyond the lawn, the inn offers a seamless blend of old-school island leisure and modern accessibility. Complimentary Wi-Fi ensures you can stay connected if absolutely necessary, though the primary amenity here is the permission to completely unplug. The property acts as a natural social hub without ever feeling crowded or chaotic. It captures the elusive essence of traditional American summer camp life, elevated with just enough historical gentility and relaxed coastal sophistication to satisfy the discerning modern traveler who values authenticity over rigid formality.

Food, Drink & Local Nightlife

Culinary and social opportunities surrounding The Narragansett Inn are nothing short of iconic, largely anchored by its legendary immediate neighbor: The Oar. Situated literally next door, The Oar is not merely a restaurant; it is a cultural institution, a rite of passage, and arguably the most famous gathering spot on Block Island. The proximity of The Narragansett Inn to this vibrant hub elevates the entire hospitality experience, granting guests front-row access to the island's premier social epicentre without ever needing to worry about a designated driver or navigating late-night island transit.

At The Oar, the culinary focus is unapologetically coastal, casual, and deeply satisfying. The menu is celebrated far and wide for its exceptionally fresh sushi—an unexpected culinary triumph for a rustic island tavern—alongside legendary clam fritters that arrive piping hot, golden-brown, and brimming with sweet bivalves. Washed down with a classic rum punch or a crisp local IPA, a meal on the outdoor deck at The Oar while watching the sun dip behind the masts of New Harbor is an quintessential New England summer memory that lingers long after vacation ends.

Beyond the food itself, the cultural atmosphere of The Oar and its surrounding docks spills over into the inn's ambiance, creating a lively, dynamic nighttime ecosystem. Inside The Oar, the ceiling is entirely draped in thousands of hand-painted wooden rowing oars contributed by visiting boaters over decades, creating a visually stunning, immersive maritime museum effect. While the immediate vicinity can get lively and bustling during peak weekend hours, guests at The Narragansett Inn retain the distinct advantage of being able to effortlessly retreat from the vibrant fray back to the tranquility of their historic porch or the quiet corners of the great lawn in a matter of seconds. It offers the absolute best of both worlds: high-energy island nightlife right at your doorstep, paired with a peaceful, historic sanctuary to call your own at the end of the night.

Who This Stay Is For

The Narragansett Inn is not designed for travelers seeking marble-encrusted luxury, sycophantic butler service, or hyper-modern minimalist design. It will not appeal to those who require automated climate control, soundproofed urban suites, or the rigid formalities of a five-star international chain. Instead, this historic property speaks a very specific, deeply romantic language that resonates profoundly with a particular breed of traveler.

Ultimately, this stay is tailor-made for the romantic pragmatist—someone who understands that true luxury in the twenty-first century is often found in simplicity, historical resonance, sweeping natural vistas, and an unhurried, salt-air lifestyle.

Practical Travel Notes

Planning a seamless escape to The Narragansett Inn requires a touch of strategic foresight, given Block Island's unique island geography and seasonal rhythms. Here are essential practical notes for maximizing your stay: