Yellow.
That is the first thing you notice when you pull up the drive in Watch Hill. It is a specific, buttery shade of Victorian yellow that somehow looks exactly right against the erratic blue of the Atlantic Ocean. If you’ve spent any time looking at high-end New England stays, you’ve seen the photos of Ocean House RI. It sits on the bluff like a sentinel.
Most people think this is just another old hotel. They’re wrong. The building you see today is actually a massive, 21st-century architectural "cheat code." The original structure, which opened back in 1868, was basically held together by hope and several dozen layers of paint by the time it closed in 2003. It didn't meet modern fire codes. The wood was rotting. It was a mess. So, the developers did something crazy: they mapped the original building, tore it down, and rebuilt the whole thing from scratch to look exactly like the 1868 version, only better.
Honestly, the level of obsession involved in that rebuild is what makes the place special. They saved over 5,000 original architectural elements. We're talking windows, door frames, and even the massive stones in the lobby fireplace. They numbered them, stored them, and put them back in their original spots. It’s a Ship of Theseus situation, but with 150-layer cotton sheets and a Forbes Five-Star rating.
What It’s Actually Like Inside Ocean House RI
Forget the stuffy, velvet-rope vibe you might expect from a Relais & Châteaux property. While the dress code exists—don't show up to the Coast restaurant in your salty board shorts—the atmosphere is surprisingly breezy.
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The lobby is massive. It’s called "The Living Room," and it actually feels like one, provided your living room has soaring ceilings and views of Block Island. You’ll see families playing backgammon and couples sipping cocktails while looking at the sea. It’s expensive. Let's not dance around that. You are paying for the fact that there are more staff members than guest rooms.
The rooms themselves? They’re big. Even the standard ones feel like suites because they were designed with that airy, seaside aesthetic that avoids being "nautical kitsch." You won't find plastic anchors or "Life’s a Beach" signs here. Instead, it’s custom cabinetry, soaking tubs, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Food Situation
You have options, but you need to plan ahead. Coast is the big-ticket item. It’s a fine-dining experience that focuses on local Rhode Island ingredients. Think scallops that were in the water six hours ago. If you want something less intense, The Bistro is where most guests end up for breakfast and casual dinners.
One thing most people miss? The Secret Garden. It’s an outdoor spot tucked away where they serve Veuve Clicquot and light bites. It’s very "Instagrammable," sure, but the view is genuine. If the weather is even slightly nice, get a seat there.
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Then there’s the beach. Ocean House RI has a private stretch of sand that is arguably the best in the state. They have "Beach Butlers." It sounds ridiculous until someone is bringing you a cold drink and adjusting your umbrella while you're halfway through a summer novel.
The Watch Hill Neighborhood
You can’t talk about the hotel without talking about the town. Watch Hill is a tiny, wealthy enclave in Westerly. It’s quiet. If you’re looking for the neon lights of Newport or the rowdy bars of Narragansett, you’re in the wrong place.
- The Carousel: The Flying Horse Carousel is a literal National Historic Landmark. It’s been there since the 1880s. The horses aren’t attached to the floor; they hang from chains and "fly" outward as it spins. Kids love it. Adults love the nostalgia.
- The Neighbors: Yes, Taylor Swift has a house right up the street (High Watch). No, you probably won't see her. The hotel is very used to high-profile guests, so privacy is a huge deal here. Don't be the person hovering by the gates with a long lens.
- The Shops: Bay Street is a short walk from the hotel. It’s mostly high-end boutiques and ice cream shops. It’s charming in a "Time Stood Still" kind of way.
Is It Worth the Price Tag?
This is the question everyone asks. Look, a night at Ocean House RI can easily run you four figures depending on the season. If you are just looking for a bed near the water, go somewhere else. You go here for the service.
It’s the small things. It’s the fact that they remember how you like your coffee. It’s the access to the fleet of Mercedes-Benz cars guests can borrow to drive around town. It’s the cooking classes in the Center for Wine & Culinary Arts.
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The reality is that Rhode Island has plenty of coastline, but it only has one Ocean House. The historical weight of the place, even if the "bones" are technically new, creates a specific kind of gravity. You feel like you’re part of a lineage of summer vacationers that stretches back over a century.
Common Misconceptions
People think you have to be a guest to experience it. Not true. You can book a table at the restaurants or visit the OH! Spa even if you aren't staying overnight. The spa is actually one of the few in the world to hold five stars from Forbes. If you can't swing the room rate, a spa treatment and lunch on the veranda is the pro move for a day trip.
Another mistake? Only going in July. Rhode Island in the fall is spectacular. The crowds vanish, the air gets crisp, and the hotel fireplace actually becomes useful. Plus, the rates drop significantly once the "summer people" head back to New York and Boston.
How to Plan Your Visit
- Book Months Out: If you want a weekend in June or July, you should have booked it last December. Seriously.
- Check the Events Calendar: They do a lot of "Artist in Residence" programs and wine tastings. Check the schedule before you pick your dates so you don't miss something cool.
- Pack the Right Gear: Bring a decent blazer or a sundress. You don't need a tuxedo, but the "resort casual" vibe is real.
- Explore Westerly: Don't stay stuck in the hotel. The downtown Westerly area has seen a massive resurgence lately. Go to Grey Sail Brewing or grab dinner at The Perseverance.
- Use the Benzes: If you’re a guest, take the house cars out for a spin to Weekapaug or Stonington, CT. It’s a free perk that most people forget to use.
Ocean House RI isn't just a building; it’s a vibe. It’s a specific New England dream of white trim, blue water, and impeccable service. Whether you’re there for a full week or just a sunset cocktail, it usually manages to live up to the hype. Just don't forget to look up at the ceilings—some of those moldings are the exact same ones people were admiring in the 19th century.