You know that feeling when you step off the ferry and the salt air hits you just right? That’s Block Island. But if you’ve ever looked up toward the hill—specifically the one overlooking the Atlantic—you’ve seen it. The massive white building with the red roof and the wrap-around porch. That’s the Inn at Spring House Block Island, and honestly, it’s basically the island's unofficial mascot.
Most people just call it the "Spring House," but there’s a nuance to the Inn itself that gets lost in the shuffle of day-trippers drinking Mudslides on the lawn. It isn't just a hotel. It’s a 19th-century relic that somehow managed to survive the era of "modernization" without losing its soul. You aren't going there for high-speed fiber optics or smart mirrors. You’re going because the floorboards creak in a way that feels like home and the view from the balcony makes everything else feel small.
The Reality of Staying at the Inn at Spring House Block Island
Let’s be real for a second. If you’re looking for a Ritz-Carlton experience with elevators and soundproofed walls, you’re in the wrong place. The Inn at Spring House Block Island is an authentic Victorian structure. Built in 1852, it’s one of the oldest hotels on the island. That means history. It also means you’re going to hear your neighbor if they laugh too loud, and you’re going to deal with the quirks of an old building.
But that’s the charm, isn't it?
The rooms are airy. They’re bright. They have that specific New England aesthetic—lots of white linens, wicker furniture, and windows that actually let the ocean breeze in. Some rooms are in the main building, while others are scattered across the property in the Mott House or the Barn. Each has a slightly different vibe. The Mott House feels a bit more secluded, while the main Inn puts you right in the heart of the action.
It’s about the porch.
You can’t talk about this place without talking about that porch. It’s legendary. People come from all over the island just to sit in those Adirondack chairs. You grab a drink, you sit down, and you watch the boats come in. It sounds cliché until you’re actually doing it. Then, suddenly, three hours have passed and you haven’t looked at your phone once.
Why the Food Situation Matters Here
A lot of "resort" food is mediocre at best. Overpriced, under-seasoned, and designed for mass consumption. The Spring House does things a bit differently. They actually have their own farm.
It’s called Spring House Farm, located right on the island. They grow their own greens, herbs, and vegetables. When you’re eating a salad at the Bistro or the Main Dining Room, there’s a very high chance those greens were harvested about a mile away that morning. That matters. It changes the flavor profile of a meal when the produce hasn't spent three days in the back of a refrigerated truck.
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The menu leans heavily into local seafood, obviously. You’re on an island. If you aren't eating the scallops or the local catch, you’re doing it wrong. The Bistro is the more casual spot—great for a pizza or a burger—while the Dining Room is where you go when you want to feel fancy.
Navigating the Logistics: What Most People Get Wrong
People think they can just "show up" to Block Island and find a spot at the Inn. Don't do that. Especially not in July or August. The Inn at Spring House Block Island is a wedding magnet. Because of that sprawling lawn and the ocean backdrop, it is booked out for private events almost every weekend during the peak season.
If you want a quiet stay, aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday. Or better yet, go in the "shoulder season." Late May or September on Block Island is arguably better than the dead of summer. The water is still warm-ish in September, the crowds are gone, and the staff at the Inn actually have a second to breathe and chat with you.
The Wedding Factor
If you’re planning a wedding, you’ve probably already seen the Spring House on every Pinterest board ever made. It’s iconic for a reason. They have this massive white tent they set up, and the ceremony usually happens right on the grass overlooking the water.
But here’s the insider tip: if you’re a guest not attending a wedding, check the event calendar before you book. If there's a 200-person wedding happening on a Saturday night, the "peace and quiet" factor of the porch goes down significantly. It becomes a party hub. Some people love that energy; others hate it. Know which one you are.
Getting There (The Ferry Struggle)
Getting to the Inn at Spring House Block Island involves the Block Island Ferry. You have two main choices: the Point Judith high-speed ferry (30 minutes) or the traditional slow ferry (about an hour).
If you’re bringing a car, you need to book that ferry months in advance. Like, the moment the reservations open in January. Honestly? You don't really need a car at the Spring House. It’s a short, albeit uphill, walk from the ferry landing. Taxis are everywhere. Mopeds are for rent. Bikes are better. Once you’re at the Inn, you’re within walking distance of Old Harbor anyway.
Surprising Details You Won't Find on the Brochure
There’s a specific kind of light that hits the building around 4:00 PM. Local photographers call it the "golden hour," but at the Spring House, it hits the white siding and reflects off the Atlantic in a way that makes the whole hill look like it's glowing.
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Another thing? The staff.
A lot of the seasonal workers come from overseas—students on J-1 visas from Ireland, Eastern Europe, or South America. They bring a weirdly great international energy to a classic American landmark. You might be eating a New England clam chowder served by a guy from Dublin who’s spending his summer surfing at Mohegan Bluffs. It’s a cool dynamic.
- The Fire Pit: They usually get a fire going in the evenings. It’s the best spot for a nightcap.
- The Hill: It is steep. If you have mobility issues, ask for a room on a lower floor or use the shuttle service.
- The Garden: Don't just stay on the porch. Walk around the back to see where they grow some of the flowers for the tables.
Is it Worth the Price Tag?
Let’s talk money. The Inn at Spring House Block Island is not cheap. You’re paying for the location, the history, and the view.
If you compare the room rates to a standard hotel on the mainland, you’ll be shocked. But you aren't on the mainland. You’re on a tiny island where everything—from the electricity to the beer—has to be shipped in.
Is it worth it?
If you value character over "perfection," yes. If you want to wake up, open your window, and hear nothing but the ocean and the occasional seagull, then absolutely. There is a sense of timelessness here that you just can't manufacture. It feels like 1920 in the best way possible.
Common Misconceptions About the Spring House
A big one is that it’s "too formal."
People see the big Victorian structure and think they need a suit and tie for dinner. You don't. While it’s certainly classier than the dive bars down by the docks, it’s still a beach town. "Island casual" is the vibe. Think linen shirts, sundresses, and nice sandals. You can wear a blazer if you want, but you won't feel out of place without one.
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Another misconception is that it’s only for couples. While it’s incredibly romantic, I see families there all the time. The lawn is basically a giant playground. Kids run around while the parents have a cocktail. It works.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
If you're planning to head to the Inn at Spring House Block Island, don't just wing it. Follow these steps to ensure you actually enjoy the trip instead of stressing over logistics.
Book the Ferry Early: If you're traveling on a weekend, buy your ferry tickets online at least two weeks out. If you're bringing a car, book it the first week of the year.
Request a Sea View: Not all rooms face the water. Some face the back gardens or the side of the hill. If the view is why you’re going, specify that during booking. It costs more, but staying at the Spring House and looking at a parking lot is a missed opportunity.
Pack for the "Block Island Fog": The weather changes fast. It can be 80 degrees and sunny at noon and 60 degrees with thick fog by 5:00 PM. Bring a light sweater or a windbreaker, even in the middle of July.
Explore Beyond the Lawn: Use the Inn as your base camp. Walk down to the Southeast Lighthouse or hike the Mohegan Bluffs. The stairs down to the beach are brutal, but the view from the bottom is the best on the East Coast.
Check the Bistro Hours: The Main Dining Room has more restricted hours and often requires reservations. The Bistro is more flexible, but it still fills up. If you want a specific table on the porch for dinner, call ahead a few days early.
The Inn at Spring House Block Island represents a specific type of New England travel. It’s slow. It’s intentional. It’s about sitting still and watching the horizon. In a world that’s constantly moving too fast, there’s something deeply necessary about a place that refuses to change its pace.