Surf Hotel Block Island occupies a prime position in Old Harbor, Block Island's main village, roughly 200 feet from the ferry landing where boats arrive from Point Judith (one hour) and New London, Connecticut (two hours). The Victorian-era property dates to 1876 and is one of the island's oldest surviving hotels, featuring classic seaside architecture with a wraparound porch that captures Atlantic breezes and harbor views.
Rooms range from standard interior accommodations to ocean view rooms overlooking the Atlantic and suites with additional living space. The décor reflects the unhurried character of Block Island itself — an island with few cars, abundant salt air, and bicycles as the preferred mode of transport. Beach access to nearby Crescent Beach is available on foot, and on-site bike rentals allow guests to reach the Mohegan Bluffs on the island's southern edge and the North Light lighthouse at its northern tip.
The hotel restaurant and bar serve fresh Atlantic seafood and New England classics. The bar becomes the social center of Old Harbor during summer evenings, when day-trippers have departed and overnight guests gather on the porch. There is no spa or fitness center, which aligns with the hotel's old-fashioned coastal character rather than resort expectations.
The Surf Hotel suits couples and independent travelers seeking a genuine New England island experience more than it suits families requiring extensive resort amenities. Block Island's short season (mid-June through Labor Day) commands peak rates; shoulder season pricing drops considerably, and the quieter spring and fall periods offer a very different, slower experience of the island. Advance booking is essential for summer weekends, when ferries and hotels fill weeks ahead.
Room types
- Standard Room
- Ocean View Room
- Suite
Amenities
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Ocean views
- Beach access
- Bike rentals
Location
Dodge St, Block Island, RI 02807
41.1706, -71.5621 View on map
Highlights
- Victorian property dating to 1876 at the heart of Old Harbor, steps from the ferry landing
- Wraparound porch with Atlantic breezes and harbor views — the social hub after day-trippers leave
- Bike rentals on-site for exploring the Mohegan Bluffs, North Light, and Crescent Beach
- Direct beach access to Crescent Beach, one of Block Island's finest stretches of sand
- Authentic island-town setting with no chain hotels, minimal cars, and a slower pace
Tips for visiting
- Book summer weekends at least six weeks ahead — ferries and hotels both sell out, and they are linked (no ferry space means no room matters).
- Pack light and bring a bag you can carry; there are no porters at the ferry and the walk to the hotel is short but the luggage is yours.
- Ocean View rooms cost meaningfully more than Standard rooms; the views are pleasant but not dramatically different given the hotel's compact size — consider whether the premium matches your plans.
- The Block Island Ferry from Point Judith (1 hour) is the most frequent service; the New London ferry (2 hours) runs seasonally and is less reliable as a primary plan.
- Shoulder season (September–October) brings fewer crowds and lower rates while still offering reasonable weather for cycling and hiking.