Has anyone ever stayed at the Spring House Hotel on Block Island? My husband and I are planning a weekend there this summer. Would love suggestions on things to do, places to go, food, good beaches. I will be 30 weeks pregnant, so won't be able to bike or moped, but am looking forward to a relaxing weekend. Any suggestions appreciated!

What a coincidence. My husband and I stayed at Spring Hill House during a wedding over Memorial Day last year -- while I was 6 months pregnant! Neat place; like stepping back in time. The room was much nicer than I had anticipated and the view was fantastic, even from the bed which was perfect for my much needed afternoon nap! Their adirondack chairs out front are perfect for reading in the afternoon or sipping some morning juice.

Since most of our time was spend with the wedding party events, we didn't get to do too much exploring but had a great meal at the National Hotel and there was a GREAT ice cream place right behind it (what can I say, I was pregnant!). Although we didn't have time, you could also rent scooters there to travel around the island.

One note: the weather was MUCH cooler than I had anticipated and I ended up shopping for a jacket and sweatshirt so be sure to bring clothes you can layer. It was warm during the day but the temp sure dropped at night.

I have a couple photos of the hotel from our trip on my family's website: http://www.jillweb.com/family/photoview.asp?imageid=145

Allyc,
I remember your original question about where to go. How did you arrive at Block Island? I think it will take you much longer than 2 hrs to get there from NYC if you're driving. The ferry from Montauk takes 2 hrs as I recall and this ferry doesn't take cars. If you want to take your car you have to go from New London Ct. or somewhere in RI. There is honestly nothing much to do on Block Island except beach, fly a kite (literally) or bike. Here's a URL for some info
http://adremote.timeinc.net/html.ng/site=travelandleisure&channel=tl_activities_search results&adsize=1x1&pagepos=popupentry&brand=defaul t

I really think Shelter Island, which I originally suggested, is a better bet if you want that sort of quiet weekend. At least there are some antique shops to poke around on SI and you can always take a very SHORT ferry ride north into Greenport for a morning or afternoon or the ferry south into Sag Harbor which is 5 mins.

we decided on block island b/c two of our friends highly recommended it as a perfect weekend place to relax. one of them had a bad experience at a b&b and suggested we stay elsewhere on the island. the other friend gave us several lodging recs, but suggested we post online and research to see what others' opinions were. she had said that the location of the spring house hotel is beautiful. we are only going friday to sunday and like i said, we are looking forward to sleeping in (our three year old will be with grandma for the weekend), eating lobster and lazing about on the beach.

If you decide on Block Island, I think you would really like Spring House (sorry I said Spring Hill House in my prior post - meant Spring House). It seemed like the nicest place we saw while there. We loved it and found it very relaxing. Streched out in one of their sunrooms one day and had the place all to myself.

It is on top of the hill overlooking the water -- absolutely wonderful view. I certainly got some good excercise walking up to it from the shops downtown during the day but grabbed a cab at night for a couple bucks.

Here's a website on tripadvisor that gives reviews of several places on the island including the Spring House.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g54061-Block_Island_Rhode_Island-Hotels.html

I'm not usually so insistent Allyc, but I think the trip from NYC is just too long for a weekend in your condition. How were you planning on going? It's at least a 2 1/2 hr drive to New London before taking the ferry. If you don't like the sound of Shelter Island or Montauk (where the beach is gorgeous & the lobster great) there are places on the Jersey shore like Spring Lake or Long Beach Island.

mclaurie,

thanks for your suggestions. funny enough, we have a beach house on lbi (which i absolutely love)and i'd like something a little different for our weekend. two plus hours is a bit of a drive, but i figure the ferry will be relaxing once we get there. i don't want to deal with the traffic on long island, especially coming home sunday night. thanks for your thoughts!

Hi Allyc:
If you are looking for a relaxing weekend then Block Island is the place to go. My friend actually was married at the Spring House. The most important thing aboutt he Spring House is to make sure you are in the MAin Building. When you make reservations specify the main house or you are in a much older in need of repair anex. Which is no picnic as it is about a four story walk up to some of the rooms.
As far as good meals the National Hotel is about the Best you will find, as is the Spring House. I hate to say this but about the only activity on BI is drinking, at one time they actually had signs with Martini Glasses on them ubiversal circle around them. Meaning careful drunks crossing, they have since been taken down as the Island wants to apeal to a more family crowd.
As far as night life there is the BEach Head where you can eat and drink and Kittens, which some times has live music. They have stopped a lot of the live music on BI as many of the bars also have "INNS" above them and bar music is not family friendly, so it is harder and harder to find music.
The Beaches are nice and there is a lovely lighthouse to visit, however if you will be very pregnant the trek to the lighthouse may be out of your relm. From the Spring house you can walk to the main street. I think there is also a movie theater. Venture off the main street and go to BLOCKS OF FUDGE!!!!!!

Sorry i posted before I finished the post. to get to block Island there are 3 options.

Small plane onto the island

ferry from New London Ct ... bad option

High Speed Ferry from POrt JUdith Rhode Island.

Block Island is really a dump. I a, sorry but there are so many nice places to go off the coast or even onland. Unless you like doinf nothing but drinking and paying high prices for nothing perhaps another option would be better.

Have you considered The Atlantic Inn. Beautiful location, spacious front porch where you can have breakfast. Service is great, rooms are lovely. Also 1661 is a smaller inn with great views and great breakfast. The National Hotel is right in town but may be a bit on noisy side if you are going to be there in summer. All and all BI is a great, RELAXING place. We got married there 3 years ago.
Restaurants...
Eli's...small gourment food, HUG E portions, Delicious.
Ballards...fun...lobster, sit outside on beach.
The Atlantic..for 'fancy' four-course, price fixed dinner. Make reservations soon.
Ernies...breakfast only...Yum..sit on porch

BI is very csual and can be very chilly at night! Have fun!!