3 Best Hotels in South County, Rhode Island

High on bluffs overlooking Block Island Sound stands this extraordinary replica of the Victorian grande dame of the same name built here in 1868. After the dilapidated original was torn down in 2004, Ocean House was rebuilt for $140 million with the same warm yellow exterior, lobby fireplace stonework, and front desk mail slots. This new version has a third of the original's rooms, however, and more than twice the windows—the better to appreciate the stunning views. The spacious rooms have feather-top beds with luxury linens, marble bathrooms, plush towels, and bathrobes. Deluxe rooms have deep soaking tubs, and Grand Deluxe rooms have fireplaces and terraces. Guests may take complimentary wine and culinary arts classes and can arrange to golf at Lake of Isles, 19 miles away in North Stonington, Connecticut, or The Preserve about a half-hour inland in Richmond.

Narragansett's sole upscale boutique hotel has a laid-back boho surfer vibe—minus the feel of the cramped VW Vanagon—and on a clear day, you can see the Newport Bridge and Block Island from the Chair 5 rooftop bar and restaurant. Guest rooms are large and luxe, many with balconies overlooking the ocean or the heated year-round saltwater pool; all rooms have Apple TVs, iPads, heated bathroom floors, and king-size beds with supersoft linens.

Guest rooms at this lovingly restored Relais & Chateaux inn on Quonochontaug (Quonnie) Pond are furnished with luxury linens and the work of area artists. Lawn games, naturalist-guided programs, watercraft outings, and in-season swimming at a private beach and a lap pool are among the resort's varied activities. Guests also have access to programs and services at the nearby Ocean House, a sister property.