I'm somewhat behind on reviews so although this is July-My Mom and I were there the first weekend of May; which I believe is the first weekend the hotel was open thisi season. Our room was on the 2nd floor right in front of the stairs so it got a little bit loud but wasn't too bad. The continental breakfast is kind of that same breakfast they have everywhere. It was okay but we actually had another breakfast at the bagel place in town as the morning went on. Restaurant: we had dinner here Friday night and I remember it being very tasty.
(3)
Jeremy G.
Food is but one reason to go to a restaurant and if good food is not your top concern I recommend SH. The views are extraordinary, the staff is friendly. We did like our appetizer, the guac and chips but the main courses (paella and tuna, that my wife suspected was frozen) were bland and over cooked. I wouldn't have minded except I paid $110.00 and for that, you would like a mean that approaches deliciousness.
(2)
Brian W.
We had dinner off-season here in March. They are one of the few (only?) places open as far I know for nice dinner. The main hotel and kitchen are shuttered. We instead ate in "The Barn". It's a cozy new-construction location next to the hotel. Very well done. Small with the kitchen WIDE open to the dinning room. Great friendly service with a fantastic menu. Very romantic. Definitely would go back.
(4)
A B.
Mat, our waiter was super accommodating, the view is amazing and the food was fantastic. The only fault in an otherwise flawless evening was the disorganized and terse atmosphere at the hostess' podium... and that with a reservation. Will absolutely go again.
(5)
Jane H.
Last minute decision to stay on the island, Dylan found us the last room on the island, Adam got us saline solution. This place is heaven on earth and the employees rock!
This is a two-part review, so be sure to read the whole thing. First...don't go for the low end room. We originally booked for two nights. Thursday night was $285, and Friday night was $300. For those prices we got a room that was about 12x9, drywall tape peeling off the wall, no closet space (there was an armoire with some drawers and not enough space to hang up a shirt, so we had to hang a couple of shirts and a dress on the back of the door to the room). The phone on the wall didn't work. The bathroom door, when open, hits the edge of the bed. The floor slopes so much that they had to put 3 wood blocks under the legs of the metal bed frame on one side to level it out. The door to the room was so off that it took some effort to open. The room did have working A/C. After speaking to the front desk, they offered to show us another room, without A/C, after the guests checked out. We said fine. We were then contacted and told that the guests were actually NOT checking out. A bit later, we were offered another, larger room, down the hall. In the midst of moving our stuff, we were told it was only for one night and we would have to move our stuff back to the original room the next morning, so we moved everything back and stayed put. One item that has nothing to do with the room, AND WE DID KNOW ABOUT THIS AHEAD OF TIME...don't stay here on a Thursday night unless you're planning to stay up until at least 12:30am. They have a lively bar scene and a band, and our room was RIGHT OVER THE BAR/BAND. The second part of the review is this...a young man, Kevin, made every attempt to try and improve our situation. He couldn't have been more apologetic or diligent. He originally offered 25% off our stay, but once it was clear we were staying in the room, he gave us one night free, 25% off the 2nd night, and 2 mini-bottles of champagne. That doesn't change any of the above, but it was impressive the effort he went to in trying to make things suitable for us, and it's the ONLY reason I'm giving this two stars. We get it, it's Block Island, things are way more expensive, but the room wasn't even up to Motel 6 or Super 8 standards, and it was a complete whiff to offer us another, nicer room, then tell us in the middle of moving we could stay there one night. If you're coming over, by all means do, just plan to spend closer to $400/night to get a decent room wherever you decide to stay. The hotel here is a beautiful old building with lots of charm and a great porch/bar area overlooking the bay.
(2)
Teve' U.
This place (like many other on block island) has amazing views, 5/5. great covered porch for lunch. sorry didn't eat here great lounging couches, 5/5 great lawn chairs with a view, 5/5 the lobby and inside bar area is nice 3/5 with that old world charm short walk to town, 4/5 the room is okay, this place is probably 100 years old, fiberglass walk in shower stall, generic bathroom fixtures, and a rotary phone on the wall.. did i mention my laptop screen is bigger than the TV -- who's here to watch TV -- internet is very slow (no chance of streaming netflix), cheesy in room coffee maker, at $300 a night i expect more.. i would NEVER NEVER NEVER stay here again, our room was on the 2nd floor and the band started in the bar at 10pm and wrapped up around 1am , 0/5 i strongly suggest staying someplace else small and quaint -- then stop by have a drink and enjoy the view.
(2)
Richie S.
A little bit pricy but worth every penny for the quality food that you get here. My wife and I came for lunch and started with chips and guacamole plus I had to try the oysters from the raw bar. My wife had the burger and I of course had to try the lobster roll which was really good. Can't wait to come back again next time we're out here! Enjoy!
I've been going here for years on the last night of our yearly BI family vacation. I'm biased as I got engaged here and love the adirondacks on the hill. I always have an awesome time on the deck overlooking the water. Wife and I always order the 2lb lobster which is never on menu but always available. The food is expensive and some things are great and some are mediocre but reality is your on an island and not in nyc so set expectations accordingly. Clams casino best I've ever had; flat bread pizza with prosciutto and figs way to sweet vs expected salty and savory; lobster was lobster which was good despite stuffing being too moist.
(4)
Harlan S.
Wonderful dinner at this lovely hotel overlooking the water. Great service and all 6 of us raved about our different selections. Actad expensive but for an island restaurant not surprising. Great old but not run down victorian hotel. Would be perfect for a getaway fall weekend.
(4)
Lisa M.
Sitting on the lawn in your Adirondak chair, waitress brings you drinks, overlooking a pond onto the ocean...you get the drift. Giant garden for farm to table ingredients, the staff can't do enough for you. Stayed overnight and had breakfast on the patio. It was absolutely perfect. The sunrise is not to be missed. The vantage point is right out the window. At least in our room it was . Very comfy rooms. I must stop there I am embarrassing myself. Will go again soon! The bar on the veranda was so much fun and the bartenders had a lot of info and were so friendly. Our first visit won't be our last!
(5)
Tristan H.
My wife and I took a day trip to the island while staying in Newport. Rented a moped and zipped around the island seeing some of the sights. This was our oasis at the end of our day. Gorgeous sea views. My wife said they made her the best pina coloda EVER. lol. I had a pint of Yuengling, and we walked out to the Adirondack chairs and relaxed. Best part of the day!
(5)
Kris F.
THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE RESTAURANT - NOT THE HOTEL. If your meal sucks don't bother asking for Frank the Shank (aka the owner's son/manager). I would give them negative stars if the option was available. My friend always raves about the Spring House so I went there twice this week - once this past Sunday evening and again tonight - July 4th. Both times the service was slow and when there were issues the owner's son and manager "Frank the Shank" was excessively rude, choosing to chastise me, the customer rather than addressing his restaurant's service/quality issues. Tonight, July 4th, the family went there - arrival time 8:30pm. We received lackluster food and service. When we commented/complained about the overcooked risotto and the nasty cheese in the poorly prepared eggplant - the manager temporarily placated us with a vinegar-like glass of wine that they couldn't have paid me to actually drink, and didn't even take them (the offensive food) off of the bill. Appetizers took well over an hour to be served and entrees were overpriced and poorly prepared. Apparently the owner's son needs to take customer service 101. Rather than apologizing and having the brains to get his $10,000 cappuccino machine serviced (the foam dissipates immediately and is basically nonexistent) - he chose to reprimand me as a customer and say that he sees me every day (only went there twice) and he hasn't seen me smile yet. Well FRANK, I'm sorry, but smiles ARE NOT something you are entitled to when your establishment has given me nothing but lackluster service and overpriced and poorly prepared food. If you want a truly delicious meal head over to Eli's or even to the National or Ballard's (they have great 8 oz burgers and if you have any issues the managers there treat you with respect and INSTANTLY resolve any issues you may have). I know this review seems a bit harsh, but one of the people in our party is actually a CHEF and has his own restaurant and another was a gourmet cook (me) and confirmed foodie. Sorry Spring House, but I will NEVER GO BACK and recommend that others do the same. (My dad always says Service, Quality, Price - pick two - Unfortunately, the Spring House Restaurant offers none of these.)
(1)
Jeff S.
Food was very good but they give you thimbles to drink out of and charge for each refill. A few ice teas wound up being 20% of the cost of the meal which in my opinion is just gouging the customer. On the plus side setting is spectacular and waitstaff was very nice.
(3)
Lailani P.
This review is for the restaurant only. Didn't stay at the hotel. A couple of friends and I dropped in for lunch here last week, as the lady at the Block Island tourist information center said they'd have the best view. We were given a table on the patio overlooking the ocean and the view was a giant win. Not only did we have the most gorgeous ocean view, the grounds were very pretty and the decor was chic. Beautiful indeed. I had a martini, which was a bit on the sour side (too much vermouth?) and chose a vegetarian pizza as my meal. When my friends asked how the pizza was, I answered "it tastes like buttered cardboard". It wasn't revolting- just tasteless and quite difficult to chew. They had fish and chips and some sort of taco dish. Neither was impressed, but again-nothing tasted bad. The service was prompt and courteous. Go here for the views, not the food.
(3)
Armand A.
Service was disappointing. I have been visiting the spring house every year for the past 5-6. We go to block every summer for 2-3 days and usually eat at the same two places: spring house and Eli's. Both have been great. This time at spring house the service was bad. Working in fine dining for about 20 years, I am a forgiving person, and can identify service flaws easily. Despite this, I tip 20% or more always. We usually order 2 appetizers each, and our waitress wanted to bring all 4 apps same time. We said no. Then , second course , we were not brought new silverware. My wife couldn't cut her beer salad as she had no knife. I stole one off the next table as no waitstaff was around. After two courses of apps, we realized that we had never been brought bread. I was willing to forgive all this poor service and lack of attention.... Until the check came. I looked it over and the glass of moscato my wife had ordered, was double price. The waitress had taken it upon herself to order 2 glasses of wine, charge double, and put both in one regular wine glass, all without asking us if this was ok. It's not ok. It's referred to in the restaurant business as PIRACY. Ie, charging people frivolously for items , not disclosing the price, or also bringing excessive portions to unwitting patrons. In other words , milking the guests for every penny they're worth. Being a waiter myself , I am very familiar with this deceitful practice, and take notes spring house. There are people who won't stand for this type of behavior. Change your procedures. Please train your staff better(and at all). I'm really tired of bad servers trying to take advantage of good people. There are people like me, who will not stand for it. Our waitress didn't seem like she cared. The manager who I complained to wanted to make excuses, and comp several things. That's not what I wanted. I just wanted one of the two glasses of moscato removed , as we had not ordered two. Manager tried to explain away the waitresses mistake but listen to me spring house, and listen clearly: if someone did this at the restaurant I work at , they would be fired. It's piracy. No suspension or probation: fired. We will think hard if we will ever be back for more than just drinks. If we do. We will request Heather, as all readers of this review should do. She is attentive and knowledgeable. A veteran. On a positive note, the Tuna tartare was great , ribolita soup just ok. Paella, had no soccorat, and had some broken shells. Needs adjustment, but good otherwise. Tuna entree my wife liked. Beet salad also good. Cocktails hit or miss. Wine selection not bad but hasn't changed in a year or two. Popular opinion has changed though. Vintages too. Have you tasted the new ones? That's an honest assessment. Enjoy the view.
(2)
Scott K.
The tomato & burrata salad is the truth. Amazing views from both the front and back porches. Overall, a great experience.
(5)
Fotios K.
this review is for both the lodging and dining experience. Where to start? The room and our floor was 15 degrees hotter than anywhere else on the entire island. I woke up every morning with lower back pain from their awkward beds. Our TV barely worked and when we asked about the problem, they said that it was probably just our room and they would "make a note and look into it tomorrow". Never did anything. We ate there twice (second time because it was raining so bad we didn't want to go out) and they never asked us the second time if we were guests as to get our dining discount. I could care less about the 10% discount, but it is the principle; you asked us and gave us one the first time and then the second time your employee forgets? There were so many employees wandering around and it just seemed so unorganized because they weren't all on the same page and there was no consistency in their level of service. My girlfriend and I were in the middle of something during one of our days there and either a random guest or employee tried opening the door on us. There was no knocking or keys jingling, just someone trying to shimmy the door open. ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME? We saw a "Spring House Shuttle" multiple times while we were there and when we checked out we asked if we can take the shuttle to the ferry. The response? "No but I can call you a taxi." Really?! You aren't even going to explain why the fuck not? What the hell is the shuttle there for? Food was mediocre as it was almost every else we went to. Pros? Good views, decent drinks and ummm, well that's about it. I would not stay here again, nor recommend it to anyone.
(1)
Ian J.
Spring House is the ideal hotel in the ideal location on Block Island. It's really beautiful. Like all places that have been renovated or maintained from an original structure, this is a great place to be. It feels as though you're in the middle of the era it was originally constructed, ~60+ years ago. Whether you're sitting on the porch sipping a drink, reading, or just gazing out onto the ocean, from the white Adirondack lawn chairs. A nice sea breeze, and a picturesque environment make this place an ideal spot to stay. As for accommodations, well, it varies. I wouldn't say a hotel stay is what makes this place ideal, but rather everything they provide for anybody stopping by. The rooms are okay, but a bit rundown (mostly for the price, ~400/night) and the beds are definitely uncomfortable. However, if you have an ocean view room, and most of them do, you'll be really glad you did. Continental breakfast comes with the stay, and it's surprisingly good. Plus waking up to watch the sun rise, from the same porch, while eating breakfast is a stellar way to star off your morning.
(4)
Dave L.
I ate dinner at the Spring House a few nights ago. We were a party of seven, and had a nice round table in the large dining room which has terrific views of the Atlantic ocean only a hundred yards away. The Spring House is a grand dame of an old place, that definitely has some character and an interesting sort of shabby chicness that has come from decades of being in business. She's old and a bit worn, but the old girl is still lovely and knows how to treat her guests. I started with a cup of New England style clam chowder, which was very good. Not the best I've ever had, but better than many. My wife had some sort of salad thing with fruit that she said was delicious - I'm sure it was but I had no interest in trying it. One of us got little-necks and she was very happy with them, and my brother had the smoked salmon appetizer that got high marks. For my entree I had lobster ravioli. The pasta was not as delicate as I had hoped, but it was still quite good, just a bit too thick. Inside though, there were big chunks of fresh lobster, and even more lobster was scattered around the plate on top of the raviolis. The sauce was a creamy cognac-laced one and I liked it very much. The richness of the sauce worked well with the natural sweetness of the lobster, and made for a delicious entree. A couple in the party ordered filet mignon which were cooked perfectly to order and disappeared quickly. One had the seared tuna, and enjoyed that as well. I was in some sort of lobster and cognac sauce induced haze because I can't remember what everyone else had, but we were all happy with our meals. The service is very fine, with a classical feel to the style - waiters were all well dressed, our orders were all exactly as requested, water glasses always full, drinks arrived quickly. This is how more places should be, from a service perspective. They were all very well trained and did a great job. The food while all very good, fell short of excellent which is the main reason I didn't go with 5 stars. The prices are also a bit on the high side, but that is the case out on the Block, so just expect to pay about 50% more for anything there that you would on the mainland. All in all, a wonderful place to have a nice meal, with a setting that can't be beat.
(4)
Scott K.
The Spring House Hotel is a mixed bag averaging into about 3 stars. I'll break it down into categories based on my recent stay and dining experiences here. First off, the lodging... The hotel is located about a half mile up Spring Street from the town center/ferry landing. Positioned on the top of a hill, the view is breathtaking--especially from the row of Adirondack chairs that line the lawn. We stayed in a 1 bedroom on the second floor of the Mott House (about 20 yards across the lawn from the main hotel). It's a tight squeeze for a family of four--2 in the bedroom, and 2 on the pull out sofa (don't forget to inflate the air mattress). The room is very spare in terms of amenities: no hair dryer, no fridge or mini-bar, a very small love-seat/sofa facing an even smaller wall mounted 24" TV. The bathroom can only be accessed through the bedroom, so there's not a lot of privacy. The unit does have an AC unit in the bedroom which helped keep things cool during the first night. Bed & pillows are super soft/squishy making for some sore necks in the morning, and housekeeping could do a better job cleaning (start by emptying the insect corpses from the light fixtures). Also, if you're sleeping over on a Thursday (Martini Night), don't plan on getting much sleep anytime before midnight as the live band is very loud (even from the Mott Building). Given the cost of staying here, I think most people will be expecting much more from the hotel experience: 2 stars. Next up, Breakfast. We ate breakfast outside on the porch. The view was lovely, but the heat from the sun beating down on the back of the building made it uncomfortable. Not sure why they didn't seat people on the shady, and much more temperate, side of the patio. It's a hotel restaurant, so the food was extremely over-priced. The quality of the food didn't match the price tag (a running theme at the Spring House). Eggs were runny, bacon was limp, coffee was weak. Be advised that the pancake portions are ENORMOUS--certainly enough for 2 to split (especially children) which would have been nice to know prior to ordering. Service was lacking, aside from the busboy who never let our water glasses remain unfilled. Again, given the cost and location, most people will expect a great deal more from the food and service: 2 stars. Finally, dinner. We stayed at the hotel for dinner rather than walking into town as the weather was very dreary. After breakfast, we weren't expecting much, but it turns out, The Spring House does their best work at dinner time. They have a full bar and decent wine list, and our server was very good (especially by Block Island standards). Our raw oyster appetizer was very fresh and extremely tasty, and entrees (locally caught salmon, roasted chicken with gnocchi, and pepperoni pizza) were well prepared and quite good. Don't forget to save room for the Pot De Creme dessert - wow. All-in-all, pleasantly surprised by the dinner experience at the Spring House: 4 stars.
(3)
barry k.
We stayed for two nights in the Annex, and the Victorian Hotel was everything we expected--with an updated bathroom. While the room was small, it was charming, with cross ventilation and a flat screen. The bar on the deck was was wonderful, and the view from the lawn at sunset was from a movie. Most of the staff was friendly, but needed more training. Dinner on Friday was quite good, but the kitchen wasn't up to the blitz, and the entre took over an hour to appear. All in all, I would recomend the hotel and dining room as a worthwhile Block Island experience. Adjust your expectations to Summer of 42, and you'll be happy.
(4)
Anatoli L.
The review is only for the restaurant and not for the hotel itself. If not for the breathtaking views, it would be 2.5 stars at the most. The views of the ocean when you sit on the open terrace are just magnificent and definitely worth the visit. Main point is on par with all other reviews - be prepared to wait ( and then wait some more). There two restaurants at the hotel - one is a Bistro style, with less expensive menu, outside sitting and great views. Another one is a formal restaurant located mostly inside (there is still an outside portion) and more expensive. We ate at the Bistro outside. Food was just okay. Stuffed dates sounded better than they taste as an appetizer. Clams were good, but the portion was tiny. Clam chowder was okay, but had too much potatoes and bacon to my taste ( and very little clams). The wait for the main course was simply horrendous - considering that the restaurant was not full. Risotto Del Mare was tasty, with good amount of seafood, but steak didn't taste right, and the peppercorn sauce was just a pure fire. Plus, mashed potatoes tasted as they just had being made from the box. The dish was pretty much inedible. We also ate breakfast next day at the hotel, and while food was okay ( not great at all), the wait was again was just incredible - all in all, the breakfast took about 1.5 hours, and absolute majority of it was just the wait. Service was nice and friendly. If you are ready to wait and want the views, this is the right place. Otherwise, look elsewhere.
(3)
Mark S.
Review is based only on having drinks at the front outside porch bar area. Gorgeous view from the huge front porch. This place sits atop a hill so you get a great breeze to go along with the view. Bartender was nice and talkative and the patrons were are friendly. It's nice inside but has the typical Block Island musty old feel/smell to it. If you're looking to have a drink with a great view and avoid the crowds it's worth the walk up the hill to check it out.
(4)
lil m.
This review is for the hotel only. I stayed here for four days this fall with mixed feelings. I have to start by saying that the view is amazing. Sitting in the chairs looking at the water is very relaxing. The porch was great as well. I also liked that it is walking distance to town. The rooms were on the small side but I wasn't expecting something too large considering the age of the building. The beds were okay but so noisy (even if you were just sitting on them). There were bugs everywhere though. I am not sure where they were coming in from but nightly we were seeing spiders, flies and something else I don't know what it was. My biggest complaint is about the staff. For the most part, they were not helpful at all. When we attempted to check in, we arrived slightly early and had to wait over 3 hours for the room to be ready. Knowing that your guest is there, wouldn't you make it a priority to get that room ready? Our first morning there, we were unsure of when the breakfast ended. We were told 11 am. When we went downstairs to eat at 10:30, we were told that it ended at 10 am. When I attempted to explain that we were told 11, they were like, "well that is not correct". Needless to say, we ate in town that morning and every other morning We asked the front desk for advice at times about where to eat dinner in town with no suggestions provided. When we went to check out, we were told that we had to wait 15 minutes to do so. When we explained that we had a ferry to catch and couldn't wait then someone showed up to help us. I loved block island and want to go back there. I would stay somewhere else and maybe get a drink at the Spring house to see the view.
(3)
J F.
Review is for restaurant: Gorgeous patio with stunning views, service was excellent and food was good. A little off the beaten path and worth the trip. I can not wait to go back!
(5)
LandJ S.
This review is for the restaurant only, not the hotel. If you look young, even if well-dressed, watch out--you'll get treated like a second-class citizen. From the get go, there something seemed to be amiss when the hostess invited every old couple in front of us to their choice of the dining room (more expensive), which had no wait, or the porch area (less expensive), where there was a significant wait. After the parties ahead of us were seated, the hostess didn't even acknowledge us. We informed her that we were a party for two and would take the next available opening. Unprovoked, she told us, "it'll be 20 minutes and there's nothing I can do." We asked why we couldn't be seated in the dining room. She looked us up and down and grudgingly brought us over. After we were seated, we looked at the menu, which had a great lobster meal. As we were both excited, we told our waiter that we both wanted to order it. He told us, oh it's not available. We thought, fine okay, sometimes stuff runs out. No big deal. Then, later, we noticed that there was lobster all around us! At least two to three older couples who showed up after us (we saw them behind us in the line to the restaurant and saw them order after us) had steaming piles of lobster brought to the table. What was going on?! We asked for the manager, at which point the hostess came over--apparently she was the manager--and explained how disappointed the way the meal went. She explained that everybody else who got the lobster had special arrangements (yeah right...). Didn't apologize or offer to make it up to us in any way. Food really isn't that grate. Guess it is if you're on an island... Later, we heard that Ballard's is the place for lobster, which was better and without any of the snootiness.
(1)
DJ M.
Block Island + Spring House Hotel = A Hidden Paradise The Location: We visited Block Island for the first time at the end of June. We loved the Spring House Hotel so much we extended our stay an extra day. This is the oldest hotel with the most breathtaking views on the island. It was the perfect escape for us since we love fresh food, outdoor activities and the ocean. It's perfectly situated within a few minutes' walk or bike ride to the ferry, center of town or the local farmer's market. The Food: The farm fresh food is fabulous. We loved the baked stuffed lobster so much we ordered it two nights in a row. The pizza is the best I've ever tasted. My favorite appetizer was the Tomato Artichoke Bruschetta! The vegetables are fresh from the hotel's garden. And the breakfast ... wow... it beats 1661 Inn's buffet in case anyone was wondering. (I have pictures to prove it!) Spring House Hotel serves farm fresh eggs, vegetables, omelets,...oh my! Gourmet eggs benedict and decadent pancakes that are to die for! The owners sell their fruits and vegetables at the local farmers market. I think this is fantastic! The Service: When I was trying to decide where to stay... I called many places and asked a lot of questions. The Spring House Hotel offered the best advice, answers and ultimately won my business based on their helpfulness over the phone. It didn't stop there! Once we arrived, we were greeted by the owner while checking in, presented with info on the area & assistance with our bags. During lunch, we learned our server spent many summers on the island. He was very knowledgeable and helpful not only with ordering our food, but he also took time helping us plan out how to spend our vacation days. The staff went out of their way to make sure we felt at home. Housekeeping went out of their way to make sure I had a blow dryer and extra towels every day. We found ourselves wanting to head back to the Spring House Hotel earlier in the day to enjoy the views, the food & chat with the staff which we became friendly with and on first name basis. The Entertainment: We enjoyed Martini Night with Marc Philip at The Spring House Hotel. I'm so glad we extended our stay. This really was a great ending to our vacation. We met other guests that shared the same passion for the Island and the Hotel. We met families that come to Spring House Hotel every year... it's their tradition. I understand it now! We danced, enjoyed more food, and sat on the lawn wishing we weren't going home the next day. The Rooms: Our room was completely updated. It was a spacious studio with a beautiful porch. I enjoyed waking up in the morning watching the sunrise over the ocean. I will request the same room again. It was perfectly decorated to compliment the island's sense of serenity. The Conclusion: Block Island offers a wide array of activities which we took advantage of including biking the entire island, site seeing the incredible lighthouses, and enjoying the fact that there are no traffic lights or chain restaurants anywhere to be found. The Spring House Hotel created an unforgettable experience in one of the world's most beautiful hidden gems! We are already planning to go back this summer and next! Thank you Spring House Hotel for creating fabulous memories!
(5)
Jenna H.
I came to the Spring House for my cousins amazing wedding this past June. Most of our family decided to stay here as we were not familiar with the island and it looked old and charming. My husband and I got a room in the house / inn to the right of the main inn and boy was that a better option. Our room was a nice size, was much quieter, and got a great breeze at night - which is very important due to not having much AC anywhere on the island. My other relatives splurged more for the ocean view rooms in the main house and were left with a noisy band below them and very hot rooms - no breezes. There were many issues during our families stay though. First someone walked into the room of my cousin and his wife while they were sleeping in the middle of the night to look for a fan...what?? No, this should never happen. They should know who is staying in what room - and why would it be locked if no one was inside it?? We also called one day to get a hair dryer - I thought the room would have one but they don't. The person at the desk said sure, come get it. What... I am dripping wet out of the shower and paying a ridiculous amount for me to "come and get it yourself". Pft!! We had dinner here one night and it was a disaster! We wanted to dine in the less fancier spot but order one dish from the other menu. We asked if this was ok, was told it was, and made a reservation. When we got there at the time of the reservation we were told that it could not be accommodated. We asked if we could switch to the other dining room and they told us that it was possible, but that it would be a 20 minute wait. Two hours late we were sat... and they forgot to put in one of the orders of my relatives dinner. Overall it was awful, the food was not even that great. Moving on to the good. The wedding and meal which was held on site was stellar! The food, the service, everything. It was a total different experience. It really left me baffled that we were in the same place. Given the choice I would not stay here or ever dine here again. I would however highly recommend having a wedding here - that they apparently know how to get right.
(3)
Vivika D.
What a lovely meal! We enjoyed the seared tuna so much the first night, we returned the second to try more dishes. The flatbread was awesome!
(5)
Rebecca W.
Only ate here. Food was amazing, with the best view on the island. Definitely a must for a BI trip.
(4)
Tim G.
This review is based off of appetizers and drinks on their porch on a great summer day with an incredible view of the harbor. We had very tasty barbecued wings and clam chowder. There was a fantastic outdoor bar that was slowly filling up with wedding guests...Could have stayed here for hours. Check out the pics!
(4)
Andrew K.
This is a very hard one to rate. Went to a wedding here. The wedding was first-rate. Food (wild salmon) was delicious, great bar, beautiful view. Great! However, I was also a guest here. Room was very small and run-down for the exorbitant price. Service was iffy at best, which is a travesty for the price. So, maybe have your wedding here, but book a room block elsewhere (?)
(3)
elizabeth c.
This review is for the food, not the lodging. A drink in the afternoon on the Spring House porch might be one of the best places to be on earth. For real. Particularly after an around-the-island bike ride leaving you parched and a bit tired (don't be fooled - this little island has plenty o' hills - but I digress). Bartenders will create whatever you'd like - don't feel limited by the established cocktail menu. As to food - you know, there have been some mixed reviews on here. But I'm gonna say this is some of the more reliable, tasty food on Block. You'll pay for it, but not entirely out of line with the rest of the island. It's well-prepared and nicely presented. Yes, waits can be very long. But that is virtually standard on Block. Order an appetizer to hold you over. I recommend skipping the more formal dining room and paying less for a very similar menu on the porch or in the tavern. Salmon was wild and excellent, as was the house made hummus - random, I realize, but try it. For vegetarians and clean eaters, this place knows how to cook their veggies - simple and delicious and not drowning in oil or fat (something frustratingly not abundant on the island). The service is...well, a bit meh. But this is true everywhere on the island. My sense is the waitstaff at every establishment get pretty burnt out on demanding tourists, which, quite frankly, is understandable.
Food was good when it actually got to our table. Service horrendous! Had to beg for water, bread and a refill on wine. And a plate to put the bread on. Waitress was pleasant but, unattentive, preoccupied and unwelcoming.
(2)
Taylor Y.
This review is for the restaurant only, and is really 2.5 stars. 1.5 of those stars are for the view - probably the best ocean view on the island when seated on the veranda, and worth experiencing. On to the one-star-worthy food. My bf and I stopped here for lunch. We started with soup - clam chowder and vegetable, respectively - which was unobjectionable, if undisinguished - at $4.50 a cup, it didn't seem like a rip-off. Halfway into my soup, my drink finally arrived, and things went downhill from there. I'd ordered a mojito, and the waitress said the delay was due to the bartender needing to "dig up" some mint. When my drink arrived, it looked like the mint had in fact been "dug up", perhaps from a sarcophagus - every stem and leaf was spotted with brown, and several leaves were actually fully brown. I was amazed that they served such unappealing items in such a visible format, and it made me hesitate to think what must be going on with ingredients where rot would be less obvious. As for the taste, the drink tasted like flat soda, and was extremely weak. And it came in a small plastic cup! As others have noted, the waits here are extremely long. Eventually, our next courses arrived. My bf was pleased with his shrimp cocktail - 6 enormous, fresh shrimp - but I'm not sure any 6 shrimp can live up to a $21 price tag. I'd ordered the special, a 3-cheese grilled cheese sandwich. It arrived lukewarm, soggy, and the cheeses were tasteless - given the setting I'd expected something like brie, gruyere, and gouda, but what I got was white American, yellow American, and mild cheddar. The fries were tasty, and hot in contrast to the congealed state of the sandwich. Bottom line is, Spring House's food would be tolerable for $30 at your local diner. For $75 (two drinks, two cups of soup, and two lunch dishes) on an island with real fine dining options, it's extremely disappointing.
(3)
Kristin B.
A trip to Block is not complete without coming to this romantic spot! You can sit on the adirondack chairs and have a cocktail while your kids run up and down the hill- I suggest bringing bubbles. Have dinner on the expansive porch and you will enjoy one of the most beautiful views on the island. We visit the Spring House every year. This time I had the bento box which was delightful. My husband's steak was just ok. Dessert was a blueberry and peach crumble and it was worth every calorie. Service was friendly. Our server was delightful with my daughter. The one thing I'd say is that she dropped my husband 's entree so we had to wait for a new one. Accidents happen but they probably should have comp'd dessert.
(4)
Chris P.
Wandered in this beautiful preserved hotel our first day on Block Island from the 1:30 ferry. Sits atop hill with beautiful views of the ocean and homes. But too many rules. "Sorry can't eat on porch, we've stopped serving there. Oh no sorry you can't have lunch in that room we're only serving in this room now. No sorry again we only serve light fare at this time. Oops can only order from this side of the menu". Sigh. A salad appetizer and a nacho appetizer two glasses of wine and $50 later. Service barely able to make her way to our table. TV blaring with soap opera and loud bartender telling people what she can't do for them rather than making them comfortable. Too bad, place was so beautiful it discouraged us from returning for dinner
(1)
Jenny C.
Note: I didn't come to Spring House for its accommodation. Rather, I came for the wedding of one of my closest friends. Therefore, this review is based on food and service. My friend's intimate, afternoon wedding reception took place on Sunday, Labor Day weekend, at the courtyard of the Spring House. We were a relatively small group with less than 40 people in attendance. The menu consisted of a delightful array of BBQ buffet of coleslaw, side salad, potato salad, corn on the cob, maple-drizzled corn bread, bbq chicken and bbq ribs were served. Overall, the food was ok. My one tiff was that the chicken was undercooked. No beuno. One thing to note was that we had two servers dedicated to our party. They were absolutely amazing and on point. I wish I caught their names!
(3)
SC O.
Gorgeous views, a cocktail on the adirondack is perfect. The buck stops there. Their rooms are in pretty rough shape. The joke was that we had two floors in our tiny room; because of the slant. The bathroom floor was dirty, the fruit flies were roommates. Would not stay here again.
(2)
Laurie M.
If you want a pretty place to watch the sunset, a cold drink and a delicious dinner - this is the best place on Block Island. If you want the sort of helpful, friendly, professional service you'd expect from a pricey historic place like this, go somewhere else. It's as if they hired kids out of school for the summer with no manners or service skills. They're in their own world and seem to not want to be there. They open the luggage closet and suggest you crawl in to find your own bags while they walk away. When I suggested my "farm fresh" breakfast eggs were overdone, the waitress said they were fine and walked away. Go for dinner. Never breakfast. And enjoy the view but don't expect a helpful staff.
(2)
Sarah Ashley D.
Their peanut butter & banana mudslides are the best drinks on Block Island, but the service at their deck bar is extremely slow and eveything is over priced. Still, the view makes up for it.
(4)
J J.
I had such a lovely evening here and cannot wait to go back!!! The hotel and restaurant are GORGEOUS!!!! I feel like I was in a movie, such a classy, clean, and beautiful place. The staff is super friendly and attentive, the food is AMAZING and it's such a great place to stay. The outside area is stunning as well and I loved the different themed nights at the restaurant/bar. Truly the gem of the island!
(5)
Heather P.
This place rocks. If you want cheap, go elsewhere, but if you want thoughtfully crafted cocktails, tasty fresh food and an amazing view, then walk up the hill. Get your drink in a plastic cup and sit on the lawn. Repeat for hours with good friends. Bonus points if you bring your pooch. And definitely explore the lobby inside, it's like stepping back in time. This place is classic New England charm.
(4)
K C.
The location can't be beat - it is gorgeous. There's nothing on Block Island quite like sitting on an adirondack chair in front of the hotel overlooking the ocean and feeling the always-cool breezes from your perch at the top of the hill. The outdoor dining or cocktails on the porch is also not-to-be-missed. I am loving the recent addition of the small cafe with juice bar, where you can order a fresh-from-the-garden organic juice (or a latte or another small snack). With all that said, I am shaking my head over the rooms. I worked here for a summer almost 20 years ago, and my job was as a front-desk receptionist and booking rooms. With the exception of bathroom renovations (which are lovely), the rooms almost haven't changed. This isn't entirely a bad thing - the rooms are beautiful in an old-school way, and the hotel has historic charm. However, it feels to me like the owner needs to invest more in the rooms beyond the lovely bathroom renovations. The sense I get is that he is investing in the things that perhaps earn more money, including adding a new cafe, but at the end of the day, people paying these prices want a luxurious room and this isn't it. The furniture and rugs are many years old, and the beds and pillows were not up to the comfort standard that most travelers today have come to expect - particularly for the price. I wouldn't want to see any of the charm of this beautiful place go away, but I do feel it can use some updates. I want to see it more "polished" than it is - the phone in the room was dirty, the carpets were so old they felt a little icky to walk on barefoot, and the entire carriage house smelled musty when we walked in. The floors slope dramatically - which is a charming feature - but the fire escape is incredibly rusty, the blinds are cheap, the in-room coffee is nothing special (I think it was Folger's or something, though I did like the toiletries), there is no mini-refrigerator (that I saw). Travelers who choose this hotel are probably also staying at hotels like Ritz-Carltons, Four Seasons, JW Marriotts, and other higher-end hotels, and the room itself here can't hold a candle to even a nice Marriott (though it is certainly far more charming with an amazing view). Also, be careful when booking rooms. There is an outdoor, covered dining area in the back/side of the hotel, and many of the ocean view rooms look out over this restaurant. It's not overly loud, but loud enough that you won't want to sleep with your windows open at night if you're right above the restaurant and you're looking to turn in early. Overall, a lovely place, and I wouldn't miss having a cocktail or dinner on the deck and sitting on the adirondack chairs during a visit here, but after staying for 2 summers in a row, I think I'm going to look for a place that feels a bit more polished.
(3)
Bob P.
This is a hard review to write, as our 2 night stay had some ups and downs. The hotel was built in 1857 and is a Block Island landmark. The view from the hotel and the Adirondack chairs on the lawn is truly fantastic, and a big reason to stay. It's only a short walk into the center of town, another plus. The hotel is fine, but also needs some more TLC - as you might expect in a seasonal historical building, things are a little tired and need updating. One of the days we were there, it was rainy and relatively cold (50's). Despite the fact that everyone was stuck inside and freezing (wearing sweatshirts, jackets and a few in the lobby with blankets), they didn't have the sense to turn on the heat until 4:00 in the afternoon (had been told the heat was off for the season - obviously not entirely true). The Internet was spotty, there is no fitness center and the restaurant wasn't open for lunch our first day. Simple things like wiping off the lawn and porch furniture when the rain stopped just didn't occur to anyone. There had been a wedding on Saturday evening, but the flowers just sat there in the lobby dining room wilting until Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning - very unattractive. So the hotel gets just two stars. The bistro restaurant was decent, although the room is dark. The menu tries to be more creative than it needed to be and some of the combinations seemed a little off. Restaurant gets three stars. The cafe, the only option for breakfast, was pretty decent with some good muffins and scones and very good egg sandwiches. Three and a half stars.
(2)
Dianna B.
Amazing place!!! Stayed here 3 years in a row. Service is exceptional! Food is fantastic and the staff truly caters to your every need. If you have never been here you need to get here...even if just for a meal or drinks in the Adirondack chairs facing the ocean. If you want relaxation this is the place
(5)
Jennifer M.
I can't say enough about this hotel. We stayed there this past weekend with 13 girls and they were incredibly accommodating (I think we called the front desk about 15 times). The food at the restaurant is incredible and I could sit in those Adirondack chairs for hours just soaking up the beautiful view. The rooms were nice and clean and the fresh ocean air helped everyone sleep well. Would highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Block Island!
(5)
Larry K.
Lunch on the deck is always a necessary part of a block island vacation. We've eaten inside for dinner which is good but the view with drinks on a sunny day is priceless. The food seems better this year and I really liked the new menu. The seafood and pizzas and flatbreads were very tasty. Service is a bit slow but with that view who cares?
(5)
Mark C.
The restaurant at the Spring House is one of the finer dining experiences on Block Island. The menu has a nice variety including one or two daily specials. Whether you eat inside in a classic Victorian dining room our out on the patio you will enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Atlantic on Block Island. The baked stuffed lobster is the finest anywhere but it takes about 1 hour to prepare. It is now served as part of a 3 course dinner starting with a cup of delicious creamy New England clam chowder (probably the overall best chowder on the island) followed by a Caesar salad made with grown on the premises lettuce and greens. Mixed vegetable sides are also from the garden and delicious. For those looking for a more casual and less expensive experience, the new chef is now serving brick oven gourmet pizza on the porch. Although I haven't tried the pizza, I could vouch for a crowded porch of seemingly content diners. The service is good and combined with the view and food provides a great overall dining experience. Don't miss it.
(4)
Stacey F.
My husband and I along with another couple stopped at the Spring House Hotel for a drink to enjoy the spectacular views. We decided to have a bite to eat while we were there and are glad we did-the Sicilian Pizza was AMAZING! We enjoyed ourselves so much that we returned the next day for more pizza and a burger-this time a vegetable pizza, also outstanding, and the burgers were juicy and delicious. Both times service was excellent. We would like to go back again to try the dinner menu. A stop at the Spring House is a must if you're on Block Island!
(5)
Denise B.
I agree with the review to have a wedding here but stay elsewhere. This was the second tim I stayed at the Spring House and I can clearly say--its not worth the money. Over-rated. You can sit out on the porch, have dinner there (which was quite good) and stay elsewhere. The rooms are tiny and the beds are old and uncomfortable. The hotel needs updating. Water pressure was awful and I could not wait to get home for a decent shower. There was a wedding there both times I stayed and they cater to the wedding guests only!!! It was windy outside and there was no place to sit inside because everything was reserved for the wedding. Rooms: truly old and not that clean--the tiles in our bathroom were chipping. Tiny with a bed and carpeting that were way past their prime.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic, Upscale Noise Level : Average Good For Dancing : No Alcohol : Full Bar Happy Hour : Yes Coat Check : Yes Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Paid Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes
Eve S.
I'm somewhat behind on reviews so although this is July-My Mom and I were there the first weekend of May; which I believe is the first weekend the hotel was open thisi season. Our room was on the 2nd floor right in front of the stairs so it got a little bit loud but wasn't too bad. The continental breakfast is kind of that same breakfast they have everywhere. It was okay but we actually had another breakfast at the bagel place in town as the morning went on. Restaurant: we had dinner here Friday night and I remember it being very tasty.
(3)Jeremy G.
Food is but one reason to go to a restaurant and if good food is not your top concern I recommend SH. The views are extraordinary, the staff is friendly. We did like our appetizer, the guac and chips but the main courses (paella and tuna, that my wife suspected was frozen) were bland and over cooked. I wouldn't have minded except I paid $110.00 and for that, you would like a mean that approaches deliciousness.
(2)Brian W.
We had dinner off-season here in March. They are one of the few (only?) places open as far I know for nice dinner. The main hotel and kitchen are shuttered. We instead ate in "The Barn". It's a cozy new-construction location next to the hotel. Very well done. Small with the kitchen WIDE open to the dinning room. Great friendly service with a fantastic menu. Very romantic. Definitely would go back.
(4)A B.
Mat, our waiter was super accommodating, the view is amazing and the food was fantastic. The only fault in an otherwise flawless evening was the disorganized and terse atmosphere at the hostess' podium... and that with a reservation. Will absolutely go again.
(5)Jane H.
Last minute decision to stay on the island, Dylan found us the last room on the island, Adam got us saline solution. This place is heaven on earth and the employees rock!
(5)Kenan F.
5 stars for the dining experience on the wrap around porch. Gorgeous view, relaxing, great food, wine, dessert and mmmm....the illy cappuccino, simply heavenly. Skip the chips and salsa (bagged chips,not fresh) and the tapas (tiny, one bite each) and get proper appetizers. Cod entree was delicious with the edges seared just right, sauce was perfectly citrusy and buttery. Creme brûlée and tiramisu were good. Would likely not stay here based on reviews though.
(5)Robert W.
This is a two-part review, so be sure to read the whole thing. First...don't go for the low end room. We originally booked for two nights. Thursday night was $285, and Friday night was $300. For those prices we got a room that was about 12x9, drywall tape peeling off the wall, no closet space (there was an armoire with some drawers and not enough space to hang up a shirt, so we had to hang a couple of shirts and a dress on the back of the door to the room). The phone on the wall didn't work. The bathroom door, when open, hits the edge of the bed. The floor slopes so much that they had to put 3 wood blocks under the legs of the metal bed frame on one side to level it out. The door to the room was so off that it took some effort to open. The room did have working A/C. After speaking to the front desk, they offered to show us another room, without A/C, after the guests checked out. We said fine. We were then contacted and told that the guests were actually NOT checking out. A bit later, we were offered another, larger room, down the hall. In the midst of moving our stuff, we were told it was only for one night and we would have to move our stuff back to the original room the next morning, so we moved everything back and stayed put. One item that has nothing to do with the room, AND WE DID KNOW ABOUT THIS AHEAD OF TIME...don't stay here on a Thursday night unless you're planning to stay up until at least 12:30am. They have a lively bar scene and a band, and our room was RIGHT OVER THE BAR/BAND. The second part of the review is this...a young man, Kevin, made every attempt to try and improve our situation. He couldn't have been more apologetic or diligent. He originally offered 25% off our stay, but once it was clear we were staying in the room, he gave us one night free, 25% off the 2nd night, and 2 mini-bottles of champagne. That doesn't change any of the above, but it was impressive the effort he went to in trying to make things suitable for us, and it's the ONLY reason I'm giving this two stars. We get it, it's Block Island, things are way more expensive, but the room wasn't even up to Motel 6 or Super 8 standards, and it was a complete whiff to offer us another, nicer room, then tell us in the middle of moving we could stay there one night. If you're coming over, by all means do, just plan to spend closer to $400/night to get a decent room wherever you decide to stay. The hotel here is a beautiful old building with lots of charm and a great porch/bar area overlooking the bay.
(2)Teve' U.
This place (like many other on block island) has amazing views, 5/5. great covered porch for lunch. sorry didn't eat here great lounging couches, 5/5 great lawn chairs with a view, 5/5 the lobby and inside bar area is nice 3/5 with that old world charm short walk to town, 4/5 the room is okay, this place is probably 100 years old, fiberglass walk in shower stall, generic bathroom fixtures, and a rotary phone on the wall.. did i mention my laptop screen is bigger than the TV -- who's here to watch TV -- internet is very slow (no chance of streaming netflix), cheesy in room coffee maker, at $300 a night i expect more.. i would NEVER NEVER NEVER stay here again, our room was on the 2nd floor and the band started in the bar at 10pm and wrapped up around 1am , 0/5 i strongly suggest staying someplace else small and quaint -- then stop by have a drink and enjoy the view.
(2)Richie S.
A little bit pricy but worth every penny for the quality food that you get here. My wife and I came for lunch and started with chips and guacamole plus I had to try the oysters from the raw bar. My wife had the burger and I of course had to try the lobster roll which was really good. Can't wait to come back again next time we're out here! Enjoy!
(4)Anne O.
Yelp reviews were right on, thank you for setting expectations. The location of The Spring House can't be beat. Cocktails in the Adorandak chairs were worth the price, good service and a spectacular view. Dinner on the patio was lovely, they offer wines by the glass in 2oz, 4oz and (6/8 Oz sorry can't recall which) which allowed us to make our on flight and we sampled 3. We started with the beet salad and a wedge salad offered as a special. Both were good, but I would have opted for less dressing on the beet salad. For entrée my husband had the swordfish which he loved. I had the paella which was pretty average. Most of the seafood was perfectly fresh and the sausage well seasoned, but some of the mussel shells hadn't opened. Clearly lack of attention to detail. The big miss was the service. We each found one wine we really enjoyed and would have a few more ounces with dinner, but never had a chance to order, as the waiter was difficult to track down. To be fair, he was also working a table of 16 right behind us, but this is the special occasion restaurant on the island, so there were lots of big parties and probably not ideal if you really want a quiet meal. My husband did want dessert and ordered the ice cream and an Irish coffee. I ordered decaf tea. Not only did they take very long to arrive, but the ice cream was half melted and the tea over brewed to my taste. I thought I would order an after dinner drink, but again waiter no where to be found until we we more than ready to leave. I wasn't surprised by the $163.00 meal, but they certainly could have done a better job, as I would have spent more and tipped 20% rather than the 14% I left.
(4)Jim P.
I've been going here for years on the last night of our yearly BI family vacation. I'm biased as I got engaged here and love the adirondacks on the hill. I always have an awesome time on the deck overlooking the water. Wife and I always order the 2lb lobster which is never on menu but always available. The food is expensive and some things are great and some are mediocre but reality is your on an island and not in nyc so set expectations accordingly. Clams casino best I've ever had; flat bread pizza with prosciutto and figs way to sweet vs expected salty and savory; lobster was lobster which was good despite stuffing being too moist.
(4)Harlan S.
Wonderful dinner at this lovely hotel overlooking the water. Great service and all 6 of us raved about our different selections. Actad expensive but for an island restaurant not surprising. Great old but not run down victorian hotel. Would be perfect for a getaway fall weekend.
(4)Lisa M.
Sitting on the lawn in your Adirondak chair, waitress brings you drinks, overlooking a pond onto the ocean...you get the drift. Giant garden for farm to table ingredients, the staff can't do enough for you. Stayed overnight and had breakfast on the patio. It was absolutely perfect. The sunrise is not to be missed. The vantage point is right out the window. At least in our room it was . Very comfy rooms. I must stop there I am embarrassing myself. Will go again soon! The bar on the veranda was so much fun and the bartenders had a lot of info and were so friendly. Our first visit won't be our last!
(5)Tristan H.
My wife and I took a day trip to the island while staying in Newport. Rented a moped and zipped around the island seeing some of the sights. This was our oasis at the end of our day. Gorgeous sea views. My wife said they made her the best pina coloda EVER. lol. I had a pint of Yuengling, and we walked out to the Adirondack chairs and relaxed. Best part of the day!
(5)Kris F.
THIS REVIEW IS FOR THE RESTAURANT - NOT THE HOTEL. If your meal sucks don't bother asking for Frank the Shank (aka the owner's son/manager). I would give them negative stars if the option was available. My friend always raves about the Spring House so I went there twice this week - once this past Sunday evening and again tonight - July 4th. Both times the service was slow and when there were issues the owner's son and manager "Frank the Shank" was excessively rude, choosing to chastise me, the customer rather than addressing his restaurant's service/quality issues. Tonight, July 4th, the family went there - arrival time 8:30pm. We received lackluster food and service. When we commented/complained about the overcooked risotto and the nasty cheese in the poorly prepared eggplant - the manager temporarily placated us with a vinegar-like glass of wine that they couldn't have paid me to actually drink, and didn't even take them (the offensive food) off of the bill. Appetizers took well over an hour to be served and entrees were overpriced and poorly prepared. Apparently the owner's son needs to take customer service 101. Rather than apologizing and having the brains to get his $10,000 cappuccino machine serviced (the foam dissipates immediately and is basically nonexistent) - he chose to reprimand me as a customer and say that he sees me every day (only went there twice) and he hasn't seen me smile yet. Well FRANK, I'm sorry, but smiles ARE NOT something you are entitled to when your establishment has given me nothing but lackluster service and overpriced and poorly prepared food. If you want a truly delicious meal head over to Eli's or even to the National or Ballard's (they have great 8 oz burgers and if you have any issues the managers there treat you with respect and INSTANTLY resolve any issues you may have). I know this review seems a bit harsh, but one of the people in our party is actually a CHEF and has his own restaurant and another was a gourmet cook (me) and confirmed foodie. Sorry Spring House, but I will NEVER GO BACK and recommend that others do the same. (My dad always says Service, Quality, Price - pick two - Unfortunately, the Spring House Restaurant offers none of these.)
(1)Jeff S.
Food was very good but they give you thimbles to drink out of and charge for each refill. A few ice teas wound up being 20% of the cost of the meal which in my opinion is just gouging the customer. On the plus side setting is spectacular and waitstaff was very nice.
(3)Lailani P.
This review is for the restaurant only. Didn't stay at the hotel. A couple of friends and I dropped in for lunch here last week, as the lady at the Block Island tourist information center said they'd have the best view. We were given a table on the patio overlooking the ocean and the view was a giant win. Not only did we have the most gorgeous ocean view, the grounds were very pretty and the decor was chic. Beautiful indeed. I had a martini, which was a bit on the sour side (too much vermouth?) and chose a vegetarian pizza as my meal. When my friends asked how the pizza was, I answered "it tastes like buttered cardboard". It wasn't revolting- just tasteless and quite difficult to chew. They had fish and chips and some sort of taco dish. Neither was impressed, but again-nothing tasted bad. The service was prompt and courteous. Go here for the views, not the food.
(3)Armand A.
Service was disappointing. I have been visiting the spring house every year for the past 5-6. We go to block every summer for 2-3 days and usually eat at the same two places: spring house and Eli's. Both have been great. This time at spring house the service was bad. Working in fine dining for about 20 years, I am a forgiving person, and can identify service flaws easily. Despite this, I tip 20% or more always. We usually order 2 appetizers each, and our waitress wanted to bring all 4 apps same time. We said no. Then , second course , we were not brought new silverware. My wife couldn't cut her beer salad as she had no knife. I stole one off the next table as no waitstaff was around. After two courses of apps, we realized that we had never been brought bread. I was willing to forgive all this poor service and lack of attention.... Until the check came. I looked it over and the glass of moscato my wife had ordered, was double price. The waitress had taken it upon herself to order 2 glasses of wine, charge double, and put both in one regular wine glass, all without asking us if this was ok. It's not ok. It's referred to in the restaurant business as PIRACY. Ie, charging people frivolously for items , not disclosing the price, or also bringing excessive portions to unwitting patrons. In other words , milking the guests for every penny they're worth. Being a waiter myself , I am very familiar with this deceitful practice, and take notes spring house. There are people who won't stand for this type of behavior. Change your procedures. Please train your staff better(and at all). I'm really tired of bad servers trying to take advantage of good people. There are people like me, who will not stand for it. Our waitress didn't seem like she cared. The manager who I complained to wanted to make excuses, and comp several things. That's not what I wanted. I just wanted one of the two glasses of moscato removed , as we had not ordered two. Manager tried to explain away the waitresses mistake but listen to me spring house, and listen clearly: if someone did this at the restaurant I work at , they would be fired. It's piracy. No suspension or probation: fired. We will think hard if we will ever be back for more than just drinks. If we do. We will request Heather, as all readers of this review should do. She is attentive and knowledgeable. A veteran. On a positive note, the Tuna tartare was great , ribolita soup just ok. Paella, had no soccorat, and had some broken shells. Needs adjustment, but good otherwise. Tuna entree my wife liked. Beet salad also good. Cocktails hit or miss. Wine selection not bad but hasn't changed in a year or two. Popular opinion has changed though. Vintages too. Have you tasted the new ones? That's an honest assessment. Enjoy the view.
(2)Scott K.
The tomato & burrata salad is the truth. Amazing views from both the front and back porches. Overall, a great experience.
(5)Fotios K.
this review is for both the lodging and dining experience. Where to start? The room and our floor was 15 degrees hotter than anywhere else on the entire island. I woke up every morning with lower back pain from their awkward beds. Our TV barely worked and when we asked about the problem, they said that it was probably just our room and they would "make a note and look into it tomorrow". Never did anything. We ate there twice (second time because it was raining so bad we didn't want to go out) and they never asked us the second time if we were guests as to get our dining discount. I could care less about the 10% discount, but it is the principle; you asked us and gave us one the first time and then the second time your employee forgets? There were so many employees wandering around and it just seemed so unorganized because they weren't all on the same page and there was no consistency in their level of service. My girlfriend and I were in the middle of something during one of our days there and either a random guest or employee tried opening the door on us. There was no knocking or keys jingling, just someone trying to shimmy the door open. ARE YOU FUCKING KIDDING ME? We saw a "Spring House Shuttle" multiple times while we were there and when we checked out we asked if we can take the shuttle to the ferry. The response? "No but I can call you a taxi." Really?! You aren't even going to explain why the fuck not? What the hell is the shuttle there for? Food was mediocre as it was almost every else we went to. Pros? Good views, decent drinks and ummm, well that's about it. I would not stay here again, nor recommend it to anyone.
(1)Ian J.
Spring House is the ideal hotel in the ideal location on Block Island. It's really beautiful. Like all places that have been renovated or maintained from an original structure, this is a great place to be. It feels as though you're in the middle of the era it was originally constructed, ~60+ years ago. Whether you're sitting on the porch sipping a drink, reading, or just gazing out onto the ocean, from the white Adirondack lawn chairs. A nice sea breeze, and a picturesque environment make this place an ideal spot to stay. As for accommodations, well, it varies. I wouldn't say a hotel stay is what makes this place ideal, but rather everything they provide for anybody stopping by. The rooms are okay, but a bit rundown (mostly for the price, ~400/night) and the beds are definitely uncomfortable. However, if you have an ocean view room, and most of them do, you'll be really glad you did. Continental breakfast comes with the stay, and it's surprisingly good. Plus waking up to watch the sun rise, from the same porch, while eating breakfast is a stellar way to star off your morning.
(4)Dave L.
I ate dinner at the Spring House a few nights ago. We were a party of seven, and had a nice round table in the large dining room which has terrific views of the Atlantic ocean only a hundred yards away. The Spring House is a grand dame of an old place, that definitely has some character and an interesting sort of shabby chicness that has come from decades of being in business. She's old and a bit worn, but the old girl is still lovely and knows how to treat her guests. I started with a cup of New England style clam chowder, which was very good. Not the best I've ever had, but better than many. My wife had some sort of salad thing with fruit that she said was delicious - I'm sure it was but I had no interest in trying it. One of us got little-necks and she was very happy with them, and my brother had the smoked salmon appetizer that got high marks. For my entree I had lobster ravioli. The pasta was not as delicate as I had hoped, but it was still quite good, just a bit too thick. Inside though, there were big chunks of fresh lobster, and even more lobster was scattered around the plate on top of the raviolis. The sauce was a creamy cognac-laced one and I liked it very much. The richness of the sauce worked well with the natural sweetness of the lobster, and made for a delicious entree. A couple in the party ordered filet mignon which were cooked perfectly to order and disappeared quickly. One had the seared tuna, and enjoyed that as well. I was in some sort of lobster and cognac sauce induced haze because I can't remember what everyone else had, but we were all happy with our meals. The service is very fine, with a classical feel to the style - waiters were all well dressed, our orders were all exactly as requested, water glasses always full, drinks arrived quickly. This is how more places should be, from a service perspective. They were all very well trained and did a great job. The food while all very good, fell short of excellent which is the main reason I didn't go with 5 stars. The prices are also a bit on the high side, but that is the case out on the Block, so just expect to pay about 50% more for anything there that you would on the mainland. All in all, a wonderful place to have a nice meal, with a setting that can't be beat.
(4)Scott K.
The Spring House Hotel is a mixed bag averaging into about 3 stars. I'll break it down into categories based on my recent stay and dining experiences here. First off, the lodging... The hotel is located about a half mile up Spring Street from the town center/ferry landing. Positioned on the top of a hill, the view is breathtaking--especially from the row of Adirondack chairs that line the lawn. We stayed in a 1 bedroom on the second floor of the Mott House (about 20 yards across the lawn from the main hotel). It's a tight squeeze for a family of four--2 in the bedroom, and 2 on the pull out sofa (don't forget to inflate the air mattress). The room is very spare in terms of amenities: no hair dryer, no fridge or mini-bar, a very small love-seat/sofa facing an even smaller wall mounted 24" TV. The bathroom can only be accessed through the bedroom, so there's not a lot of privacy. The unit does have an AC unit in the bedroom which helped keep things cool during the first night. Bed & pillows are super soft/squishy making for some sore necks in the morning, and housekeeping could do a better job cleaning (start by emptying the insect corpses from the light fixtures). Also, if you're sleeping over on a Thursday (Martini Night), don't plan on getting much sleep anytime before midnight as the live band is very loud (even from the Mott Building). Given the cost of staying here, I think most people will be expecting much more from the hotel experience: 2 stars. Next up, Breakfast. We ate breakfast outside on the porch. The view was lovely, but the heat from the sun beating down on the back of the building made it uncomfortable. Not sure why they didn't seat people on the shady, and much more temperate, side of the patio. It's a hotel restaurant, so the food was extremely over-priced. The quality of the food didn't match the price tag (a running theme at the Spring House). Eggs were runny, bacon was limp, coffee was weak. Be advised that the pancake portions are ENORMOUS--certainly enough for 2 to split (especially children) which would have been nice to know prior to ordering. Service was lacking, aside from the busboy who never let our water glasses remain unfilled. Again, given the cost and location, most people will expect a great deal more from the food and service: 2 stars. Finally, dinner. We stayed at the hotel for dinner rather than walking into town as the weather was very dreary. After breakfast, we weren't expecting much, but it turns out, The Spring House does their best work at dinner time. They have a full bar and decent wine list, and our server was very good (especially by Block Island standards). Our raw oyster appetizer was very fresh and extremely tasty, and entrees (locally caught salmon, roasted chicken with gnocchi, and pepperoni pizza) were well prepared and quite good. Don't forget to save room for the Pot De Creme dessert - wow. All-in-all, pleasantly surprised by the dinner experience at the Spring House: 4 stars.
(3)barry k.
We stayed for two nights in the Annex, and the Victorian Hotel was everything we expected--with an updated bathroom. While the room was small, it was charming, with cross ventilation and a flat screen. The bar on the deck was was wonderful, and the view from the lawn at sunset was from a movie. Most of the staff was friendly, but needed more training. Dinner on Friday was quite good, but the kitchen wasn't up to the blitz, and the entre took over an hour to appear. All in all, I would recomend the hotel and dining room as a worthwhile Block Island experience. Adjust your expectations to Summer of 42, and you'll be happy.
(4)Anatoli L.
The review is only for the restaurant and not for the hotel itself. If not for the breathtaking views, it would be 2.5 stars at the most. The views of the ocean when you sit on the open terrace are just magnificent and definitely worth the visit. Main point is on par with all other reviews - be prepared to wait ( and then wait some more). There two restaurants at the hotel - one is a Bistro style, with less expensive menu, outside sitting and great views. Another one is a formal restaurant located mostly inside (there is still an outside portion) and more expensive. We ate at the Bistro outside. Food was just okay. Stuffed dates sounded better than they taste as an appetizer. Clams were good, but the portion was tiny. Clam chowder was okay, but had too much potatoes and bacon to my taste ( and very little clams). The wait for the main course was simply horrendous - considering that the restaurant was not full. Risotto Del Mare was tasty, with good amount of seafood, but steak didn't taste right, and the peppercorn sauce was just a pure fire. Plus, mashed potatoes tasted as they just had being made from the box. The dish was pretty much inedible. We also ate breakfast next day at the hotel, and while food was okay ( not great at all), the wait was again was just incredible - all in all, the breakfast took about 1.5 hours, and absolute majority of it was just the wait. Service was nice and friendly. If you are ready to wait and want the views, this is the right place. Otherwise, look elsewhere.
(3)Mark S.
Review is based only on having drinks at the front outside porch bar area. Gorgeous view from the huge front porch. This place sits atop a hill so you get a great breeze to go along with the view. Bartender was nice and talkative and the patrons were are friendly. It's nice inside but has the typical Block Island musty old feel/smell to it. If you're looking to have a drink with a great view and avoid the crowds it's worth the walk up the hill to check it out.
(4)lil m.
This review is for the hotel only. I stayed here for four days this fall with mixed feelings. I have to start by saying that the view is amazing. Sitting in the chairs looking at the water is very relaxing. The porch was great as well. I also liked that it is walking distance to town. The rooms were on the small side but I wasn't expecting something too large considering the age of the building. The beds were okay but so noisy (even if you were just sitting on them). There were bugs everywhere though. I am not sure where they were coming in from but nightly we were seeing spiders, flies and something else I don't know what it was. My biggest complaint is about the staff. For the most part, they were not helpful at all. When we attempted to check in, we arrived slightly early and had to wait over 3 hours for the room to be ready. Knowing that your guest is there, wouldn't you make it a priority to get that room ready? Our first morning there, we were unsure of when the breakfast ended. We were told 11 am. When we went downstairs to eat at 10:30, we were told that it ended at 10 am. When I attempted to explain that we were told 11, they were like, "well that is not correct". Needless to say, we ate in town that morning and every other morning We asked the front desk for advice at times about where to eat dinner in town with no suggestions provided. When we went to check out, we were told that we had to wait 15 minutes to do so. When we explained that we had a ferry to catch and couldn't wait then someone showed up to help us. I loved block island and want to go back there. I would stay somewhere else and maybe get a drink at the Spring house to see the view.
(3)J F.
Review is for restaurant: Gorgeous patio with stunning views, service was excellent and food was good. A little off the beaten path and worth the trip. I can not wait to go back!
(5)LandJ S.
This review is for the restaurant only, not the hotel. If you look young, even if well-dressed, watch out--you'll get treated like a second-class citizen. From the get go, there something seemed to be amiss when the hostess invited every old couple in front of us to their choice of the dining room (more expensive), which had no wait, or the porch area (less expensive), where there was a significant wait. After the parties ahead of us were seated, the hostess didn't even acknowledge us. We informed her that we were a party for two and would take the next available opening. Unprovoked, she told us, "it'll be 20 minutes and there's nothing I can do." We asked why we couldn't be seated in the dining room. She looked us up and down and grudgingly brought us over. After we were seated, we looked at the menu, which had a great lobster meal. As we were both excited, we told our waiter that we both wanted to order it. He told us, oh it's not available. We thought, fine okay, sometimes stuff runs out. No big deal. Then, later, we noticed that there was lobster all around us! At least two to three older couples who showed up after us (we saw them behind us in the line to the restaurant and saw them order after us) had steaming piles of lobster brought to the table. What was going on?! We asked for the manager, at which point the hostess came over--apparently she was the manager--and explained how disappointed the way the meal went. She explained that everybody else who got the lobster had special arrangements (yeah right...). Didn't apologize or offer to make it up to us in any way. Food really isn't that grate. Guess it is if you're on an island... Later, we heard that Ballard's is the place for lobster, which was better and without any of the snootiness.
(1)DJ M.
Block Island + Spring House Hotel = A Hidden Paradise The Location: We visited Block Island for the first time at the end of June. We loved the Spring House Hotel so much we extended our stay an extra day. This is the oldest hotel with the most breathtaking views on the island. It was the perfect escape for us since we love fresh food, outdoor activities and the ocean. It's perfectly situated within a few minutes' walk or bike ride to the ferry, center of town or the local farmer's market. The Food: The farm fresh food is fabulous. We loved the baked stuffed lobster so much we ordered it two nights in a row. The pizza is the best I've ever tasted. My favorite appetizer was the Tomato Artichoke Bruschetta! The vegetables are fresh from the hotel's garden. And the breakfast ... wow... it beats 1661 Inn's buffet in case anyone was wondering. (I have pictures to prove it!) Spring House Hotel serves farm fresh eggs, vegetables, omelets,...oh my! Gourmet eggs benedict and decadent pancakes that are to die for! The owners sell their fruits and vegetables at the local farmers market. I think this is fantastic! The Service: When I was trying to decide where to stay... I called many places and asked a lot of questions. The Spring House Hotel offered the best advice, answers and ultimately won my business based on their helpfulness over the phone. It didn't stop there! Once we arrived, we were greeted by the owner while checking in, presented with info on the area & assistance with our bags. During lunch, we learned our server spent many summers on the island. He was very knowledgeable and helpful not only with ordering our food, but he also took time helping us plan out how to spend our vacation days. The staff went out of their way to make sure we felt at home. Housekeeping went out of their way to make sure I had a blow dryer and extra towels every day. We found ourselves wanting to head back to the Spring House Hotel earlier in the day to enjoy the views, the food & chat with the staff which we became friendly with and on first name basis. The Entertainment: We enjoyed Martini Night with Marc Philip at The Spring House Hotel. I'm so glad we extended our stay. This really was a great ending to our vacation. We met other guests that shared the same passion for the Island and the Hotel. We met families that come to Spring House Hotel every year... it's their tradition. I understand it now! We danced, enjoyed more food, and sat on the lawn wishing we weren't going home the next day. The Rooms: Our room was completely updated. It was a spacious studio with a beautiful porch. I enjoyed waking up in the morning watching the sunrise over the ocean. I will request the same room again. It was perfectly decorated to compliment the island's sense of serenity. The Conclusion: Block Island offers a wide array of activities which we took advantage of including biking the entire island, site seeing the incredible lighthouses, and enjoying the fact that there are no traffic lights or chain restaurants anywhere to be found. The Spring House Hotel created an unforgettable experience in one of the world's most beautiful hidden gems! We are already planning to go back this summer and next! Thank you Spring House Hotel for creating fabulous memories!
(5)Jenna H.
I came to the Spring House for my cousins amazing wedding this past June. Most of our family decided to stay here as we were not familiar with the island and it looked old and charming. My husband and I got a room in the house / inn to the right of the main inn and boy was that a better option. Our room was a nice size, was much quieter, and got a great breeze at night - which is very important due to not having much AC anywhere on the island. My other relatives splurged more for the ocean view rooms in the main house and were left with a noisy band below them and very hot rooms - no breezes. There were many issues during our families stay though. First someone walked into the room of my cousin and his wife while they were sleeping in the middle of the night to look for a fan...what?? No, this should never happen. They should know who is staying in what room - and why would it be locked if no one was inside it?? We also called one day to get a hair dryer - I thought the room would have one but they don't. The person at the desk said sure, come get it. What... I am dripping wet out of the shower and paying a ridiculous amount for me to "come and get it yourself". Pft!! We had dinner here one night and it was a disaster! We wanted to dine in the less fancier spot but order one dish from the other menu. We asked if this was ok, was told it was, and made a reservation. When we got there at the time of the reservation we were told that it could not be accommodated. We asked if we could switch to the other dining room and they told us that it was possible, but that it would be a 20 minute wait. Two hours late we were sat... and they forgot to put in one of the orders of my relatives dinner. Overall it was awful, the food was not even that great. Moving on to the good. The wedding and meal which was held on site was stellar! The food, the service, everything. It was a total different experience. It really left me baffled that we were in the same place. Given the choice I would not stay here or ever dine here again. I would however highly recommend having a wedding here - that they apparently know how to get right.
(3)Vivika D.
What a lovely meal! We enjoyed the seared tuna so much the first night, we returned the second to try more dishes. The flatbread was awesome!
(5)Rebecca W.
Only ate here. Food was amazing, with the best view on the island. Definitely a must for a BI trip.
(4)Tim G.
This review is based off of appetizers and drinks on their porch on a great summer day with an incredible view of the harbor. We had very tasty barbecued wings and clam chowder. There was a fantastic outdoor bar that was slowly filling up with wedding guests...Could have stayed here for hours. Check out the pics!
(4)Andrew K.
This is a very hard one to rate. Went to a wedding here. The wedding was first-rate. Food (wild salmon) was delicious, great bar, beautiful view. Great! However, I was also a guest here. Room was very small and run-down for the exorbitant price. Service was iffy at best, which is a travesty for the price. So, maybe have your wedding here, but book a room block elsewhere (?)
(3)elizabeth c.
This review is for the food, not the lodging. A drink in the afternoon on the Spring House porch might be one of the best places to be on earth. For real. Particularly after an around-the-island bike ride leaving you parched and a bit tired (don't be fooled - this little island has plenty o' hills - but I digress). Bartenders will create whatever you'd like - don't feel limited by the established cocktail menu. As to food - you know, there have been some mixed reviews on here. But I'm gonna say this is some of the more reliable, tasty food on Block. You'll pay for it, but not entirely out of line with the rest of the island. It's well-prepared and nicely presented. Yes, waits can be very long. But that is virtually standard on Block. Order an appetizer to hold you over. I recommend skipping the more formal dining room and paying less for a very similar menu on the porch or in the tavern. Salmon was wild and excellent, as was the house made hummus - random, I realize, but try it. For vegetarians and clean eaters, this place knows how to cook their veggies - simple and delicious and not drowning in oil or fat (something frustratingly not abundant on the island). The service is...well, a bit meh. But this is true everywhere on the island. My sense is the waitstaff at every establishment get pretty burnt out on demanding tourists, which, quite frankly, is understandable.
(4)Bob N.
Had dinner there last night around 7. Hostess: we had a reservation and were taken to a table in the middle of the restaurant. We looked around and saw empty tables near the windows. We asked about those and were told they were for people with reservations. Eventually we got seated near a window in the corner. Right under a speaker playing pop music. Service: waiter was a low talker. Could barely hear the specials. There were only two. One appetizer and one entree. Very in attentive. It was so dark we had to move the candle to read the menu. (We saw another couple using the flashlight app to read the menu.). We asked for another candle and he promised to be right back but he must have forgotten because we had to flag him down. Menu: not much out of the ordinary. Disappointing selection. My wife inquired about the local catch of the day and was told it was Mahi mahi. When she said that isn't local the waiter said it was from "just a bit south." Food: we had duck breast and short ribs. Both smothered in a sauce that was more like a gravy. Ribs were fatty and flavorless. Not exactly sure how the plate looked when served because it was so dark. From what i could see Our plates looked the same. A purée of something with the entree on top surrounded by the heavy sauce. The duck came with gnocchi that was flavorless. The ribs with a few cubed carrots. Very small portion for $36. Wine: nice wine list but only 3 splits of red. They did not have the La Crema I selected but I was not told that until I ordered it. Overall: not worth the price. Poor service and close to "terrible" food.
(1)Michelle C.
Food was good when it actually got to our table. Service horrendous! Had to beg for water, bread and a refill on wine. And a plate to put the bread on. Waitress was pleasant but, unattentive, preoccupied and unwelcoming.
(2)Taylor Y.
This review is for the restaurant only, and is really 2.5 stars. 1.5 of those stars are for the view - probably the best ocean view on the island when seated on the veranda, and worth experiencing. On to the one-star-worthy food. My bf and I stopped here for lunch. We started with soup - clam chowder and vegetable, respectively - which was unobjectionable, if undisinguished - at $4.50 a cup, it didn't seem like a rip-off. Halfway into my soup, my drink finally arrived, and things went downhill from there. I'd ordered a mojito, and the waitress said the delay was due to the bartender needing to "dig up" some mint. When my drink arrived, it looked like the mint had in fact been "dug up", perhaps from a sarcophagus - every stem and leaf was spotted with brown, and several leaves were actually fully brown. I was amazed that they served such unappealing items in such a visible format, and it made me hesitate to think what must be going on with ingredients where rot would be less obvious. As for the taste, the drink tasted like flat soda, and was extremely weak. And it came in a small plastic cup! As others have noted, the waits here are extremely long. Eventually, our next courses arrived. My bf was pleased with his shrimp cocktail - 6 enormous, fresh shrimp - but I'm not sure any 6 shrimp can live up to a $21 price tag. I'd ordered the special, a 3-cheese grilled cheese sandwich. It arrived lukewarm, soggy, and the cheeses were tasteless - given the setting I'd expected something like brie, gruyere, and gouda, but what I got was white American, yellow American, and mild cheddar. The fries were tasty, and hot in contrast to the congealed state of the sandwich. Bottom line is, Spring House's food would be tolerable for $30 at your local diner. For $75 (two drinks, two cups of soup, and two lunch dishes) on an island with real fine dining options, it's extremely disappointing.
(3)Kristin B.
A trip to Block is not complete without coming to this romantic spot! You can sit on the adirondack chairs and have a cocktail while your kids run up and down the hill- I suggest bringing bubbles. Have dinner on the expansive porch and you will enjoy one of the most beautiful views on the island. We visit the Spring House every year. This time I had the bento box which was delightful. My husband's steak was just ok. Dessert was a blueberry and peach crumble and it was worth every calorie. Service was friendly. Our server was delightful with my daughter. The one thing I'd say is that she dropped my husband 's entree so we had to wait for a new one. Accidents happen but they probably should have comp'd dessert.
(4)Chris P.
Wandered in this beautiful preserved hotel our first day on Block Island from the 1:30 ferry. Sits atop hill with beautiful views of the ocean and homes. But too many rules. "Sorry can't eat on porch, we've stopped serving there. Oh no sorry you can't have lunch in that room we're only serving in this room now. No sorry again we only serve light fare at this time. Oops can only order from this side of the menu". Sigh. A salad appetizer and a nacho appetizer two glasses of wine and $50 later. Service barely able to make her way to our table. TV blaring with soap opera and loud bartender telling people what she can't do for them rather than making them comfortable. Too bad, place was so beautiful it discouraged us from returning for dinner
(1)Jenny C.
Note: I didn't come to Spring House for its accommodation. Rather, I came for the wedding of one of my closest friends. Therefore, this review is based on food and service. My friend's intimate, afternoon wedding reception took place on Sunday, Labor Day weekend, at the courtyard of the Spring House. We were a relatively small group with less than 40 people in attendance. The menu consisted of a delightful array of BBQ buffet of coleslaw, side salad, potato salad, corn on the cob, maple-drizzled corn bread, bbq chicken and bbq ribs were served. Overall, the food was ok. My one tiff was that the chicken was undercooked. No beuno. One thing to note was that we had two servers dedicated to our party. They were absolutely amazing and on point. I wish I caught their names!
(3)SC O.
Gorgeous views, a cocktail on the adirondack is perfect. The buck stops there. Their rooms are in pretty rough shape. The joke was that we had two floors in our tiny room; because of the slant. The bathroom floor was dirty, the fruit flies were roommates. Would not stay here again.
(2)Laurie M.
If you want a pretty place to watch the sunset, a cold drink and a delicious dinner - this is the best place on Block Island. If you want the sort of helpful, friendly, professional service you'd expect from a pricey historic place like this, go somewhere else. It's as if they hired kids out of school for the summer with no manners or service skills. They're in their own world and seem to not want to be there. They open the luggage closet and suggest you crawl in to find your own bags while they walk away. When I suggested my "farm fresh" breakfast eggs were overdone, the waitress said they were fine and walked away. Go for dinner. Never breakfast. And enjoy the view but don't expect a helpful staff.
(2)Sarah Ashley D.
Their peanut butter & banana mudslides are the best drinks on Block Island, but the service at their deck bar is extremely slow and eveything is over priced. Still, the view makes up for it.
(4)J J.
I had such a lovely evening here and cannot wait to go back!!! The hotel and restaurant are GORGEOUS!!!! I feel like I was in a movie, such a classy, clean, and beautiful place. The staff is super friendly and attentive, the food is AMAZING and it's such a great place to stay. The outside area is stunning as well and I loved the different themed nights at the restaurant/bar. Truly the gem of the island!
(5)Heather P.
This place rocks. If you want cheap, go elsewhere, but if you want thoughtfully crafted cocktails, tasty fresh food and an amazing view, then walk up the hill. Get your drink in a plastic cup and sit on the lawn. Repeat for hours with good friends. Bonus points if you bring your pooch. And definitely explore the lobby inside, it's like stepping back in time. This place is classic New England charm.
(4)K C.
The location can't be beat - it is gorgeous. There's nothing on Block Island quite like sitting on an adirondack chair in front of the hotel overlooking the ocean and feeling the always-cool breezes from your perch at the top of the hill. The outdoor dining or cocktails on the porch is also not-to-be-missed. I am loving the recent addition of the small cafe with juice bar, where you can order a fresh-from-the-garden organic juice (or a latte or another small snack). With all that said, I am shaking my head over the rooms. I worked here for a summer almost 20 years ago, and my job was as a front-desk receptionist and booking rooms. With the exception of bathroom renovations (which are lovely), the rooms almost haven't changed. This isn't entirely a bad thing - the rooms are beautiful in an old-school way, and the hotel has historic charm. However, it feels to me like the owner needs to invest more in the rooms beyond the lovely bathroom renovations. The sense I get is that he is investing in the things that perhaps earn more money, including adding a new cafe, but at the end of the day, people paying these prices want a luxurious room and this isn't it. The furniture and rugs are many years old, and the beds and pillows were not up to the comfort standard that most travelers today have come to expect - particularly for the price. I wouldn't want to see any of the charm of this beautiful place go away, but I do feel it can use some updates. I want to see it more "polished" than it is - the phone in the room was dirty, the carpets were so old they felt a little icky to walk on barefoot, and the entire carriage house smelled musty when we walked in. The floors slope dramatically - which is a charming feature - but the fire escape is incredibly rusty, the blinds are cheap, the in-room coffee is nothing special (I think it was Folger's or something, though I did like the toiletries), there is no mini-refrigerator (that I saw). Travelers who choose this hotel are probably also staying at hotels like Ritz-Carltons, Four Seasons, JW Marriotts, and other higher-end hotels, and the room itself here can't hold a candle to even a nice Marriott (though it is certainly far more charming with an amazing view). Also, be careful when booking rooms. There is an outdoor, covered dining area in the back/side of the hotel, and many of the ocean view rooms look out over this restaurant. It's not overly loud, but loud enough that you won't want to sleep with your windows open at night if you're right above the restaurant and you're looking to turn in early. Overall, a lovely place, and I wouldn't miss having a cocktail or dinner on the deck and sitting on the adirondack chairs during a visit here, but after staying for 2 summers in a row, I think I'm going to look for a place that feels a bit more polished.
(3)Bob P.
This is a hard review to write, as our 2 night stay had some ups and downs. The hotel was built in 1857 and is a Block Island landmark. The view from the hotel and the Adirondack chairs on the lawn is truly fantastic, and a big reason to stay. It's only a short walk into the center of town, another plus. The hotel is fine, but also needs some more TLC - as you might expect in a seasonal historical building, things are a little tired and need updating. One of the days we were there, it was rainy and relatively cold (50's). Despite the fact that everyone was stuck inside and freezing (wearing sweatshirts, jackets and a few in the lobby with blankets), they didn't have the sense to turn on the heat until 4:00 in the afternoon (had been told the heat was off for the season - obviously not entirely true). The Internet was spotty, there is no fitness center and the restaurant wasn't open for lunch our first day. Simple things like wiping off the lawn and porch furniture when the rain stopped just didn't occur to anyone. There had been a wedding on Saturday evening, but the flowers just sat there in the lobby dining room wilting until Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning - very unattractive. So the hotel gets just two stars. The bistro restaurant was decent, although the room is dark. The menu tries to be more creative than it needed to be and some of the combinations seemed a little off. Restaurant gets three stars. The cafe, the only option for breakfast, was pretty decent with some good muffins and scones and very good egg sandwiches. Three and a half stars.
(2)Dianna B.
Amazing place!!! Stayed here 3 years in a row. Service is exceptional! Food is fantastic and the staff truly caters to your every need. If you have never been here you need to get here...even if just for a meal or drinks in the Adirondack chairs facing the ocean. If you want relaxation this is the place
(5)Jennifer M.
I can't say enough about this hotel. We stayed there this past weekend with 13 girls and they were incredibly accommodating (I think we called the front desk about 15 times). The food at the restaurant is incredible and I could sit in those Adirondack chairs for hours just soaking up the beautiful view. The rooms were nice and clean and the fresh ocean air helped everyone sleep well. Would highly recommend this place to anyone visiting Block Island!
(5)Larry K.
Lunch on the deck is always a necessary part of a block island vacation. We've eaten inside for dinner which is good but the view with drinks on a sunny day is priceless. The food seems better this year and I really liked the new menu. The seafood and pizzas and flatbreads were very tasty. Service is a bit slow but with that view who cares?
(5)Mark C.
The restaurant at the Spring House is one of the finer dining experiences on Block Island. The menu has a nice variety including one or two daily specials. Whether you eat inside in a classic Victorian dining room our out on the patio you will enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the Atlantic on Block Island. The baked stuffed lobster is the finest anywhere but it takes about 1 hour to prepare. It is now served as part of a 3 course dinner starting with a cup of delicious creamy New England clam chowder (probably the overall best chowder on the island) followed by a Caesar salad made with grown on the premises lettuce and greens. Mixed vegetable sides are also from the garden and delicious. For those looking for a more casual and less expensive experience, the new chef is now serving brick oven gourmet pizza on the porch. Although I haven't tried the pizza, I could vouch for a crowded porch of seemingly content diners. The service is good and combined with the view and food provides a great overall dining experience. Don't miss it.
(4)Stacey F.
My husband and I along with another couple stopped at the Spring House Hotel for a drink to enjoy the spectacular views. We decided to have a bite to eat while we were there and are glad we did-the Sicilian Pizza was AMAZING! We enjoyed ourselves so much that we returned the next day for more pizza and a burger-this time a vegetable pizza, also outstanding, and the burgers were juicy and delicious. Both times service was excellent. We would like to go back again to try the dinner menu. A stop at the Spring House is a must if you're on Block Island!
(5)Denise B.
I agree with the review to have a wedding here but stay elsewhere. This was the second tim I stayed at the Spring House and I can clearly say--its not worth the money. Over-rated. You can sit out on the porch, have dinner there (which was quite good) and stay elsewhere. The rooms are tiny and the beds are old and uncomfortable. The hotel needs updating. Water pressure was awful and I could not wait to get home for a decent shower. There was a wedding there both times I stayed and they cater to the wedding guests only!!! It was windy outside and there was no place to sit inside because everything was reserved for the wedding. Rooms: truly old and not that clean--the tiles in our bathroom were chipping. Tiny with a bed and carpeting that were way past their prime.
(2)