Watch Hill Inn
Photo Courtesy of Watch Hill Inn
There’s much to adore about Rhode Island. We recently told you all about our love of Coastal Rhode Island and one of our favorite spots in Newport, Castle Hill Inn. Now it’s back to the affluent waterfront village of Watch Hill for the latest luxury hotel to debut in the nation’s smallest state, Watch Hill Inn. This Ocean House expansion project, which opened earlier this summer, offers 19 spacious suites, each with full kitchens and private parking just steps from the imposing Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star property.
Here are the five other things you need to know:
The residential-style condos are good for families and extended stays.
When most people think of a beach vacation, they consider a multi-night stay, or even a week or month-long visit. Watch Hill Inn’s rooms are designed for just that, and children are more than welcome. Each of the modern, residential-style condos, which begin at 650 square feet and extend to a 4,000-square-foot penthouse, features a separate living area and full designer kitchen. Nautical, upscale décor creates a slightly more modern vibe than its two sister properties (Weekapaug Inn being the other), while techy touches such as Sonos Hi-Fi systems and Apple TVs are nice additions to complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Many rooms also feature large terraces with bay views and gas fireplaces, perfect for chilly nights or rainy afternoons.
It has a convenient, in-town location.
Ocean House stands guard over the town of Watch Hill, its pale yellow façade a landmark to guests and locals alike. But Watch Hill Inn guests have the best access to the town’s main shopping strip, which includes chic souvenir shops, the famous Flying Horse carousel and St. Clair Annex, our new obsession for homemade peppermint and coffee-Oreo ice cream. Take your cone back to your condo’s terrace or park yourself on a nearby bench for the area’s best sunset views, right over Narragansett Bay. Just be sure to plan your visit between Memorial Day and Labor Day — the town virtually shutters during the off-season.
Watch Hill Inn’s duplex suite, Photo Courtesy of Watch Hill Inn
You’ll get special perks.
It’s the little touches that make a property stand out, and Watch Hill Inn offers these in abundance. Enjoy a champagne check-in where you’ll get a brief overview of the property, as well as have a chance to select your preferred bath products and scents from top lines such as Asprey, Molton Brown and Red Flower, stowed in a chic beribboned bag for easy transport. Take advantage of daily afternoon tea with refreshments and small bites, beer and wine each evening, and a full complimentary breakfast spread every morning. Reserved parking (a premium in downtown Watch Hill) is gratis. Tips are a no-no as well — Ocean House and its sister establishments’ busboys, bellmen and drivers don’t accept gratuities; exceptions are made for waitstaff and spa therapists.
There may be celebrity sightings.
We’re normally not ones to brag, but Taylor Swift has a house just down the street. The country-pop singer who loves weekend vacations in Watch Hill brought a passel of friends out, including actress Emma Stone and TV star Jamie King, for her Fourth of July party. Model Karlie Kloss and actress Lena Dunham also visited the residence recently. Plenty of other A-listers also hit the beach here, and most bunk down at an Ocean House property.
You’ll receive ample amenities.
Watch Hill Inn guests have full access to all of the amenities at the Ocean House proper, as well as those at Weekapaug Inn, just a short drive away. These perks include valet service, and invites to dine at Four-Star Seasons restaurant (don’t miss the delicious Sunday jazz brunch), or bask in the Five-Star OH! Spa, the beach, indoor and outdoor pools and more.
