The Ocean House

The Ocean House, which opened in 1868, is impressive, with its massive grounds overlooking the ocean and quintessential Victorian-style architecture. It hasn't always remained so impressive, though: Over the years, time took its toll and the Ocean House fell into disrepair. In 2003, it was closed and the hotel was completely rebuilt to restore it to its original grandeur, retaining original pieces inside and outside.

The property is beautiful, elegant, and not stuffy in the least. The atmosphere is one of laid-back luxury, and most guests entertain themselves with simple pleasures such as having a drink on The Verandah or watching the sun set on the hotel’s private beach.

Ocean House, with its restored Victorian-style architecture, fits in quite nicely in the seaside village of Watch Hill, which is home to high-priced mansions overlooking the ocean. Cute little boutiques, ice cream shops, and gorgeous water views can all be found on the town's main street, just a quick walk from the hotel.

There isn’t much going on in this sleepy town, but that’s part of the draw for guests at the Ocean House. Nearby Newport and Providence offer a bit more excitement for those who want more than relaxation from their vacation.

Providence, a 45-minute drive away, is Rhode Island’s capital city, and offers plenty of shopping, restaurants, clubs, and bars downtown. The Civic Center, the Providence Performing Arts Center, and the State House are just a few popular attractions.

Newport is also a great place to spend the day. Known best for its massive historic mansions and architecture, history buffs will find plenty to occupy their time. And for those looking to do a little retail therapy, downtown is chock full of shopping. Newport’s restaurant scene is also quite well known and shouldn’t be missed.

• 45-minute drive to Providence airport
• 2-hour drive to Boston Logan Airport
• 5-minute walk to “downtown” Watch Hill
• 1-hour drive to Newport
• 3-hour drive to Manhattan

The homey rooms are modern and luxurious, with design elements inspired by the Victorian history and beach location. Think: chairs and curtains with floral patterns; crown moldings; and plush white bedding. Color schemes and styles vary a bit by room, but many rooms are decorated in shades of white, blue, and brown. They feel ritzy, without being stuffy, much like the wealthy seaside town around them. Highlights include comfortable beds, marble bathrooms with Molton Brown bath products, and in some, spectacular views of the water. As you go up in price, the square footage increases exponentially and the features get more grand; more expensive rooms may include private terraces, full kitchens, and fireplaces.

• Marble bathrooms with separate showers and soaking tubs, as well as Molton Brown bath products
• Luxurious beds and linens
• Flat-screen TVs
• Wi-Fi (included in resort fee)
• Air-conditioning
• Free welcome amenities (non-alcoholic drinks, fruits, and treats)
• Some rooms have ocean views, some bay views, others property views. Only a handful of rooms have direct ocean views.
• Some rooms have private terraces.
• Deluxe Studios, Grand Deluxe Rooms, Standard Suites, and Ocean View Suites have private sitting areas with fireplaces.
• Special luxury suites have up to 4,100 square feet in space, with huge private terraces also available.

• Full-service OH! Spa with its own gift shop and full-service hair salon
• Tournament-level croquet lawn, with an in-house croquet pro instructor
• Racquetball courts
• State-of-the art fitness center facing the ocean, with separate exercise room "personal training" videos on large drop-down screen
• Wraparound porch
• Indoor lap pool that opens to the outdoors
• Afternoon tea with lemonade, hot cider, and cookies offered in The Living Room
• View full list of amenities

• Seasons is fine dining (there's a dress code), with an Atlantic Northeast menu that changes daily. Live entertainment is offered on weekends.
• The Club Room is a private member dining room with a bistro menu.
• The Living Room serves hot chocolate, lemonade, scones, and cocktails, and has live entertainment on weekends.
• Daily traditional New England raw bar on The Verandah.
• The Seaside Terrace (overlooking the ocean) serves casual lunch fare and tasty cocktails.
• Out on the beach, Dune Cottage serves signature cocktails and a variety of casual beach fare.