DESTINATIONS
by JUDY OSTROW
photography by CHIP RIEGEL
WATC H H I L L I N N
FAMILY TIME Watch Hill Inn’s amenities and locale make it a home away from home
A
s warm weather comes to the Northeast, boats go into the water, and winter coats go back into storage, thoughts turn to some free time and a relaxing vacation. The past two years have required some adjustments to travel plans, and for families with children, they include certain requirements: comfortable private space, great outdoor recreation, good food and childfriendly activities, easily available. Carefree is an apt adjective for what is needed these days. Throughout its season (May through October), Watch Hill Inn is well-prepared for families and other groups of relatives and friends who flock to this unspoiled coastal village. The Inn is situated in the heart of downtown, just a five-minute walk toward the harbor from Ocean House. With a panoramic view of Watch Hill Cove, Napatree Point and the ocean beyond, sunsets are spectacular. “I adore Watch Hill Inn. It has perfect sunset views, and the convenient location is in walking distance to shops and restaurants,” says Watch Hill Inn Manager Shannan Plew. “Plus, it’s great for families, large groups and for longer home-away-from-home stays.” The Inn has an enduring history in this same spot, and together with Ocean House, the two properties survived the great storm of 1938 that leveled every other hotel in town. But endurance through more than a century of history is just one of its attributes.
Since Ocean House and Watch Hill Inn share resort management under the Ocean House Collection banner, patrons can be assured of beautifully appointed guest quarters and amenities. Whether you’re a couple with a toddler or family group planning a happy reunion, there is a spacious, well-equipped accommodation waiting at Watch Hill Inn. A glance at the Inn’s website shows a range of choices, from the Terrace Suite, great for a small young family, to duplex arrangements that work for parents with teenagers or families plus an au pair or other caregiver. For multi-generation gatherings, the Inn's largest accommodation, at 4,000 square feet, is complete with splendid views from its sunset deck, gourmet kitchen and four en suite bathrooms. “Watch Hill Inn is a particularly good choice for a family or group,” says Louis Shapazian, resort manager for Ocean House. “All rooms have kitchens and comfortable sitting areas. This gives a family the opportunity for some unstructured, private time.” Inn staff can stock the kitchen with food and snacks; the entertainment setup includes a Netflixenabled large-screen television and DVD players on request. Many accommodations have gas-powered fireplaces, and some offer terraces. To lighten the luggage load, some feature washer dryers; on request, staff will provide high chairs, boosters, cribs and more.
This page, top and middle: Watch Hill Inn has lovely views of Little Narragansett Bay. Bottom: Guests can enjoy activities and services at the nearby Ocean House.
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