Family Time

DESTINATIONS by JUDY OSTROW photography by CHIP RIEGEL

WATCH HILL INN

FAMILY TIME Watch Hill Inn’s amenities and locale make it a home away from home

As 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.

The DELUXE TERRACE Suite The GRANDEST Accommodation

One-Bedroom Suite: Suitable for up to four people, this spacious suite offers a luxurious living room with a gas fireplace and private terrace. Families appreciate the dining area, along with the convenience of a washer and dryer and full modern kitchen. Four-Bedroom Suite: This 4,000-square-foot suite with breathtaking views is built for entertaining and can sleep 10. The open-concept kitchen and dining areas can accommodate a large group, while the living area’s dual-sided gas fireplace creates a cozy ambience.

I adore Watch Hill Inn. It has perfect sunset views, and the convenient location is in walking distance to shops and restaurants. Plus, it’s great for families, large groups and for longer homeaway-fromhome stays.

—Shannan Plew

Manager of Watch Hill Inn

First row:

Lunch special at St. Clair Annex

Second row:

The Watch Hill Flying Horse Carousel

Third row:

Mystic Aquarium

Bottom row:

The Verandah at Ocean House

Guests at Watch Hill Inn may pre-check in at Ocean House, have a stroll around this sister hotel, or enjoy the perfect setting of the Ocean House beach before going to their rooms. An associate will escort guests the short distance to the Inn, direct them to their parking space and help with baggage. Once a family has landed in their accommodations, a long list of possible amusements and activities awaits.

Situated on Bay Street—the main thoroughfare of Watch Hill—one can turn south from the Inn toward the village center. Admire the beautiful fleet of the Watch Hill Yacht Club on the other side of the street, or check out charter boats for a family fishing excursion. At the foot of the street is the nation’s oldest merry-go-round—the Watch Hill Flying Carousel—open through the summer through Labor Day; children under 12 get to ride and possibly catch the brass ring.

Walking back to the Inn, sample the delicious flavors of homemade ice cream at St. Clair Annex. This family business has been serving the community for more than 125 years; you can indulge in a different flavor every day of your stay, and also grab breakfast or lunch at this Bay Street institution. There are gift and clothing shops aplenty, and the village bustles throughout the summer.

For Plew, a Rhode Island native, managing the Inn is like coming full circle.

“As a child I would come to Watch Hill with my grandparents. We would go to the beach, ride the carousel and end the day on the verandah sipping Shirley Temples,” says Plew. “Watch Hill has always been a special place for me.”

Farther afield, many guests enjoy Mystic Aquarium and Mystic Seaport. The staff can direct you to dozens of spots of natural beauty and historic interest. But if you’d like to stick closer to your home away from home, another great perk is access to the restaurants and resort activities at Ocean House—just a quick walk up Plimpton Road—or at Weekapaug Inn, an easy 15-minute drive. Take a tour with the naturalist at Weekapaug Inn; treat yourself to a beach day or spa service at Ocean House. There is plenty to fill a weekend, a week or more.

“For active families, Watch Hill Inn offers comfort, privacy and plenty of variety,” says Plew. “It’s a great combination for a carefree vacation.”