the hotel was very nice help was good the beach was nice excepted for the smokers who where in the many used the beach as there ash try. It was discussing for me.

Finding a room on Block Island is not an easy task. There are no traditional hotels, only “bed and breakfast” type lodging. When I found Ballard’s on the web, I noticed that it was one of the only places listing air conditioning. I was a little concerned; Tripadvisor.com had mixed reviews and there were no pictures on the Ballard’s website. Once you get there, you realize why there are no pictures.

I believe the thought process behind Ballard’s Inn went something like this… “Hey I know what we can do with that extra space above the restaurant! We can hire bad carpenters, invest as little as possible, and charge $250 a night for a room that makes a college dorm look like the Ritz.” Mission accomplished! Prior to arriving at the “Inn”, I tried to ease my apprehensions by telling myself that some people just expect too much. The Tripadvisor.com reviews are mixed, so it can’t be that bad. I’m here to say that it is that bad. I suspect that the positive reviews were either planted by Ballard’s management, or written by people accustomed to squatter settlements.

The first thing that seemed out of the ordinary was the entrance. You enter in the restaurant, and then climb a stairwell that is tucked away near the kitchen. The hallway on the second floor smells of cheap air fresheners. The room doors are cheap and not made of a solid core; this may make some people uncomfortable. My room had a large stain at the main entrance; I suspect it to be vomit left by a guest. The carpet was coarse and in need of replacement. The sheets were old and worn but didn’t smell; so that was good. The room had DirectTV, but I didn’t want to sit on the bed to watch it. While many of the Island’s lodging accommodations require guests to share a community bathroom, Ballard’s is a classy joint with each room having its own. The bathroom reminded me of my high school locker room. The grout on the floor was black and stained with mildew. The shower was a preformed shell, approximately 4’x4’. At 6’ tall, I wear a 44 jacket; so I’m not a very large person. I was unable to shower without the curtain open; I feared that my back would come in contact with filthy shower curtain behind me. Had I dropped the soap, there was not enough space to bend over to pick it up.

I left with the feeling, “it is what it is”. I’m going to assume that many guests argue with management over the condition of the rooms. I wasn’t going to do that, so I cannot comment on the staff. I didn’t eat at the restaurant so I cannot comment on the food. I can however share the video I made of the room. I hope it helps others with their trip. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXsuW5_6kJo

Do not be fooled by the beautiful beach front.
This hotel only has 8 rooms total. It is more of a party bar place!
Room was Disgustingly dirty ! Type where you had to wear you sandals to take a show in the bathroom. Rugs stained and filthy, and shared balcony for the delux room means people can stare right in your windows !!!!
Management was not accommodating at all ! Rude even !
We packed up and left !

Back in 2008 my mother in law had booked a room with my wife and 2 days before they were supposed to goto the resort she was rushed to the emergency room where she stayed for nearly a week. I called that morning to cancel with the resort within their 48hr timeline. After nearly 2 years of fighting with the resort, being lied to multiple times by management & even the owner himself. The resort would not do anything for us even though they were CLEARLY wrong, they kept our nearly $200.00 and gave us NOTHING in return. The Consumer Protection Agency of Rhode Island even said this was a crock but there was nothing they could do and I would have to sue them in small claims court. I WOULDN"T GO TO THIS RESORT WITH STOLEN MONEY, THEY ARE NOTHING BUT CHEATS AND LIARS. Its unfortunate in this day and age that a business who by most accounts is successfull and has a prime business can't take responsibility for its peoples mistakes and even hire lawyers to speak to you... sad.. oh well i hope a hurricane washes them away.. DO NOT DO BUSINESS WITH THIS RESORT AND MAKE SURE TO RECORD WHO YOU SPEAK TO. THEY TRIED TO COVER IT UP WHEN I CONFRONTED THEM!