"We opted to stay in town, as our visit was brief, we didn’t have a car, and we planned to explore on foot. To our surprise, we discovered that Ballard's offers lodging! And it’s not your typical bare-bones place; for $200 a night, it’s a proper hotel experience with soundproof rooms that shield you from the music below, along with beautiful views. Each of the three rooms has a balcony overlooking the harbor and the town.
We booked two rooms at a discounted rate since it was the shoulder season, and both were fantastic. They featured queen beds, comfortable bedding, a closet, an iron and board, two dressers with plenty of drawers, a real refrigerator, a large screen TV, and a spacious modern bathroom complete with a sizable walk-in stone shower. One of the rooms resembled a suite, complete with a small entrance hall with a closet, a large bedroom, and an additional room featuring a large vanity with ample drawer space and a sink. The separate bathroom was expansive, with a massive shower. The sliding doors in the main room led to a porch equipped with wicker chairs and a table, offering stunning sunset views over the water and the main street.
Room service was available from their regular menu, and the hotel has a designated entrance, allowing you to bypass the busy party area. The staff were charming and attentive. Although Ballard's was winding down for the season, the bar remained open, and guests enjoyed dining on the rear patio. A musician was playing guitar and singing in the music shell, announcing it was his last gig of the season. Meanwhile, the tiki huts were being drained and closed up for the year, while some guests basked in the sun and others took a dip in the water.
Ballard's boasts a lovely stretch of sandy beach along the open water that extends to Narragansett Bay. You can relax on the sand or take advantage of their available chairs, umbrellas, and cabanas. The boardwalk is perfect for a stroll, and it’s a quick walk into town for breakfast, shopping, or visits to the farmers' markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Plus, it’s just a short distance to the ferry. After checking out, they gladly offer to hold your bag until you’re ready to board."
