Under $100

Finding a place to stay on Block Island on a budget can be difficult, especially in the high season. One exception is the delightful Perry Cottage B&B (High St., 401/466-2342, www.biri.com/perrycottage, $45–95), a small guesthouse a few minutes’ walk from town. Its three rooms are bare-bones and share a bath, but do include a continental breakfast in the rate.

$150–250

From the turret atop Sheffield House (High St., 401/466-2494 or 866/466-2494, www.thesheffieldhouse.com, $125–225), you get a picture-perfect view of the ocean as well as the animals in Manisses Farm next door. Rooms have an understated flower decor with either shared or private baths and homey touches like the Victorian inn’s own brand of glycerin soap. Friendly owners Diane and Ed Hayde cook up hearty breakfasts including baked apple French toast.

A Third Empire inn lovingly restored by the great-grandson of its original owner, Hygeia House (Beach Ave., 401/466-9616, www.hygeiahouse.com, $65–315) offers views of New Harbor from the rocking chairs on its front porch. Rooms have not only been restored to their Victorian-era splendor, but include personal effects (such as letters and a doctor’s bag) from some of the house’s original occupants.

$250 and Up

While many of the Victorian grande dames on the island are still impressive on the outside, time has taken its toll on the interiors. Not so with the elegant Spring House Hotel (Spring St., 401/466-5844 or 800/234-9263, www.springhousehotel.com, $125–450), situated on its own promontory with 15 acres of grounds, and recently renovated to luxurious effect. Rooms are tastefully decorated with pastels and floral bedspreads, some with private baths as big as the bedrooms. For the true spirit of the era, watch the sun glinting off the ocean from the wraparound verandah, or sip cognac and single malts in the sumptuous salon.

© Michael Blanding and Alexandra Hall from Moon New England, 2nd Edition