Ballard's Inn, Block Island

Gross rooms, furniture was broken, sink/bath tub dripping. Could not even stay. Not as advertised by a long shot. Management was despicable. Worst experience in my travel history.

Went to Block Island for the the last week in July in 2008. Ate at ballards everyday while we were on their private beach. Had a great time! Food was great. Lobster is the best we have ever had! My kids loved the clam chowder!! Will be back!

The location of Ballard's is great. Close to the ferry and beautiful beach property. We paid $175/nite and were disappointed to find the condition of the room to be just ok. But it did have a good air conditioner. And thankfully because we were above a very noisy kitchen. They advertised evening entertainment that wasn't there. Be advised.....there are "NO FOOD or DRINKS ON THE BEACH". They actually search your beach bags to make sure you aren't harboring any liquids or food. I can understand a NO COOLER rule but not 1 bottle of water or 1 bag of chips for the kids to munch on at the beach ? One staff member there seemed to actually enjoy enforcing this rule. Come on Ballards, you aren't making enough money ? I would recommend you use a little of it to modernize and clean the public bathrooms.

The best thing about Ballard's is the atmosphere. The food has gone down hill every year. Last year, the fish was SO greasy, it slid right out of the batter onto the plate. They redid their menu with "fancier" meals with HIGHER prices. Definately not worth it anymore! With all the money they make, you would think they would improve their restroom facilities.

I took my in-laws to Ballards on Block Island in late June '08. It was awful. The dinner wasn't worth the $235 spent at all. A "funny" thing ... I stopped at Finn's a day or two later to get fish. I mentioned the dinner at Ballard's. He cringed. His suggestion is to have seafood at restaurants that have their own fish market too.

Lucked out, got to Ballard's the day it opened for the season. Everyone very nice. Food excellent. Didn't feel rushed. Sat by the windows and watched the waves while eating. Great specialty BI Berry Mudslide. Great relaxint time. Told they will have music later in the season. Cant wait to go back. Got to see the rooms, hoping to book one next time i come. very cozy. Only place i have found that has a/c in all the rooms. big plus.

I have no idea what these people are talking about. During this past summer I went to Ballards at least 5 times and stayed overnight twice. Everytime I was very pleased. The hotel rooms are not the best, but much better than anywhere else on the island. The food was fantastic. Nevermind that the place is always packed. Ballards is great. And I will be back many times this summer.

this was my first trip toblock island and ballards it will be the last time i ever eat there. the waitress could hardly understand english neve mind speak it. the food was horrible and definitely overpriced. they don't carry any mayonnaise.never heard of a restaurant that doesn't carry mayo.the restroom was filthy. toally disgusting. was very disappointed and will never eat there again.

Ballards has gone to pot. We stayed at the "inn" for the 4th and were disgusted. Though the staff was as helpful as they could be, the manager was absent and "too cool" for customer service. Our room smelled of vomit, and there was vomit on the floor of the bathroom. "Cleaning the room" consisted of providing new towels and making the bed. Trash was never emptied, the room was never vaccumed, and the vomit smell was never rectified. Given the prime location, Ballards could be so much better if a touch more effort and care was put into it. It was advertised as a family establishment, but 4th of July it was more vile than any MTV spring break coverage. Price for our room was $250-$350 per night - DEFINATELY not worth the price given the lower than low standards.

If you are looking for a place to go and have a good time on the Fourth of July or any other time for that matter, then the Ballard Inn is NOT the place for you. If you enjoy the all American Fourth of sitting on the beach, having a few drinks and enjoying some good food you can hope to find none of these things staying at the Ballard Inn. What you can expect is to be kicked off the beach for bringing your own alcohol by rude staff who will promptly pour out your drinks rather than just asking you to leave. You can also expect to see people continually pulled off the beach by the police officers who are obviously being paid detail from Ballard to arrest people who bring there own alcohol to the beach. As for the food, there is a large selection of restaurants in the area that offer superior food and service. My recommendation is to go to the public beach, which is to the right as you get off the ferry.