Surf Hotel, Block Island

I was a regular at the Surf Hotel while it was still open. While most of you say that the receptionist was rude, I say that she was actually really sweet. It all depended on your own energy towards the place and the people there. If you walked in expecting people to put on a fake smile, then you probably found yourself proved wrong. Lorraine, although pretty old would treat you based on your energy. If you treated her like a familyu member then you got the same back. If you treated her like a simple receptionist, she would treat you like a simple guest. As for the people, yes we are clannish, but if you sat next to some of us, maybe joined in with our cookouts bringing some of the necessities or refreshments, if you contributed to our lives and treated us heart to heart instead of meet once then forget, that is when we welcome you. Ever since I was two years old I went to the surf hotel, now I am fifteen. I remember the sunsets from the reading room at the top, I remember Joal, one of the workers always going up there to meditate, I remember the splashing of the waves from the surf side of the hotel, and the occasional passing carriage at night from the street side. I remember a family that tried to steal one of Lorraine's dogs and they were caught. I remember the sounds of people playing card games. I remember everyone pitching in to help someone who was in severe pain from a kitchen accident. I remember the old swing set, how all the parents would mother each other's children, and would offer to babysit them if a couple wanted to escape to a dinner outing. I remember some of the 20 year olds tending to young children, offering to do their hair in braids for free, or maybe to take them to the beach, even out to ice cream. I remember, I remember. I remember the overall experience of The Surf Hotel, and those who may have had a bad stay here, try to lighten up. Maybe that week's people weren't your kind of crowd. Stay another week and the experience will change. Over the phone conversation is limited simply because many people call, I would know since I stayed near the desk a lot sometimes and every three minutes someone would call. On rare days not many people called but mostly there were a lot of callers. All in all, the surf hotel was a place that would surely reflect the way you treated it. Gooday to you all, and I apologize for my atrocious use of English writing. ; It is the reason why I have my friends edit my stories. P.s. The Hotel guests were mostly responsible for keeping their rooms clean.

I KNEW THE SURF WAS CLOSING, BUT THOUGHT IT WOULD BE BOUGHT BY THE NEXT SEASON, WHICH IT WAS NOT. I AM WORRIED THAT AN OLD vICTORIAN BUILDING LIKE THAT WILL SUFFER IRREPARABLE DAMABE AFTER BEING LEFT UNOCCUPIED ALL THIS TIME (2009 AT PRESENT). THE DAYS OF THE OLD SURF ARE GONE. MR. AND MRS. CYR ARE TOO ELDERLY TO ASSIST LORRAINE AND SHE CANNOT DO IT ALONE. IT IS A HUGE JOB. I REMEMBER IN THE 70S WHEN MRS CYR PREPARED THE EVENING MEAL, OFTEN A LOVELY FISH DINNER AND A SWEET SMILE. EVERYTHING MUST PASS. I CHERISH MY MEMORIES THERE. IT WAS THE FAMILY, THE CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL DOGS (WITH PUPPIES), THE PARAKEETS, THE GOLDFISH, THE KIDS PLAYING CHECKERS AND CHESS IN THE LOBBY (LIVING ROOM) AND THE OCCASIONAL "NAME" TALENTED VOCALIST, WHO WOULD SING AT THE PIANO FOR EVERYONE'S ENTERTAINMENT. IT WAS LORRAINE WITH HER FRIENDLY (IF YOU DESERVED IT) SMILE AT THE FRONT DESK. SHE WAS VERY CAREFUL TO KEEP THE GUESTS PROTECTED FROM THE KIND OF PEOPLE WHO WOULD DISRUPT THE PLACE. MEMORIES OF THE SURF ARE LIFE LONG. I HAVE NOT BEEN BACK TO THE ISLAND SINCE THE CLOSING OF THE SURF.

its spring 2009-whats the latest? i love it there please anyone know anything???? we go every june for our anniv.....

The venerable Surf has closed. I'm sure many longtime "Surfers" are very sad. It's said that you either love it or hate it. After several stays I must be one of the very few who is neutral. The location is great, the prices are cheap - what more can one ask from a beach front hotel. The "regulars", those who gush with love, are clanish and not very friendly to "newcomers". They glare and growl if a newcomer has the temerity to sit in one of "their" rocking chairs or presumes they might be included in parlor games. The rooms are small and dingy with double beds much in need of new mattresses. And Lorraine, the Cyr's darling daughter, rude doesn't even come close to her attitude. I must however admit that she's equally abrupt, annoyed at and rude to all guests whether it's your 30th or 1st visit. I hope someone buys the Surf, renovates it and puts in a professional staff. I for one would gladly pay the piper.

I have been going to Block for 17 years and staying a week+ at a time, then again for many overniters or days away for some down time. There is not a better place than THE SURF!!!! The Cyrs have ran a great establishment and Lorraine isn't rude at all. She controled the entire facility and kept the business free of rif-raf that can sometimes be upsetting to family vacations. It isnt the Marriot but it is what most people go to the Island for........peace, love of the ocean and nature and a laid back, step back, moment in time! No tv's, phones in rooms, but the pure essence of sitting on the porch, or in the lobby with all the hotel guests is the beauty and simplicity of THE SURF! Sadly the Cyr's have retired after giving a wonderful and warm place for people to go over the years. I do hope whomever buys the business can keep the beauty of THE SURF intact. They will be missed by many and we that have frequented The Surf are very much appreciative of all the Cyr's have done for their regular guests!!

The Surf is a great hotel. It's location is wonderful. The rooms are clean, the breakfast is superb, the family room is great for kids and families, the porches have the best views on Block Island, and it is a wonderful hotel with charm and beauty that will be sorely missed by many. We would love to come again (2008 would be our 3rd year), but the owners (Lorraine and family who we will miss dearly) will not be operating the hotel this year as it is now on the market. Does anyone know if there is a new owner or plans for opening in 2008?? Hopeful in CT.

We loved this place: warm, welcoming and a bit down home - just perfect. I've heard that they may not open next year. Sad! What a great building, location, and ... a warmth that seldom comes with...

Staying at the Surf Hotel is like returning to days when Life was simple and real. Not glamorous or trendy or wired for internet or any of that. The perfect antidote to fast-paced life in the city. Many families return the same time each year so you get to know people...its like a family. Great safe place for kids to have positive experiences with other kids. And great value too. Not the best place for singles or a couple looking for a romantic getaway, unless they're nice family-oriented folks.

Our family has been going to the Surf for many years. We love the whole thing. We love the location right on the beach, we love the summer community of guests, we love the games in the parlor, we love the porches--and the comfy chairs. We love listening to guests play the piano. We love the cavalier King Charles Spaniels and the parakeet. We love the taxidermy! We love breakfast, we love the beach. Welove quiet spaces to read books and interesting people to talk to. We like it that there is no TV in our room--soour kids have to actually talk to us and spend time outside for entertainment. We love the convenience of having a kitchen we can use--so we can save a little money & not have to eat out every meal. We love the swingset, we love being able to borrow beach chairs & umbrellas & beach towels from the hotel. We love the good natured charm of Mr. & Mrs. Cyr. We love Lorraine-- because she keeps order-- and makes sure the hotel is secure & clean. We love Lorraine because she enforces the rules that make staying at the Surf a happy experience. It's like going to Grandma's house.... respect the place, respect the people, pick up after yourself, and JOIN IN THE FUN!!! It's all the fun you can handle -- beach fires at night, swimming, kite flying, sandcastles, icecream, finding seashells, a good book, a good cup of coffee overlooking the ocean, good friends....a true vacation. Big Love to the Cyr Family!! God Bless.

My husband and I stayed here for a night at the end of June. The service was fine, I personally saw no rudeness from the staff. The room was tight, but served it's purpose as a place to sleep, it was clean as far as I could tell. I would try for an ocean side room as opposed to street side next time. The "entertainment" at the hotel next door was very loud, but not very good! The location was awesome! Walking distance to everything you could want. Perfect if you can't bring a car! All in all a good and inexpensive place to stay. I discovered when we were leaving that the hotel's owners are retiring. I wish them luck, and hope that we will be able to return next summer!