Pleasant View Inn

The pool was heated to 85°, which made for a perfect fall swim day for the kids, and our group loved the PV punch. You also get two free drink coupons at check-in. We had a great weekend at Pleasant View Inn. The rooms were clean, the beds were really comfortable, and the restaurant food was delicious. Plus, the ocean view is gorgeous.

The sound of the waves and the oceanfront setting were nice, but they weren’t close to making this stay worthwhile. At check-in, they charged us an extra $121 and didn’t give much of an explanation. They also charge for the complimentary drink tickets, even if you say you don’t want them. The whole hotel smelled like marijuana and cigarettes, and I found it filthy and disgusting. There was a toilet leak from the floor above, leaving the hallway covered in water. All they did was put down a towel, and it stayed wet and smelly. There’s no elevator, and the stairwells were dirty and stained. The property is 103 years old, and it seemed like it had never been updated. Our balcony furniture was filthy, and the enclosure was completely broken, with no barrier to protect us from falling, so we couldn’t use it. The restaurant was awful. I got very sick from my food. My husband was lucky to send his back after one bite and didn’t eat, so he didn’t get sick. Staff were passive and seemed not to care about guest needs. I’d sooner stay in a highway motel than come back. I can’t believe positive reviews are from guests, and I wouldn’t spend a dollar to stay here.

We had a fantastic girls’ weekend, and I’m already looking forward to coming back. The rooms were clean and well stocked, and the staff were friendly and helpful. The hotel has its own beach, with lovely sunrises and sunsets, and the location and views are hard to beat. We also loved the restaurant food and the drinks. 10 out of 10, I’d recommend it!

I’m planning to return to both Westerly and the hotel, even though a few quirks kept this from being a five-star stay. The location is definitely five stars. The front desk and restaurant staff were friendly and attentive, and the food I had for lunch and dinner at the bar was very good. On Thursday nights, they host music bingo, which was fun for all ages, and I met plenty of locals there. There’s coffee and tea in the lobby, but no breakfast at the hotel. I saw families arrive in the morning and find the restaurant closed. A few breakfast spots are walkable, about five or six blocks away. My room was spacious, with a balcony overlooking the pool and a shower with excellent temperature and water pressure. But it never got cleaned. The room attendant left a card asking for a tip, yet the room wasn’t serviced. At checkout they told me I had to request cleaning when I checked in, which I think they should have asked me about. I also felt uneasy as a woman traveling alone because there was no inside lock on the room door. Anyone with a key, including staff, could get in at night. I don’t know why they don’t have inside locks, and some friends said they wouldn’t stay there because of it. Check-in at 4 pm is strict, and they can’t store bags if you arrive early. I saw people with all their luggage at the pool or beach. They provide beach towels, but no beach chairs, so bring your own if you want to sit right on the beach. There are plenty of chairs and umbrellas overlooking the beach and by the pool. I was glad I called ahead and brought a chair, even though I’d taken the train. Without a car, I used Uber a few times to get to town and Westerly train station. Waits were long, so I learned to schedule rides ahead. On Monday and Wednesday evenings, there’s live music at Westerly Town Beach, called Tunes on the Dunes. I recommend checking it out. I also enjoyed downtown Westerly, including Martin’s books, a nice bookstore and coffee shop, and Amigo’s for great Mexican food. I had lunch at Ocean House Verandah too, a gorgeous spot.