Historic sister inns in Rhode Island have undergone massive renovations and are now open year-round. NY1's Valarie D'Elia filed the following report.
A couple of years ago, the Victorian Ocean House in Watch Hill, Rhode Island was reborn. Now five miles down the road, its scruffy little sister, the Weekapaug Inn, is ready to debut after a $20 million restoration of its own.
"The inn was always a quintessential New England beach experience, you know, sandals and shorts in the dining room were okay," says Ocean House & Weekapaug Inn President Daniel Hostettler.
The summer sisters -- now open year round -- carry a combined 200 years of history under their sun-bleached skin. Under the same management, they are now more complementary than competitive. "If you are staying at the inn and want to dine here, or vice versa, or utilize our spa or their fitness center, you can go back and forwards and charge to your room," notes Hostettler.
The Weekapaug Inn has history literally embedded in the walls. A stairwell mural depicts the Inn’s transition -- courtesy of a 1938 hurricane -- from a beachfront hotel to its current location on a more secure foundation.
The Weekapaug, with 31 rooms and suites, is half the size of the Ocean House. Some original furniture is preserved as part of its comfy décor, as well as the beloved backyard clam bake pit.
The Weekapaug is offering a prelude package for early birds who want to experience the charms and solitude of the off-season, while some constructions continues.
Rates start at $255 per night From October 7 through October 31, dropping to $147 per night from November 1 to April 15 with holiday blackouts and other restrictions. This includes a $50 resort credit at either hotel, along with daily breakfast.
For more information, visit www.weekapauginn.com.