We used our RCI membership to stay at the Island Manor Resort. I've been coming to Block Island for 33 years and already know what the Island has to offer. All we were looking for was a basic place to stay and the Island Manor Resort exceeded our expectations. (Our = my husband, 3 year-old son and me)

I am giving it 3 stars because while it is very nice there were some drawbacks. We had a studio unit with a bed and pull-out couch. The bed did not have a bedspread on it, just a blanket which I thought was kind of strange and which took away from the room's appearance. Also, the carafe that came with our coffee maker had a chip at the spout so making coffee was something of a painful process since coffee and water spilled everywhere each time you attempted to pour from it.

Also, while we had an adequate supply of towels, it was just that: barely adequate. 4 towels total. The only reason it was enough was because there were no other females in our group. Most women I know use 2 towels. Also, there is no maid service. They do have a "towel exchange" once during the week (Wednesday) where you have to manually bring your towels to the office and exchange them for an equal amount to take up to your room.

Although there is no maid service and a barely adequate supply of towels, management makes it quite clear that they expect to receive a tip at the end of your stay. For what? Because the room was clean upon arrival? Tips are for service that goes above and beyond. We laughed at the tip envelope and, of course, did not leave anything. We are not adverse to leaving a hefty tip but it has to be for actual service rendered during your stay!!!

Now for the good: The management is quite friendly. We were pleasantly surprised to find the array of goodies available for all guests to borrow: beach toys, movies, books, boogie boards, beach chairs, umbrellas. We actually left a huge assortment of beach toys with the resort that we had brought with us (so that could be our tip...ha! ha!). Also, there are gas grills spaced on the lawn which allowed for pleasant evening barbecuing.

Additionally, there is a small playground which is suitable for young children. There is a fence running around the perimeter of the property which allowed me to feel comfortable as my son ran around the lawn.

There is a huge deck running along the front of each building (2 buildings total). Each room has a swinging chair, plastic tables, and a huge (kitchen size) table complete with chairs outside of it, making it very inviting to hang around outside. Additionally, chaise lounges and picnic tables are located on the lawn by the barbecues which make it very pleasant to hang around on the lawn instead of the deck if you are so inclined. All of this was very handy since we had a ton of visitors throughout the week.

The resort itself is walking distance from town and the beach but does not afford any sort of view. However, I don't see this as a drawback. It is very quiet at night and they have a "no noise" policy after 9 p.m.

Overall, we enjoyed our stay and are already booked for next year. One tip: ask for rooms 21 - 25 since they directly overlook the barbecues. Our room was above the parking lot and next to the office. Because the owners are pleasant, this wasn't a problem but I did feel a certain lack of privacy.