Ocean House Chosen Best in the World

CENTERBROOK, Conn. -- Coastal Living Magazine has proclaimed the Centerbrook-designed Ocean House resort hotel in Watch Hill, RI to be the best beach hotel in the world. It is the latest of many accolades for the five-star destination.

Here’s what the magazine's correspondents had to say about the new Ocean House: “A complete restoration preserved this nostalgic beauty to be loved by generations to come,” according to travel correspondent Samantha Brown; “Great views and vistas abound, inside and out,” opined freelance writer Gary Santaniello. “The architectural details, including pillared porches and a widow’s watch, are perfect,” wrote travel writers Diane Bair and Pamela Wright.

The original iconic hotel dated to 1868, but needed to be torn down because of structural deficiencies. Centerbrook, with Partner Jefferson Riley in charge, designed the new structure based on the early 20th century architectural core of the shoreline landmark, while adding some modern strivings and myriad amenities. The new Ocean House turns five in May and has received numerous architectural and travel awards, among them: five stars from Forbes Travel Guide and a Four Diamonds Award from AAA. Among the awards Centerbrook has received for its design of the Ocean House are an Interiors Design Award from Contract Magazine and a Grand Design Award from Builder Magazine. The hotel was featured on the cover of Condé Nast Traveler magazine in July.

Coastal Living sought nominations from its editors and contributors as well as 40 travel writers worldwide, winnowing the number down to the top 12. The magazine’s readers chose the Ocean House as their favorite.