John Babcock is considered the founder of Westerly after he visited the area with its first permanent settlers around 1660. All the settlers received a generous plot of land and were encouraged to make a go of life in the coastal area. It's unclear why they called their new city Westerly, but it's typically thought that the name referenced its location as the westernmost town in Rhode Island. However, it might also be a variation of the English village Westerleigh, the former home of one of Westerly's original residents, Elder John Crandall.
Locals found that Westerly was rich in granite, so they established quarries in Bradford and Potter Hill. Over time, the granite industry gave way to the textiles and tourism sector. The local tourism industry ensures visitors enjoy all the facilities they need to make their stay special. Discover why so many people return year after year when you visit Westerly for yourself.
When should you visit Westerly, RI?
Late-spring, early-fall, and late-summer are the best times to visit Westerly. Temperatures are pleasant during these months, averaging from the mid-50s to the early 70s, yet the city isn't overrun with tourists.
Westerly always welcomes an initial rush of travelers who are excited about summer and willing to brave the high heats and humidity, but tourist numbers and the extreme weather conditions tend to peter off near the end of the season. Heatwaves are common throughout the season and may occur late in summer when the temps typically drop off, so consider this when planning your getaway. If you can't handle the heat, you may be better off waiting for spring or fall.
Westerly has cool winters characterized by rain and snow. Often the chill continues through spring, so pack a coat and sweaters if you're traveling near the start of the season.
Westerly is known for its changeable weather. Rain showers can strike at any time of the year, so pack your umbrella no matter when you're traveling.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Westerly, RI:
Westerly, RI: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below are 3 charts illustrating avg. price trends by star rating class in Westerly, RI. Browse these charts to evaluate the best dates to book a room in Westerly for any future trips.
What are the luxury hotel options in Westerly, RI?
4 Star Average Prices: $200.75
Westerly is a city that oozes luxury, and never more than at these esteemed accommodations. Expect to have your every whim catered for at these elegant hotels.
The Ocean House sets the standard for luxury in Westerly. It all starts with the location, on a private sandy beach in the Watch Hill area. This makes for beautiful views, which you can take advantage of from your private balcony. If you can tear yourself away from the vista, you'll appreciate the cable TV, separate bedroom and living room, and high-end furnishings. A dip in the indoor/outdoor lap pool or a full-service treatment at the OH! Spa will put you in vacation mode. You'll also find a croquet lawn, several restaurants, and a spacious fitness center on-site.
The historic Weekapaug Inn is another impressive accommodation option. It's not quite as grand as the Ocean House, but with just 27 standard rooms and four two-bedroom suites, you'll never feel lost in the crowd. The well-appointed rooms look out over the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island. Guests can enjoy bocce and shuffleboard on the lawn behind the hotel or swim laps in the seasonal outdoor pool. The on-site restaurant Cuisine at the Inn is regarded as one of the area's best for its authentic New England meals prepared with local ingredients. Every Thursday night, guests enjoy clambakes on the shore.
What are the affordable hotel options in Westerly, RI?
3 Star Average Prices: $172.80
As an exclusive coastal destination, Westerly doesn't really offer budget accommodation. However, neighboring Stonington, just a few miles from downtown Westerly, has several budget-friendly inns for travelers watching their pennies.
Budget Inn North Stonington is a sweet hotel close to Elmridge Golf Course and Jonathan Edwards Winery. With just 22 guestrooms, Budget Inn North Stonington staff can offer the kind of personalized service usually reserved for more high-end accommodation options. The reception desk never closes, so there's help on hand at any time of the day or night. The air-conditioned rooms feature either a king-sized bed or a pair of double beds, coffee and tea makers, free Wi-Fi, and cable TV.
America's Best Value Inn Stonington/Mystic has quaint smoke-free, air-conditioned guestrooms with wooden furnishings, and floral quilts and curtains. There's no pool or fitness center like you often see in more luxurious hotels, but with free local calls, Wi-Fi, and cable TV, you'll never be bored. You won't find an on-site restaurant either, but that just gives you an excuse to sample the ones around the hotel. You'd probably prefer to leave work far behind, but if yours follows you to Westerly, you'll appreciate America's Best Value Inn's on-site business center with fax and copy facilities.