We had a delightful visit to the Manisses last weekend. The rooms were large and modernized with new door locks and other improvements, but the atmosphere of previous times was maintained in the décor of the rooms, and the spacious downstairs area, where there was room to sit down and have a coffee in small, spread -out comfortable couches. Outside, there was a beautiful cosey valley with many widely separate spots with tables and chairs to have a drink or dinner. The host at the desk was a gem- friendly, knowledgeable, and accommodating. By her keeping our baggage safe before and after our one-night stay, and allowing us to change for swimming, in the bathroom, we made our one night stay into a two-day visit to Block Island, whose main attractions were a short walk or bike ride from the hotel.