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Nantucket is a magical island with quintessential New England flare, making it the ultimate place for a surreal beach getaway. Cobblestone roads weave through boutiques and charming shops in downtown, and the fresh, innovative yet ever traditional northeast coast cuisine is unparalleled. The little island is a nautical retreat like none other, and the hotels are whimsical and upscale. If you’re planning on a future vacay here, these are the places you’ll want to stay.
76 Main
The contemporary nautical design makes this little boutique hotel, in the midst of downtown, really pop. With a solid rating on TripAdvisor, it’s clearly a stellar place to cozy up in Nantucket. S’mores kits await in your room to use at the fire pit within the serene patio space, cookies are placed in commons areas in the afternoon and there’s a cocktail mixer in the evening. Breakfast is a culinary adventure of its own, featuring the most delicate scones, perfumed fruits and other fresh selections.
Union Street Inn
“New England by way of France” is the theme at Union Street Inn, which also touts a surprisingly high TripAdvisor satisfaction rate. Drink your morning coffee or snack on complimentary sweets on the foliage engulfed garden patio with iron bistro tables, before stepping right out into the Historic Village of the island. Every detail at Union Street Inn has been tended to—towels and linens are super soft, rooms are lovingly decorated and commons areas are refined yet homelike. Indulge in a made-to-order breakfast—you can’t go wrong with the blueberry pancakes. And be most certain to treat yourself to the homemade carrot cake.
Cliffside Beach Club
Here you can have a perfect beachside vacation, as the boutique cottages and rooms sit right on the ocean of North Shore. Likely no other pool deck in the area compares, as the Mediterranean style oasis offers a lap and leisure pool in addition to a generously sized in-ground hot tub. Travertine tile, waterfalls and an indoor sauna are just the icing on the cake. Hang by the bar and enjoy an impeccable drink, or rent bikes to stroll the nostalgic streets of town.
Hotel Pippa
You can walk to the ferry, as the hotel is a mere half mile away, while Hotel Pippa is also amongst restaurants and iconic shopping of Nantucket. Rooms are refreshingly light with plenty of windows and airy colors, adding a sense of modernity to the classic shingle sided structure. A locally sourced complimentary breakfast, well-stocked wine bar and beach chairs are among the perks when staying at this lovely accommodation.
21 Broad Hotel
Quite possibly the winner of the best afternoon cookies, 21 Broad Hotel also has inventive small plates of cheeses, infused pears, along with amazing home baked, gluten free muffins for breakfast. The exterior exudes a Victorian style while the rooms are newly refreshed but still quaint and classic. Showers are extra lovely, and the water is even vitamin C infused!
Nantucket Hotel and Resort
Charming New England architecture is reflected in this towering, shingle-sided hybrid, in between a hotel and inn. Separate cottages are available for a bit more seclusion, and major points of interest such as beaches and downtown are within walking distance. But why walk when you could take the precious antique shuttle bus that has been beautifully restored? Two outdoor pools with cabanas and refined decks are further enhanced with excellent poolside service. Breeze Restaurant is beyond exceptional, setting a new standard for attached hotel food joints—try the ahi poke or lobster salad. And of course a place this impressive would have a lavish spa.
White Elephant Hotel
More of a resort than just a hotel, White Elephant offers a variation of accommodations via sleek rooms, suites, cottages and lofts. However the hotel itself sits on Nantucket Harbor, is easily walkable to Children’s Beach, and the views are devastatingly gorgeous. The staff has a knack for leaving behind treats and chocolates, especially when a guest is celebrating a special occasion. Consistent with many Nantucket hotels, the food, such as breakfast on the veranda and the traditional New England lunch, are absolute perfection. Try out the surprisingly tasty Lobster Bloody Mary.
The Wauwinet
Offering two beaches, one on the Atlantic and one on Nantucket Bay, this picturesque inn is only for grown-ups. Inside can be best described as classically pristine, with the decor feeling fresh and new, but holding tightly to the old feel via antique furnishings and some very elaborate wallpaper. Gardens, outdoor decks and long winding wooden paths that lead to ocean view lounging space are nothing short of dreamy—enjoy the environment and a selection of 1400 wines during an open-air lunch at Toppers. Lots of little extras surprise quests through the day, from hot cider, artisanal cheese to complimentary kayaks. Both homey and luxurious simultaneously, you might find it hard to leave, despite there being a free shuttle to town.
