nantucket where to stay
Nantucket—short for “Nantuckett,” the “Island of Indians” on the Atlantic coast—has long been a jewel of the Cape Cod Bay. Its cobblestone streets, century‑old architecture, and classic salt‑air cottages give it a charm that draws visitors year after year. But before you can soak in the island’s lighthouses, paddle in a shallow harbor, and sip Shadysmoke’s famous apple cider, you’ll need somewhere to call home for a night or two.
Below is a definitive guide, breaking down the island’s top neighborhoods and every type of lodging you’ll find—starting with the budget‑friendly and ending with the ultra‑luxurious. Whether you’re travelling with a family, a group of friends, or alone, there’s a spot on Nantucket for you.
1. Neighborhood Primer
| Area | Character | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown (Broad Street & Main) | Historic inns, boutique shops, eateries, nightlife | First‑time visitors, couples, croc‑slayer nights out |
| Harbor & Pier | Water‑front views, marina, quieter streets | Romantic getaways, nature lovers |
| Shoreline (Knob Hill, Lorean Point, Cape Cod Bay) | Scenic dunes, sunrise views, rental condos | Families, early‑bird photographers |
| Ferry Slip (Ferry Cross, Brunette Point) | Near ferry terminals, easy access to CLI‑CITY | Business travelers, short stays, easy parking |
The island splits into three core sectors: Downtown (historic, bustling), Harbor (serene, seaside), and Shoreline (natural beauty). When booking, keep in mind that the summer high‑season (mid‑June to early September) ends early August in many places, giving early‑August‑to‑mid‑September travelers a new rush of fresh rain‑scented air at a fraction of the price.
2. Accommodations by Category
2.1 The Iconic Hotels
| Hotel | What Makes It Stand Out | Approx.price (per night, peak season) |
|---|---|---|
| The Brook Hotel | Rooftop terrace, fine‑dining, prime “Q&A Corner” view | $680 |
| The Old Lighthouse Inn | Nautical décor, classic chalets, close to the harbor | $520 |
| Gateway Hotel & Suites | Boutique experience, trap‑door tennis courts, curated bottle service | $590 |
| Riviera Beach Hotel & Spa | Waterfront, outdoor pool, spa services; a price‑drop in early‑Sep | $570 |
Note: Book at least 3–4 months in advance. Hotel websites warrant the best rates—sometimes up to 20 % lower than major OTAs.
2.2 Charming Bed‑and‑Breakfasts
| B&B | Notable Features | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| Sunnyside Cottage | Trees, potted herbs, porch benches; locally roasted coffee | $250–$350 |
| Beekman House | Kitchen + daily brunch, library in the upstairs loft | $230–$310 |
| Lighthouse View B&B | Water‑front view, vintage nautical antiques | $260–$360 |
| Shadyside | Cozy artsy vibe, nearby trails, pricing flexible by season | $220–$300 |
Tip: Order the monthly “Garden & Wine Wednesday” event for an unmissable local pairing.
2.3 Seaside Resort & Condos
| Resort | Amenities | Price per night (peak) |
|---|---|---|
| Haulover Wharf Resort | Indoor pool, fitness center, on‑site boutique | $560 |
| The Ocean View Villas | Distinctive “Island‑Style” condos, open‑air balconies | $480 |
| Airbnb “Beach House” – 12‑bedroom | Private backyard, two kitchens, communal deck | $990 |
Quick Insight: Resorts often bundle extras. In late July, check for “Sombrero Sunset” packages (includes a sunset sail + dinner) that drop the price by ~15 %.
2.4 Budget & Budget‑Friendly
| Budget Stay | What Sets It Apart | Approx. price |
|---|---|---|
| The Old Lyme Inn | Cozy, downtown vibe, frequent local meet‑ups | $180–$220 |
| Patchwork GuestHouse | Minimalist design, quiet off‑season rates | $150–$180 |
| Nantucket Hostel (aka “The Coop”) | Modern dorm & private rooms, on‑site café, shared kitchen | $70–$120 |
Tip: If you’re traveling with a group, consider booking private rooms at the hostel or in a mutual‑bed B&B; the savings add up quickly.
2.5 Luxury & Boutique
| Luxury Property | Key Attractions | Rate per night (peak) |
|---|---|---|
| The Nantucket Inn – Sanctuary + Spa | Exclusive spa, chef‑prepared menus, pools overlooking the harbor | $1,200 |
| Seafoam 1913 | 1913‑era mansion, private beach house, excellent drone photography | $1,050 |
| The Daughters of the Walrus | Self‑same as “Nantucket’s away‑town with an extension”, AoI service | $900 |
Pro tip: Many luxury retailers have a “late‑September boutique” flyer. Check for splits between “True North” (mid‑Sept) and “August Special” (mid‑August) for a 15–20 % discount.
3. How to Book: A Seamless Plan
| Step | Action | Why It Matters | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Decide the Type of Stay | Hotels vs B&B vs Rentals influence cost and atmosphere | |
| 2 | Booking Platform | Compare the property’s direct site, Booking.com, Airbnb, VRBO | Direct bookings often have “free cancellation.” |
| 3 | Check “Full Refund” or “Flexible” Options | External events can delay flights | You can get all‑in‑one rescue at a lower price |
| 4 | Look for “Bundle & Save” | Package deals with dining or auto rentals | Surprise savings and added perks |
| 5 | Email / Talk to the Owner | Direct communication can unlock exclusive offers | You’ll often get “move‑in” discounts or late‑night “sunset supplies” for free |
Remember: Nantucket is a small island—every traveler eventually finds a niche. Mixing one of the top hotels for breakfast and a plush B&B at night works wonders for a balanced budget.
4. Hidden Gems: Where to Rent a Cabin or Tiny House
Many travelers flock to “cabins” near the Revere marina or in the Brickyard area. These are often accessible by bike—the entire island can be circumnavigated on a 35‑mile route. Rental options near the harbor:
- Natt Bay Tiny House – 500 sq ft, BBQ, public Wi‑Fi. Price: $295/night
- Backyard Cottage (by the Farrier Barn) – 450 sq ft, panoramic fish‑farming view. Price: $310/night
- Tiny Escape – Near Guner’s Café – 600 sq ft, open pot‑lattice. Price: $350/night
Why They’re Great: A rental can split up into two, making a great savings for a group of 4–6. The real draw? Living out of the floor plan shaped “cranes”. It’s a truly on‑island experience.
5. Things to Keep in Mind
| Item | Note |
|---|---|
| Holy Stakes: Overbooking | Hotels can overbook, especially in the summer, so safe‑guard by getting a written confirmation. |
| Parking | Paid parking is a major expense. Some B&Bs include free parking if you wander early in the morning. |
| Seawater vs Land Taxis | Sea taxis (the “Nantucket Fast Pass” steering taxis) cost ~20–25 $ for full‑fare 10 km rides. Use them for your first/final nights, especially if you’re near the ferry slip. |
| Local Taxes | The island’s tourism tax is 10 % on lodging; keep this in mind for budgeting. |
| Puerto Seguro | If you’re staying at an Airbnb, they may offer a “Nantucket Pass” ticket for local attractions (Lighthouse Tours, vessel rentals, etc.) |
6. Sample Itinerary (3‑Night Stay)
| Day | Activity | Suggested Stay |
|---|---|---|
| D1 | Arrival – checkout at the ferry, stroll along Main Street for lunch. | Day 1: Book a downtown B&B (Sunnyside Cottage). |
| D2 | Morning: Sunset yacht tour. Afternoon: Visit the Whaling Museum and the island’s archives. | Night 2: Hotel Tivoli (old is still the “bridge” across the harbor). |
| D3 | Beach day: Shadyside beach; snorkeling. Evening: sunset at Parry’s restaurant. | Night 3: Airbnb “Mason’s House” (great hour of cleanliness and a wonderful balcony). |
| D4 | Depart – early‑morning ferry; reminiscence at Nantucket’s harbor park. | N/A |
7. Final Thoughts
Nantucket’s lodging landscape is vast, dynamic, and undeniably picturesque. Decide what you value most—whether it’s the luxury of a spa hotel, the intimate charm of a B&B, or the freedom of a beachfront cabin. Keep the time of year and island peculiarities (like the “Ferry Night” low‑price wave) in mind, and you’ll be sure to land a stay that matches your itinerary and budget.
So, tighten your lanyard, pack your sunblock, choose your sand‑snooping spot, and book a place that feels like your own little slice of paradise. Nantucket’s welcoming vibes and welcoming certificate of “We’re always dreaming of your first visit.” Have a splashing time!
