where to stay in nantucket
Nantucket is a New England gem that appears on almost every luxury travel bucket list. With its cobblestone streets, historic homes, and miles of salt‑kissed dunes, the island offers a bit of everything—from sumptuous five‑star retreats to cozy, family‑run inns. Whether you’re escaping the city, celebrating a special occasion, or going on a seaside family vacation, there’s a Nantucket hide‑away that fits the bill. Below is a practical, up‑to‑date guide that covers the island’s neighborhoods, price ranges, and what to look for when booking a stay.
1. The Island’s Neighborhoods: Where the Magic Happens
| Neighborhood | What It Offers | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| The Village | Central location; boutique shops, galleries, and restaurants. | Couples, first‑time visitors |
| The Jetties | Upscale homes, rare waterfront properties. | Luxury seekers, designers |
| East/North | Wineries, nautical sites, East End beach access. | Food lovers, sandcastle enthusiasts |
| West/Central | Quiet coves, historic churches, local eateries. | Travelers on a budget, solo wanderers |
Most luxury hotels are anchored in The Village, providing easy walking distance to the waterfront and all the main attractions. For those who wish to stay on the edge of Nantucket’s shoreline, East End and West End deliver the classic “beachside” feel, while Jetties is the haven for those craving privacy and high‑end design.
2. Luxury Retreats (≥ $300/night)
| Property | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| The Scallop House at The Nantucket Hotel | Classic “scallop” design elements, 3 Michelin‑star dining nearby, concierge service | Honeymooners, gala guests |
| Willows Inn | Run‑up roof, seafront views, boutique spa, 32 rooms | Couples, wellness tourists |
| Hotel Nantucket | Modern art installations, two restaurants, pool & spa | Business travelers, design buffs |
| The Ledge | Expansive 1‑bedroom studios, panoramic ocean view, dog‑friendly | Couples, pet owners |
| Place M | Historic building with 65 rooms, community bar, farm‑to‑table option | Families, group stays |
If you’re planning a wedding or a brunch‑filled weekend, consider Hotel Nantucket next to the harbor—they frequently host events and have a dedicated event planning team. For pure seafront bliss, a short‑term rental at The Ledge can come in at slightly cheaper rates during the off‑season, with a larger living area than most hotels.
3. Mid‑Range Hotels ( $150–$299/night)
| Property | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Cypress Inn | 40 rooms, carved out of the historic inn with courtyard kitchen | Couples, couples with kids |
| The Van Dock | Wood‑fire kitchen, free parking, patchwork in a historic building | Eco‑travelers, small groups |
| The Galea Inn | Classic 1890s architecture, private balcony | Couples, couples with kids |
| Cape Shade Inn | Seaside cottages, seasonal “Winter Re-Illuminate” light festivals | Families, surfers |
You’ll often find seasonal rates for these properties during the shoulder months. Bring a cooler of wine, a couple of beach towels, and you’re in for a comfortable four‑star experience.
4. Budget Friendly Options (< $150/night)
| Property | Highlights | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Rental Cottage | Single or 2‑bedroom bookings, fully equipped with a kitchen | Budget travelers, domestic couples |
| Nantucket B&B Association | Lists garden‑back B&Bs; many offer free breakfast | Solo travelers, students |
| Gill Brothers Hotel | Historic charm, classic decor | Backpackers, families on a tight budget |
| Marlboro Farms | A small inn with local produce | Foodies, short‑term stays |
| Coffehouse Inn | Simple, clean rooms, near retail stores | Couples, solo artists |
While these lodging options are more modest, they still give you the undeniable charm of Nantucket. Be sure to read the pet‑policy if you’re traveling with a furry friend—most spots require a small deposit and sometimes a COVID‑related policy which has been relaxed in 2025.
5. Vacation Rentals & Airbnb
- Beach‑Front Villa – 3–4 bedrooms, panoramic ocean views, 3‑star rating
- Historic Cottage – 2‑bedroom, 1050 sq ft, waterfront courtyard
- Lake House – Secluded property, no road access, ideal for a remote retreat
Lyft or rental car can help you cross the miles; the island’s public benches provide safe bounce points for Pedal Prep. Check the filter tags for “pet‑friendly” and “kits bathroom” to keep your experience smooth.
6. The Great Outdoors: Camping & Glamping (Nature Enthusiasts)
| Site | Highlights | Rates |
|---|---|---|
| Nattuck Marsh Campground | Variety of tent sites, proximity to water | $70/night |
| Thoreau Shelter – Courthouse Hill | Shared cabins, family‑friendly | $90/night |
| Sola Beach Lot | Campers share a salt‑water context; no hot tub | $50/night |
| Glamp at Old Mill | Luxe tents, fire pits, bedding included | $180/night |
For those who prefer their own beds and a tent by the dune, Nattuck Marsh offers the cheapest option. The glamping-style blasted by Old Mill offers an e‑clipstyle alternative: comfortable windows and a patio to catch the sunset.
7. Booking Tips 2025
- Book Early in Peak Season (May–August). The island hits capacity by mid‑June. We often see last‑minute spikes up to 50% higher than the release window.
- Off‑Season Rates. Check for “stay 3 nights or more” discounts or “rami” push‑back deals for early fall or spring.
- Multi‑Room Discounts. Book more than one room under the same reservation if traveling in a group; many hotels give 10–15% off.
- Flexible Dates. Use calendar tools on Booking.com or Airbnb. They will auto‑update the best rate for you.
- Direct Booking. Consider calling the hotel directly; most of them appreciate phone traffic and offer a small “pre‑payment” discount.
8. Accessibility and Family‑Friendly Amenities
| Facility | Notes |
|---|---|
| Wheelchair Access | Most boutique hotels: yes, but check size of hallways. |
| ECONOMY ADA Facilities | Nattuck Marsh and many B&Bs have accessible showers. |
| Kids’ Club | Some hotels (Cypress Inn, The Galea Inn) provide free kids’ breakfast or a club program for 2‑12 years old. |
| Pet Policy | 3–4 hotels accommodate dogs; always confirm the deposit and how they handle cleaning. |
If your itinerary consists of early morning surf, a midday meal, and an evening stroll along the harbor, opt for a property with basic amenities such as in‑room Wi‑Fi, a minibar, and an e‑Siri‑friendly kettle.
9. Where to Eat (In cabin or from the house)
- Breakfast – Local café “Caffe De’Cosa”; at hotels: “Fisherman’s Market” has a weekly “Made‑in‑Nantucket” showcase.
- Lunch – “Mellows Fish & Chowder” in the East End offers a lively beachfront surf‑stew.
- Dinner – “The Inn’s Bountiful Table” at the Hotel Nantucket; “Duke Annie’s Pawnbroker’s” for a chic lounge vibe.
- Night Spot – “The Van Dock’s Revelry” – cocktails overlooking the harbor.
10. Final Thoughts: Pick Your Style
| Traveler Type | Suggested Stay | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Couple | The Scallop House or Willows Inn | Ultimate romance, quiet, spectacular sunset views |
| Family | Gill Brothers or Cape Shade Inn | Affordable, kid‑friendly amenities, near school activities |
| Budget Traveller | Rental Cottage or Airbnb | Save on food by cooking yourself |
| Luxury & Wellness | The Ledge or Hotel Nantucket | Full spa itineraries, yoga classes on the property |
| Adventure Junkie | Nattuck Marsh Camping | Sea‑salt air, sunrise surf, glitch‑in‑style experiences (glamping) |
Whatever you choose, remember that Nantucket’s hospitality is as perennial as its masts. Plan ahead, pack a reusable water bottle (the town-level approach to the environment), and enjoy the quintessential New England small‑town vibe on this magnificent island.
Have a safe trip, and may the tide always pull you in the right direction!
