With panoramic ocean views and fine dining on every street corner, nearly every hotel could qualify as one of the best places to stay on Nantucket. An island born out of the 1800s whaling era, Nantucket is a small island off the coast of Massachusetts home to theaters, museums, and world-class beaches. Cruising along the sandy coastline to unobstructed ocean views and empty beaches or browsing the shops in town, Nantucket offers an eclectic mix of old New England and modern day amenities for travelers of all kinds.
Cliff Lodge
Located just outside of downtown Nantucket, the Cliff Lodge is just a ten-minute walk from the Nantucket ferry landing. This bed and breakfast hotel dates back as far as 1771 and offers a rooftop view of the harbor. With breakfast baskets, free parking, and easy access to bike paths, the Cliff Lodge is a great stay for anyone visiting the island without a car. Walk into town for coffee and shops galore or grab a bite just a minute walk around the corner at American Seasons fine cuisine.
Nantucket Inn
Directly next to the airport, the Nantucket Inn is a traditional hotel offering the island’s only indoor pool and continental breakfast. If flying into Nantucket, this is an ideal place to stay. While it is a bit of a drive to get into town from the Nantucket Inn, the hotel offers visitors a shuttle bringing guests to and from downtown shops. This hotel has plenty of amenities, including a library lounge, fitness center, and tennis court. The Nantucket Inn also hosts events such as small weddings, receptions, and family gatherings with. The largest social event space, the Nobadeer Ballroom, houses a maximum of 150 guests.
Martin House Inn
Described by guests as ‘cozy’ and ‘comfortable,’ the Martin House Inn gives visitors a taste of old Nantucket. This bed and breakfast was originally built by a whaling ship captain in 1803. The Martin House Inn is just outside of the hustle and bustle of downtown Nantucket, but is walking distance to all shops, dining, and ferry services. Lounge out on the roof walk with a cocktail for sunset views of the Nantucket Harbor or nestle up with a good book by one of the many fireplaces inside.
Faraway Nantucket
Combining modern décor with old Nantucket charm, Faraway Nantucket is a beautifully stored 200-year-old building in Downtown Nantucket. Walking distance to all shops and the ferry landing, Faraway Nantucket offers guests a unique stay experience without the need for a car. Faraway has an outdoor café onsite, as well as Sister Ship a relaxed cocktail club featuring a Mediterranean inspired menu. With fantastic service, staff, and location, Faraway Nantucket is a wonderful place to stay for any length of time with or without a mode of transportation.
Periwinkle B&B
The Periwinkle Inn is an 1830s whaling era Bed and Breakfast located on North Water Street just outside of Downtown Nantucket. Also walking distance to shops and ferry transportation, the Periwinkle Inn boasts a beautiful garden setting for weddings and special events. Some of the rooms at the Periwinkle Inn offer views of Nantucket Harbor. Just a stone’s throw away lies the Whaling Museum for visitors to peek into the history of the era in which the Inn was originally built. A continental breakfast and fresh brewed coffee are also offered by this bed and breakfast for all guests to enjoy.
Jared Coffin House
Offering indoor and outdoor dining as well as a downstairs bar area, the Jared Coffin House was built in 1845 by one of Nantucket’s most successful ship owners. Known as the first mansion ever built on Nantucket, this three-story elegant home was renovated in 1961 but kept all of it’s mid-1800s charm. Less than a ten-minute walk from the ferry landing, the Jared Coffin House is easily accessible for those coming into Nantucket without a vehicle or planning on biking around town. With an old Nantucket feel, this hotel hosts weddings and events on the beautiful well gardened grounds of the Jared Coffin House.
Brass Lantern Inn
The Brass Lantern Inn is a hotel in downtown Nantucket, walking distance to all that the town has to offer. Just a quick walk to the ferry landing, beaches, and theaters, the Brass Lantern Inn sits in the middle of it all. This historic Bed and Breakfast offers modern décor, free Wi-Fi, and a continental breakfast including a fresh fruit platter. This smaller 17- room Inn offers different packages for guests of all kinds and has been recently updated with comfortable bedding and a bright airy feel. Enjoy breakfast outside on the patio or in the well-kept gardens with some locally roasted Nantucket Roasters coffee offered complimentary to all guests.
Greydon House
With a library room, fireplaces, beautiful front porch, and an updated but still old New England décor, the Greydon House summarizes the meaning of the word Nantucket. This boutique hotel is just two minutes from the ferry terminal and Whaling Museum and boasts just 20 uniquely styled rooms. The on-site restaurant, Via Mare, offers indoor and outdoor seating and Venetian small plate cuisine. With easy access to bike trails, the Greydon House offers a perfect location for those looking to explore all that Nantucket has to offer without the need for car transport.
The Summer House Cottages
Located on the Eastern shore of Nantucket, the Summer House Cottages is a collection of small beach suites some offering ocean views and jacuzzi tubs. Tucked away in the dunes of the Sconset Bluff, the Summer House Cottages also host weddings of all sizes accommodating up to 400 guests. The lawn overlooking the ocean, or the private Summer House beach have been chosen by many couples for an elegant beachside wedding setting.
Voted as Nantucket’s best wedding venue, this romantic setting is also home to the Summer House Restaurant with sweeping ocean views and a lively piano bar. For a quicker and casual bite, the Beachside Bistro is a tented outdoor restaurant with herb gardens and an extensive happy hour drink menu. While a drive from downtown Nantucket, the Summer House Cottages are the perfect getaway for those looking to escape to the sandy dunes of this quiet New England Island.
The Wauwinet
With a tucked away private beach, the Wauwinet is a modern coastal bed and breakfast located on the northeastern tip of Nantucket. This historic hotel combines old Nantucket charm with seaside décor and updated guest rooms. Known as one of the best locations on the island to watch the sunset, the Wauwinet also is next to the Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge. Outside of 
the hustle and bustle of downtown Nantucket, a car or cab is needed by visitors to reach this tucked away hotel. When arriving at the Wauwinet visitors are greeted by a doorman and have the option to book half-day or full-day Hinkley cruises. There is also a shuttle to and from the ferry landing in town.
Bicycles are offered complimentary and onsite fishing is available for all guests of the Wauwinet. This hotel can also transform into a full-service wedding venue offering 33 hotel rooms, lobster bakes, and a complimentary wedding planner. Fine dining and spa treatments are available onsite, or guests can choose to just relax and take in the beautiful grounds of the Wauwinet while enjoying unforgettable sunsets across the sweeping views of the bay.
Staying in Nantucket
Some of the best places to stay on Nantucket are unsuspecting, scattered throughout the small island under the disguise of an old historic home or large estate. With shops, dining, theaters, and outdoor activities, Nantucket packs a whole lot of punch into just 105 square.
Whether ditching the car for the week and traveling by bike throughout the historic streets of downtown Nantucket or heading to the tucked away sandy dune shores of Siasconset there is a vacation for travelers of all kinds awaiting on the island of Nantucket.
Once you have chosen the best lodging option for you and your family, use our Day Trip to Nantucket to help you plan your trip or our Events Calendar to find out the local happenings during your visit.
