The 12 Best Hotels in Nantucket of 2024

Aerial view of Harborview Nantucket — Photo:
Courtesy of Harborview Nantucket

There's nothing sweeter than summertime in New England. As a born and bred Rhode Islander, I know the particular kind of magic that comes with the warmer weather, specifically between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend (and a few extra special bonus weeks in September, too). And while my home state is certainly great, there's another island just off the coast that takes the cake during these few short months — Nantucket, Massachusetts.

The diminutive island punches way above its weight when it comes to hospitality. From fantastic dining to gorgeous beaches, and whale watching galore, it's got everything you need to have a great time on its 47 square miles – including some world-class hotels. Here are 12 of the best hotels to stay at on your next trip to Nantucket, based on winners from our T+L World’s Best Awards and It List, plus our editor recommendations.

Why I'm the Expert

Stacey Leasca is a born and bred Rhode Islander, who has visited more than 40 countries as part of her work for T+L, but her favorite thing to cover is her home region of New England. Growing up, Stacey often visited Nantucket for family and friends getaways, always keeping an eye out for the best of the best to share with you.

The Wauwinet

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What We Like

Its exclusive beachfront location affords stunning sunset views.

What to Consider

It's wildly popular – making advanced reservations a must.

The Wauwinet, is a charming, adults-only retreat that epitomizes the Nantucket experience — so much so that it made its way onto our 2023 World's Best Awards list for best resorts in New England. The oceanfront resort offers guests the option of booking either traditional rooms or cottages, including the Idlewild Cottage suite with a gas fireplace, that's ideal for a cool summer night.

In the main inn, guests can gather at Topper's, the hotel’s top-rated restaurant that serves oysters harvested just a few hundred feet away. There's plenty of fun to be had at the hotel, too, thanks to its private beach and complimentary bikes, which make it easy to explore, along with kayaks and paddle boards for anyone looking to get out on the water.

The Details:

Accessibility: ADA-accessible rooms available
Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: Relais & Châteaux
Resort Fee: None
Pet Policy: No pets allowed
Rates: Starting at $725 per night

Faraway Nantucket

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What We Like

The eclectic design makes you feel more stylish just by checking in.

What to Consider

The lively environment might not suit travelers looking for a quieter retreat.

Faraway Nantucket is one more hotel beloved by T+L readers and editors alike. The trendy boutique hotel combines vintage charm with rattan furnishings, vibrant colors, and classic New England styling, with modern amenities like Bluetooth radios and Byredo bath products. The hotel also helps guests make the most of their stay with experiences like "Hit the Beach," which includes two beach chairs, an umbrella, two towels, and a bottle of Dune sunscreen, and its "Nantucket Lightship Bracelet Weaving Experience," where guests can make their own bracelet and learn all about staves and weavers along the way.

Guests don't need to travel far for a great meal (though the hotel's central location makes it easy to walk anywhere). Instead, they can just head to the on-site Sister Ship restaurant and bar, which happens to be one of the most popular spots in town anyway. This hotel also landed a spot on our World’s Best Awards in 2023.

The Details:

Accessibility: ADA-accessible rooms available
Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: None
Resort Fee: None
Pet Policy: Pets allowed with $75 fee per pet
Rates: Starting at $185 per night

The Nantucket Hotel and Resort

Vintage Trolly outside The Nantucket Hotel + Resort — Courtesy of The Nantucket Hotel + Resort

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What We Like

Family-friendly amenities and spacious accommodations make it ideal for a group stay.

What to Consider

It can get quite busy during peak seasons.

The Nantucket Hotel and Resort, a 2019 World's Best Awards winner and repeat 2023 winner, is an icon of New England hospitality. The family-friendly resort has been in operation since the late 19th century, beckoning families to the island for a little getaway. Here, kids and kids at heart can stay fully entertained thanks to its complimentary shuttle service to local beaches, its award-winning children's programming, by taking a dip in its pools, or gathering around the fire pits for s'mores at night. This hotel also earned a spot on our T+L World’s Best Awards in 2023.

The Details:

Accessibility: ADA-accessible rooms available
Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Resort Fee: No
Pet Policy: Pets allowed in specific rooms for $70 a night
Rates: Starting at $550 per night

White Elephant

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What We Like

It has picture-perfect harbor views.

What to Consider

Its high-end status is reflected in its premium pricing June through August.

The White Elephant, a T+L World's Best Awards winner in 2019 and 2023, is synonymous with luxury on Nantucket. The resort, located along the waterfront, is an elegant oasis punctuated by splashes of ocean blue decor, and fantastic views out the massive picture windows in every room. It's also home to the tranquil Spa by Darya, where guests can further unwind with body treatments like its Detoxifying Algae Wrap & Body Massage, which is ideal for anyone who has spent a little too much time in the sun.

The Details:

Accessibility: ADA-accessible rooms available
Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: None
Resort Fee: None
Pet Policy: Pets not allowed
Rates: Starting at $470 per night

“This iconic hotel — which received a fresh renovation in 2023, during its 100th anniversary — is just blocks from the best bars, restaurants, and shops on Nantucket. White Elephant is the ideal choice for families because it has a small children’s beach and is one of the only hotels on the island with a pool. The design is New England-chic, with lots of white linen, and there are dozens of original (and colorful) artworks throughout the hotel. A can't-miss experience is taking a boat from the White Elephant to its sibling property, The Wauwinet, for a decadent sunset dinner.”

–Liz Cantrell, Senior Editor

Life House Nantucket

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What We Like

It has boutique charm with a cozy, home-like atmosphere and personalized service.

What to Consider

There are a limited number of rooms, making it essential to book early.

Find an intimate and inviting boutique experience in the heart of the island at Life House Nantucket, a 2021 It List-winning accommodation. The hotel, which was once a private home in the 1800s, has been converted into a coveted hotel experience, with colorful rooms boasting personal fireplaces and vintage furnishings that make you feel like you really are a guest in someone's home. Guests can also spend time in the Instagrammable common spaces, which come decked out in rattan furnishings and white tassel umbrellas.

The Details:

Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: None
Resort Fee: None
Pet Policy: No pets allowed
Rates: Starting at $170 per night

Blue Iris by Life House, Nantucket

Guest room at Blue Iris — Courtesy of Blue Iris

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What We Like

Its beautiful decor could inspire your own home renovation.

What to Consider

It has limited amenities compared to larger hotels.

Blue Iris by Life House is a little taste of the Greek islands right in Massachusetts. The Greek Revival vacation home perfectly marries modern charms with classic Mediterranean elements, including through its bright white and rich blue decor. It's also a fantastic place to spend time in the sun, thanks to its gorgeous garden patio, which comes complete with the same blue color trend, all surrounded by lush green landscaping for a private feel. Don't miss its curated local experiences, including sailing trips, painting, and biking excursions, either.

The Details:

Accessibility: ADA-accessible suite available
Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: None
Resort Fee: None
Pet Policy: No pets allowed
Rates: Starting at $219 per night

“Its theme and decor are pure New England with Mediterranean influences, offering the ideal beach vacation vibe. My ground-floor suite featured a living room, full bathroom, and a bedroom with gorgeous French doors that led to the property's Garden Patio, where I spent time working and relaxing while nautical new wave beats played softly. In the mornings, I headed up to the breakfast room, which served up the best fruit and yogurt parfait I've ever had.”

–Hillary Maglin, Updates Editor

21 Broad

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What We Like

Its location overlooking Broad Street is perfection.

What to Consider

It's a boutique hotel, meaning you won't find major hotel amenities like a spa here.

21 Broad is perhaps the best positioned hotel in Nantucket. Its location at – you guessed it — 21 Broad Street puts it at the center of the action, allowing guests to walk to just about everything. Inside, guests will find contemporary decor with a relaxed, beachy vibe. Guests can meet one another on the back deck while sipping cocktails around the outdoor fire pit. It's not big, but its smaller size is part of its charm.

The Details:

Accessibility: ADA-accessible rooms available
Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: None
Resort Fee: None
Pet Policy: No pets allowed
Rates: Starting at $324 per night

Greydon House

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What We Like

Its backstory is amazing.

What to Consider

It has a limited number of rooms, so be sure to book ahead.

Greydon House is one more well-positioned boutique property on Broad Street. But what it has above the others is a seriously cool history. The hotel was the one-time home of a sea captain, making it totally appropriate to make pirate jokes the entire time you're there. The hotel is also utterly stylish thanks to its mix of vintage and modern decor, and its on-site restaurant, Via Mare, is a must-dine experience. Here, you can get plenty of coastal cuisine, including locally sourced fish caught just down the block.

The Details:

Accessibility: ADA-accessible rooms available
Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: None
Resort Fee: None
Pet Policy: No pets allowed
Rates: Starting at $345 per night

Harborview Nantucket

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What We Like

Its waterfront location affords stunning views.

What to Consider

The upscale hotel has a higher price point.

Harborview Nantucket exudes that vintage elegance Nantucket is so well loved for. This upscale property features 10 beautifully appointed cottages each with its own personality, including some with fireplaces, others with lofts, and several that are large enough for entire families. Beyond the rooms, guests can enjoy access to its private beach, water toys, and concierge service that will set you up with whatever you need.

The Details:

Accessibility: ADA-accessible cottage available
Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: None
Resort Fee: None
Pet Policy: No pets allowed
Rates: Starting at $1,709 per night

Jared Coffin House

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What We Like

Historic charm oozes out of every wall.

What to Consider

It's an older building, which means the rooms feel a bit smaller.

There's something extra special about getting to say you slept in a historic landmark. And that's exactly what you can do after spending a night or two at the Jared Coffin House. The historic landmark is one more fantastic spot on Broad Street that offers both charm and a welcoming stay. Here, guests will find rooms decorated in classic New England style, and common spaces filled with antique paintings, chandeliers, and furnishings. Though its coolest space is hiding in the basement. That's where you'll find the Nantucket Tap Room, a bar and restaurant where you can dine on traditional tap room bites with modern twists.

The Details:

Accessibility: ADA-accessible rooms available
Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: None
Resort Fee: None
Pet Policy: No pets allowed
Rates: Starting at $195 per night

The Beachside at Nantucket

Bar at The Beachside — Courtesy of The Beachside at Nantucket

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What We Like

Its relaxed, casual atmosphere lends itself to plenty of fun.

What to Consider

There is no on-site spa for anyone looking for treatments.

The Beachside is like if the coolest person you know took hotel form. The boutique hotel is filled with all the right touches, including furniture that looks like it jumped right out of your favorite Pinterest board, and its bar and bedrooms are playful and include the perfect amount of muted color to bring a smile to your face. Here, guests can also head out to the lawn for games with other guests, take a dip in the exclusive pool, or get a casual bite at Swim Club, the low-key poolside restaurant.

The Details:

Accessibility: ADA-accessible rooms available
Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: None
Resort Fee: None
Pet Policy: Pets allowed in designated rooms
Rates: Starting at $599 per night

Brass Lantern Inn

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What We Like

It offers a fabulous breakfast and afternoon tea.

What to Consider

It has limited amenities compared to larger hotels.

Find an ideal familial setting at the Brass Lantern Inn. Located just a short walk from downtown Nantucket and beautiful beaches, the inn is perfect for exploring the more popular parts of the island and finding tranquil solitude when you need it. Each of the 15 rooms is tastefully decorated in New England style. Of course, the star here is the inn's delicious continental breakfast, which includes yogurt, fruit, juices, muffins, toast, and plenty of coffee.

The Details:

Wi-Fi: Included
Loyalty Programs: None
Resort Fee: None
Pet Policy: Pets allowed in designated rooms for $25 per day
Rates: Starting at $599 per night

Know Before You Go

Consider a day trip to Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard

The best part about vacationing on Martha's Vineyard is its easy access to other nearby islands. Consider hopping aboard a quick ferry ride to the neighboring island of Martha's Vineyard, or to the Cape for more sightseeing.

No need to rent a car

Nantucket is a very small island, so there really is no need to have a car. Instead, enjoy whichever hotel you booked, and hop on a bike to get around — it's more fun to see the island this way, anyway. (Though there are taxis if you need them.)

It's key to plan ahead

Nantucket is a rather popular vacation destination in the summer. That means hotels, restaurants, and excursions get booked up quickly. Make sure to book everything as soon as you can so you don't miss a thing.

Pack layers

It's New England, which means even in the summer things can get chilly in the evening, or the odd rainshower or two can hit in the afternoon. Pack a few layers to ensure you're always comfortable no matter the weather.

How We Chose These Hotels

Several of the hotels chosen for this story have earned spots in our World's Best Awards and It list, and many are also personal favorites of our editors. Writer Stacey Leasca has also visited the island several times on friends’ and girls’ getaways during her time living in Boston and Rhode Island. She also consulted family and friends who frequent Nantucket for their input and researched guest reviews from a multitude of websites for others. And finally, as with all our hotel roundups, editors ensure all hotel recommendations we make align with our core T+L Hotel Values.

Edited by

Sophie Mendel

The Best Hotels in Nantucket

Why I'm the Expert

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Know Before You Go

Consider a day trip to Cape Cod or Martha’s Vineyard

No need to rent a car

It's key to plan ahead

Pack layers

How We Chose These Hotels

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