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Kim PeifferForbes Staff
Forbes Updated
A A beautiful island off the coast of Cape Cod, Nantucket is one of the best places to visit on the East Coast. From its scenic beauty (think cobblestone streets, hydrangeas-covered entrances, landscaped yards and gray cedar houses) to its summer vacation spots, the island—once a whaling town in the 19th century—has become a sought-after destination. . after a destination for travelers from all over the world, from Boston-area weekenders to international jet-setters.
In this wonderful town, the history of the island is combined with a modern charm, as it is enhanced by the attractive hotel complex that has been established. Smaller, closer neighborhoods rule here, some offering direct access to the beach and others offering easy walking distance to Main Street and the island’s many central bars, restaurants and shops. Below, we’ve found the best places to stay on Nantucket in 2023 for soaking up all the charm the island has to offer.
Best Luxury Hotel in Nantucket: Wauwinet
Exterior view of the Wauwinet Hotel in Nantucket, MA.
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The Wauwinet
Who May Like: Seekers of luxury; high rollers; couples looking for a place to go this summer
All-Star Features: Fine Italian fabrics with 400 thread count
Things Not to Miss: Lobster cruise on The Wauwinet Lady; locally harvested oysters at Toppers
Location: Wauwinet
As the island’s only Relais and Châteaux resort, you can be sure that a weekend getaway at The Wauwinet will be a delight every step of the way. Beachfront properties are one-of-a-kind, from its beautiful beachfront location on Nantucket Bay to its unique location away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Nantucket, ensuring relaxation and privacy. The property has 32 luxury guest rooms and suites, including four private villas steps from the main hotel, perfect for friends or families.
Dinner on the patio at the popular Toppers restaurant is a must; watch the sun sink into the sea as you dine on modern coastal cuisine from the best restaurants on the island. Oysters on the half shell are harvested 300 yards from the kitchen, while the carefully selected cellar houses over 1,550 wines and rare wines. Another added bonus: a day aboard the Wauwinet Lady, a 20-person boat that will take you on a lovely sunset cruise.
Best Family Hotel on Nantucket: White Elephant
The White Elephant Hotel in Nantucket, MA.
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White Elephant
Who May Like: Families; friend groups; wedding parties
All-Star Features: Sea-inspired treatment at White Elephant’s Darya Spa; suites with fireplaces and private desks
Things Not to Miss: Sunset Dressing at Brant Point Grill; Lobster Bloody Marys on the harbor lawn
Location: Nantucket Downtown Historic District
This family-friendly resort continues to be one of the best places to stay on Nantucket, whether you’re bringing the family or hosting a large group of adults (weddings there are a hit). This year, to coincide with the White Elephant’s 100th anniversary, the resort unveiled a renovation and renovation of its 54 rooms, along with 11 of its buildings. Coastal chic is the name of the game here, with many stylish rooms featuring fireplaces and closets. special with views of the hotel’s famous lawn.
The ride never disappoints – Brant Point Grill is an island favorite, with seafood, steaks and other specialties, including the famous Lobster Bloody Mary. Another can’t miss moment of indulgence is Sunday brunch. If rejuvenation is on the agenda, head to Darya Spa for a relaxing sea treatment, and leave feeling like you’re on vacation.
Best Hotel in Downtown Nantucket: Faraway Nantucket
The Faraway Hotel on Nantucket.
Matt Kisday
Far Nantucket
Who May Like: Those who like to live in the city between the events
All-Star Features: Legal cruises; Bellino Italian Clothing; Byredo bathroom
Things Not to Miss: Coffee and croissants in the garden and garden; stay in the Federal suite; Caviar and lobster toast at the Sister Ship restaurant
Location: Nantucket Downtown Historic District
Location, location, location: It’s hard to beat Faraway’s GPS coordinates, one of the newest kids on the block to Nantucket’s current hotel chain. Comprised of six multi-story buildings built around a beautiful courtyard bow, Faraway has become a sought-after destination, steps away from shops, restaurants, yachts and more. For groups or families, reserve the historic Federal Suite, an entire single-family home that sleeps up to six and is more than 1,700 square feet.
Regardless of the type of accommodation, staying at Faraway puts you right in the middle of it all. Take the time to explore the city on one of the hotel’s cruises. When you return, go back to the courtyard and have a restaurant (the people watching will be divine). Then, have a lovely dinner at the Sister Ship restaurant, which serves Mediterranean fare from New England.
Nantucket’s Best Boutique Hotel: Greydon House
Greydon House in Nantucket, Mass.
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Greydon House
Who May Like: Bibles; antiquarians; design lovers
All-Star Features: Fully stocked beach bags for use during your stay; Aesop bath products; Bose room speakers
Things Not to Miss: The evening was spent reading in the library; dinner at Via Mare
Location: Nantucket Downtown Historic District
Originally a seaman’s home in the 1850s, Greydon House has been wonderfully renovated into the 20-room Bohemian luxury hotel it is today. With antique furnishings and a rich history from the island’s rich whaling heritage, this beautiful home has the charm and style of an island with a vintage window. No room is identical, but all rooms have a quiet, luxurious charm and luxury amenities that allow for relaxation. If you choose to leave your room, don’t miss a trip to the library downstairs, where it’s easy to get lost in your favorite book for hours on a Nantucket afternoon.
Although the shopping center is nice, just steps from the city’s food scene, you might not want to leave when hunger strikes. Via Mare’s in-house restaurant, led by Michelin-starred chef Marcus Gleadow-Ware, offers the best of Venetian cuisine in a cozy setting. On a perfect summer evening, choose to dine outside on the open patio for people watching.
Best Hotel for City Travelers in Nantucket: 21 Broad
Lobby at 21 Broad Hotel, Nantucket
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21 Wide
Who May Like: Rural people; contemporary scholars; A thousand years
All-Star Features: High quality soft clothing; Kimono clothing; tour operators
Things Not to Miss: Cocktails on the back deck with fire pit; Homemade scones for breakfast
Location: Nantucket Downtown Historic District
A good night’s rest is essential at 21 Broad, where 27 modernly designed rooms are decorated with wonderfully soft sheets, blackout shades and sound systems for a good night’s sleep. Just blocks from the boat dock, this fun place has something going on, from gatherings in the guest lounge to fun cocktails on the back patio by the fire pit.
After a full eight hours of rest (or more, you’re on holiday), head downstairs for a glorious breakfast, complete with scones and pastries, homemade jams, overnight oats and roast coffee. At dinner that night, head across the street to the Dune for a Nantucket summer evening to remember (complete with an easy walk home).
About Kim Peiffer, Your Nantucket Guide
I’ve been running tours for almost two decades, from checking out luxury hotels to off-the-beaten-track tours around the world. I’m always on the lookout for a new ski town, remote beach and stellar restaurant (and a great place to drink, of course). I’ve always loved going on vacation, whether it’s jet skiing in the desert or snow skiing in Italy. Nantucket is one of my favorite places to visit—one that I find myself returning to again and again, and I’ve visited every hotel on this list. As Executive Editor of Forbes Vetted, I oversee our travel and hotel coverage. I have written again Vogue, Robb’s report, Travel + Leisure, InStyle, The value of GQ, DuJour, Beauty, Oprah and many others. Follow my adventures on Instagram: @peifferk1
