We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Hotels + Resorts The Best Hotels in Nantucket Stay at these award-winning and editor-approved properties in Nantucket. By Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello." tabindex="0" data-inline-tooltip="true"> Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca Stacey Leasca is an award-winning journalist and co-founder of Be a Travel Writer, an online course for the next generation of travel journalists. Her photos, videos, and words have appeared in print or online for Travel + Leisure, Time, Los Angeles Times, Glamour, and many more. You'll usually find her in an airport. If you do see her there, please say hello. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Published on June 11, 2024 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 Courtesy of The Wauwinet Book Now 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 availableWi-Fi: IncludedLoyalty Programs: Relais & ChâteauxResort Fee: NonePet Policy: No pets allowedRates: Starting at $725 per night Faraway Nantucket Courtesy of Faraway Nantucket Book Now 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 availableWi-Fi: IncludedLoyalty Programs: NoneResort Fee: NonePet Policy: Pets allowed with $75 fee per petRates: Starting at $185 per night The Nantucket Hotel and Resort Courtesy of The Nantucket Hotel + Resort Book Now 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 availableWi-Fi: IncludedLoyalty Programs: Preferred Hotels & ResortsResort Fee: No Pet Policy: Pets allowed in specific rooms for $70 a nightRates: Starting at $550 per night White Elephant Courtesy of White Elephant Book Now 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 availableWi-Fi: IncludedLoyalty Programs: NoneResort Fee: NonePet Policy: Pets not allowedRates: 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 Courtesy of Life House Nantucket Book Now 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: IncludedLoyalty Programs: NoneResort Fee: NonePet Policy: No pets allowedRates: Starting at $170 per night Blue Iris by Life House, Nantucket Courtesy of Blue Iris Book Now 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: IncludedLoyalty Programs: NoneResort Fee: NonePet Policy: No pets allowedRates: 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 Courtesy of 21 Broad Book Now 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 availableWi-Fi: IncludedLoyalty Programs: NoneResort Fee: NonePet Policy: No pets allowedRates: Starting at $324 per night Greydon House Tim WIliams/Greydon House Book Now 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: IncludedLoyalty Programs: NoneResort Fee: NonePet Policy: No pets allowedRates: Starting at $345 per night Harborview Nantucket Courtesy of Harborview Nantucket Book Now 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: IncludedLoyalty Programs: NoneResort Fee: NonePet Policy: No pets allowedRates: Starting at $1,709 per night Jared Coffin House Courtesy of Jared Coffin House Book Now 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 availableWi-Fi: IncludedLoyalty Programs: NoneResort Fee: NonePet Policy: No pets allowedRates: Starting at $195 per night The Beachside at Nantucket Courtesy of The Beachside at Nantucket Book Now 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 availableWi-Fi: IncludedLoyalty Programs: NoneResort Fee: NonePet Policy: Pets allowed in designated roomsRates: Starting at $599 per night Brass Lantern Inn Book Now 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: IncludedLoyalty Programs: NoneResort Fee: NonePet Policy: Pets allowed in designated rooms for $25 per dayRates: 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 Sophie Mendel Sophie Mendel is a Commerce Editor at Travel + Leisure with Dotdash Meredith where she assigns, edits, and publishes the product reviews and recommendations that help guide travelers toward the best shoes, apparel, accessories, and hotels for their needs. Sophie has traveled to 53 countries and has lived in five, and is bilingual in English and Spanish. She has more than six years of experience as a writer, editor and copywriter. learn more