Complete Lodging Guide

Types of Lodging on Nantucket

Nantucket offers a diverse range of accommodation styles, each providing a distinct island experience. Understanding your options will help you find the perfect fit for your travel style and budget.

Luxury Hotels

Nantucket's premier properties offer world-class service, exceptional amenities, and unforgettable settings. These flagship hotels define the island's reputation for refined hospitality and are often booked months in advance.

• The White Elephant: The island's most iconic hotel, offering harborfront rooms, impeccable service, and classic Nantucket elegance. Multiple properties including the main hotel, residences, and Village.
• The Wauwinet: An exclusive retreat on Nantucket's northeastern shore, featuring private beaches on both harbor and ocean sides, plus the acclaimed TOPPER'S restaurant.
• What to expect: Concierge services, spa treatments, fine dining, complimentary bikes, beach shuttles, and turndown service
• Best for: Special occasions, honeymoons, milestone anniversaries, luxury travelers
• Price range: $600-2,000+ per night in peak season

Boutique Inns

Historic charm meets personalized service at Nantucket's boutique inns. Many occupy beautifully restored sea captains' homes and whaling-era mansions, offering intimate settings with curated decor and character-filled rooms.

• What to expect: Unique room designs, antique furnishings, manicured gardens, gourmet breakfast often included
• Atmosphere: Romantic, refined, historically significant properties with 10-30 rooms
• Best for: Couples seeking romance, history buffs, travelers wanting personal attention
• Notable properties: Union Street Inn, Greydon House, The Veranda House, Brass Lantern Inn
• Price range: $350-800 per night in summer

Bed and Breakfasts

For travelers seeking warmth and a personal touch, Nantucket's B&Bs deliver genuine hospitality. Wake up to homemade breakfasts, get insider tips from knowledgeable innkeepers, and experience the island like a welcomed guest rather than a tourist.

• What to expect: Home-cooked breakfast, afternoon refreshments, innkeeper recommendations, cozy common areas
• Atmosphere: Warm, welcoming, like staying in a friend's beautifully appointed home
• Best for: Solo travelers, couples, those who enjoy meeting fellow guests
• Typical features: 4-12 rooms, shared or private baths, gardens, porches
• Price range: $250-500 per night in summer

Vacation Rentals

For extended stays, families, or groups traveling together, vacation rentals offer space, privacy, and a home-away-from-home experience. The rental market spans everything from modest cottages to multi-million dollar estates.

• Platforms: VRBO, Airbnb, and local agencies like Fisher Real Estate, Great Point Properties, and Jordan Real Estate
• Options available: Studios to 8+ bedroom estates, oceanfront to downtown locations
• What's included: Full kitchens, laundry, outdoor spaces, parking (varies by property)
• Best for: Families, groups, extended stays (1+ weeks), self-catering travelers
• Price range: $2,500-25,000+ per week in summer (some luxury homes exceed $50,000/week)
• Pro tip: Local agencies often have better inventory and can provide on-island support

Budget-Friendly Options

Budget accommodations on Nantucket are genuinely limited - this is not a budget destination. However, creative travelers can find more affordable options with some flexibility.

• The reality: True budget options are scarce; even modest rooms run $200+ in summer
• HI Nantucket (Star of the Sea): The island's only hostel, offering dorm beds at lower prices (seasonal, limited availability)
• Shared rentals: Split a vacation rental with friends to reduce per-person costs
• Off-season travel: November-April rates can be 50-70% lower than peak season
• Day trips: Stay on Cape Cod and ferry over for day visits (not ideal but budget-friendly)
• Price range: $150-300 per night for the most affordable options in summer

Essential Booking Tips

Securing your ideal Nantucket accommodation requires planning and strategy. Follow these guidelines to improve your chances of landing your first choice.

Book Early - Very Early

Nantucket's limited inventory disappears quickly, especially for peak season stays.

• Summer (June-August): Book 3-6 months in advance; popular properties fill 6-12 months out
• Holiday weekends: July 4th, Labor Day, and Stroll Weekend (December) require booking as soon as dates are released
• Shoulder season: Book 1-3 months ahead for best selection in May, September, October
• Off-season: More flexibility, but still book 2-4 weeks ahead for specific properties

Understand Cancellation Policies

Policies vary significantly between properties and change based on season. Always read the fine print before booking.

• Hotels: Typically 48-72 hours notice for refund outside peak season; 7-14+ days during summer
• Vacation rentals: Often non-refundable or require 30-60 days notice; consider trip insurance
• B&Bs and inns: Usually 7-14 days notice; some charge first night as deposit
• Pro tip: Book directly with properties when possible - they may offer more flexibility than third-party sites

Minimum Stay Requirements

Peak season brings minimum stay policies across most property types.

• Summer weekends: 2-3 night minimum common at hotels and inns
• July and August: Many vacation rentals require weekly bookings (Saturday to Saturday)
• Holiday weeks: 5-7 night minimums standard; some require full week
• Shoulder season: Minimums relax to 2 nights or disappear entirely
• Workaround: Shorter stays sometimes available closer to arrival date if not fully booked

Price Expectations by Season

Nantucket rates fluctuate dramatically throughout the year. Understanding seasonal pricing helps with budgeting and may influence when you visit.

Peak Summer Season (Late June - Labor Day)

• Nightly rates: $400-1,000+ for hotels and inns
• Luxury properties: $800-2,500+ per night
• Vacation rentals: $3,500-15,000+ per week for 3-bedroom homes
• Why so high: Limited supply, maximum demand, perfect weather, all amenities open
• Most expensive weeks: July 4th week, first two weeks of August

Shoulder Season (May, September - October)

• Nightly rates: $200-500 for hotels and inns
• Savings: 30-50% off peak season rates
• Vacation rentals: $1,500-6,000 per week for 3-bedroom homes
• Benefits: Excellent weather, fewer crowds, most restaurants and shops open
• October bonus: Nantucket bay scallop season begins - a culinary highlight

Off-Season (November - April)

• Nightly rates: $150-350 for available hotels and inns
• Savings: 50-70% off peak season rates
• Vacation rentals: Monthly rates available; significant weekly discounts
• Considerations: Many properties close; limited restaurant and shop hours
• Exception: Christmas Stroll weekend (early December) commands near-peak prices

Location Considerations

Where you stay on Nantucket significantly impacts your experience. Each area offers distinct advantages depending on your priorities.

Downtown Nantucket

• Pros: Walk to restaurants, shops, ferries, and nightlife; no car needed; quintessential island charm
• Cons: Higher prices, more crowded, noise from bars and restaurants, limited parking
• Best for: First-time visitors, foodies, those without cars, convenience seekers
• Getting to beaches: 15-30 minute bike ride or shuttle to most beaches

Near the Beaches

• Areas: Surfside, Cisco, Madaket, Cliff, and surrounding neighborhoods
• Pros: Easy beach access, quieter setting, often more space, family-friendly
• Cons: Need bike or car to reach town, fewer dining options nearby
• Best for: Beach lovers, families with kids, those seeking relaxation
• Getting to town: 10-20 minute bike ride; shuttles available in summer

Siasconset ('Sconset)

• Pros: Charming village atmosphere, beautiful rose-covered cottages, peaceful setting, its own beach
• Cons: 7 miles from town, limited dining and shopping, car or bike essential
• Best for: Repeat visitors, those seeking tranquility, romantics, extended stays
• Getting to town: 25-minute bike ride via scenic path; shuttle available; taxi/rideshare