Top Luxury Properties

These exceptional hotels represent the pinnacle of Nantucket accommodations, each offering a distinct character while maintaining the highest standards of service and comfort.

  • 1

    White Elephant Hotel

    50 Easton Street, Nantucket Harbor

    The iconic White Elephant has defined Nantucket luxury since 1920, offering prime harborfront position and quintessential island elegance. The property features 66 rooms and suites across the main hotel, garden cottages, and harbor-view lofts, all decorated in a sophisticated coastal style with crisp whites, natural textures, and nautical accents. Watch boats glide past from your private deck, dine at the acclaimed Brant Point Grill, or simply enjoy cocktails on the lawn as the sun sets over the harbor. The staff-to-guest ratio ensures personalized attention, from arranging private yacht charters to securing impossible dinner reservations. This is the quintessential Nantucket experience - classic, refined, and unforgettable.

  • 2

    The Wauwinet

    120 Wauwinet Road, Wauwinet

    Remote elegance defines The Wauwinet, a Relais & Chateaux property perched on the island's northeastern tip where Nantucket Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. This intimate 32-room retreat offers an escape within an escape, accessible by the property's vintage woody wagon or private boat launch. The setting is extraordinary - pristine private beach, sweeping water views, and conservation lands as far as the eye can see. Topper's restaurant, the island's most celebrated fine dining destination, showcases exceptional cuisine and an award-winning wine cellar. Days unfold with tennis, kayaking, nature tours, and blissful relaxation. The Wauwinet attracts those who seek true serenity and are willing to be 8 miles from town to find it.

  • 3

    Greydon House

    17 Broad Street, Downtown

    Boutique luxury meets downtown convenience at Greydon House, a sophisticated 20-room hotel steps from Main Street's cobblestones. Occupying a meticulously restored 1850s building, the property blends historic architecture with contemporary design - think exposed brick, original moldings, Italian linens, and curated art. The ground-floor restaurant and wine bar have become local favorites, while the rooftop deck offers a rare elevated perspective on this flat island. Service is warm yet polished, with staff who know guests by name and anticipate needs before they're expressed. For travelers who want luxury without sacrificing walkability and a sense of place, Greydon House delivers beautifully.

  • 4

    Nantucket Hotel & Resort

    77 Easton Street, Downtown

    Family-friendly luxury finds its home at the Nantucket Hotel & Resort, a full-service property that proves upscale and kid-welcoming aren't mutually exclusive. The 83 rooms and suites range from cozy standards to spacious family configurations, all featuring comfortable coastal decor and modern amenities. What sets this property apart is its extensive offerings: two heated pools, a children's program, spa services, fitness center, and the excellent Breeze restaurant. Location on Easton Street means easy walks to both downtown and Children's Beach. Parents appreciate being able to enjoy sophisticated surroundings while kids splash in the pool or participate in supervised activities. It's luxury that the whole family can enjoy together.

  • 5

    The Veranda House

    3 Step Lane, Downtown

    Historic elegance meets refined comfort at The Veranda House, a boutique hotel housed in a beautifully preserved sea captain's mansion dating to the 1800s. The 18 rooms and suites feature antique furnishings, period details, and modern luxuries seamlessly integrated. True to its name, expansive verandas wrap the property, offering peaceful spots for morning coffee or evening wine. The intimate scale means personalized service and a tranquil atmosphere that larger properties can't match. Located on a quiet lane yet just moments from downtown, The Veranda House appeals to history lovers and romantics seeking authenticity alongside comfort. Continental breakfast is served in the elegant parlor or on the veranda.

  • 6

    Jared Coffin House

    29 Broad Street, Downtown

    Step into Nantucket's whaling era at the Jared Coffin House, the island's most storied historic inn. Built in 1845 by one of the island's most successful ship owners, this Federal-style mansion was the grandest home on Nantucket in its day. Today it operates as a 60-room historic inn, with accommodations spread across the original mansion and adjacent historic buildings. Rooms feature period antiques, four-poster beds, and authentic architectural details, while public spaces evoke the prosperity and ambition of 19th-century Nantucket. The central downtown location puts shops and restaurants at your doorstep. For those who want to sleep in history while enjoying modern comforts, the Jared Coffin House offers an unmatched sense of place.

  • 7

    Brass Lantern Inn

    11 North Water Street, Downtown

    The Brass Lantern Inn brings upscale bed-and-breakfast charm to the luxury category, offering an intimate alternative to larger hotels. This restored 1838 home features 17 individually decorated rooms combining antique furnishings with contemporary amenities like high-thread-count linens and en-suite bathrooms. The experience feels like staying in a well-appointed private home, complete with afternoon tea service and evening wine. Innkeepers provide the personalized attention and local knowledge that only owner-operated properties can offer. The location on historic North Water Street is ideal - quiet and residential yet steps from the harbor. For travelers who appreciate character over cookie-cutter and warmth over formality, the Brass Lantern delivers genuine Nantucket hospitality.

What to Expect

Nantucket's luxury hotels offer a level of service and amenity that matches the island's reputation as an elite destination. Here's what you'll find at the top properties.

Concierge Services

Expect proactive, personalized service from concierge teams who know the island intimately. They'll secure reservations at fully-booked restaurants, arrange private beach picnics, book sunset sailing charters, and handle the countless details that transform a good trip into an extraordinary one. Many properties offer pre-arrival planning, reaching out weeks before your stay to understand preferences and arrange experiences. The best concierges have relationships throughout the island that open doors unavailable to the general public - from private gallery viewings to exclusive shopping experiences.

Fine Dining On-Site

Several luxury properties feature restaurants that rank among the island's finest. Topper's at The Wauwinet is consistently named Nantucket's best restaurant, with sophisticated cuisine and an award-winning wine program. The Brant Point Grill at White Elephant offers refined waterfront dining overlooking the harbor. Greydon House's restaurant has become a local favorite for its creative menu and convivial wine bar. Even if you're exploring the island's dining scene, an evening at your hotel's restaurant often becomes a trip highlight - the convenience and quality are exceptional.

Spa & Wellness

Luxury properties offer spa services ranging from in-room treatments to full-service wellness centers. The Wauwinet's spa incorporates the property's serene natural setting into its treatments. The Nantucket Hotel features a complete spa with massage, facials, and body treatments. Many properties arrange private yoga sessions, fitness training, or wellness consultations. After active days of biking and beaching, spa treatments provide welcome restoration - book in advance during peak season as appointments fill quickly.

Beach Access & Shuttles

While Nantucket's beaches are public, luxury properties enhance the beach experience considerably. The Wauwinet sits on its own pristine strand with complimentary chairs, umbrellas, and service. White Elephant provides beach gear and arranges transport to favorite beaches around the island. Most downtown properties offer complimentary bicycles for exploring - an ideal way to reach Jetties or Children's Beach in minutes. Properties outside town typically provide shuttle service, ensuring guests can access both beaches and downtown easily throughout their stay.

Price Range

Luxury accommodations on Nantucket represent a significant investment, particularly during peak summer season. Understanding the pricing landscape helps with planning and expectations.

Summer Peak Season (June - August)

During high season, expect nightly rates between $700 and $2,000+ for standard rooms at top properties, with premium suites and waterfront accommodations commanding $2,500 to $5,000+. Holiday weekends (July 4th, Labor Day) and special events often require minimum stays and can push rates even higher. At this level, you're paying for prime location, impeccable service, and the full Nantucket experience during the island's most beautiful and active months.

Shoulder Season Value

May, September, and October offer compelling value, with rates often 30-50% below peak pricing while maintaining excellent weather and service. Late September and October bring stunning fall foliage, fewer crowds, and still-warm days - many repeat visitors consider this the island's best-kept secret. Shoulder season also means easier reservations, both for accommodations and at top restaurants.

Off-Season Luxury

November through April sees the lowest rates, though many properties close or operate limited schedules. Those that remain open offer rates starting around $300-500 per night - still substantial but significantly more accessible. The island takes on a peaceful, local character during winter months, appealing to those seeking quiet and authenticity over summer's social scene.

Best For

Nantucket's luxury hotels excel at creating memorable experiences for life's most significant moments.

Honeymoons

The combination of romantic settings, exceptional dining, and thoughtful service makes Nantucket ideal for honeymoons. The Wauwinet's remote elegance provides ultimate privacy, while The Veranda House offers historic romance. Many properties arrange special honeymoon touches - champagne upon arrival, couples spa treatments, private beach dinners. The island's natural beauty and relaxed pace provide the perfect backdrop for beginning married life together.

Anniversaries

Return to Nantucket to celebrate milestones at properties that understand the significance of the occasion. White Elephant's harborfront setting has witnessed countless anniversary dinners, while Greydon House's intimate scale ensures personalized recognition. Share your anniversary when booking - the best properties will make the celebration special without being asked.

Special Occasions

Significant birthdays, retirement celebrations, and family reunions all find ideal settings at Nantucket's luxury properties. The Nantucket Hotel accommodates multi-generational groups with diverse room configurations and activities for all ages. For intimate celebrations, properties like The Veranda House or Brass Lantern offer buyout options that create a private house-party atmosphere. Whatever the occasion, the island's beauty and the properties' service combine to create lasting memories.

Insider Tips for Booking Luxury Stays

  • Book 6+ months ahead: Prime summer dates at top properties sell out quickly, especially for premium rooms and suites. Holiday weekends may require even earlier planning.
  • Ask about packages: Many properties offer packages combining accommodations with dining credits, spa treatments, or activities - often better value than booking separately.
  • Consider shoulder season: May and September-October offer the same luxurious experience at significantly lower rates, plus easier restaurant reservations and fewer crowds.
  • Mention special occasions: Let the property know if you're celebrating - complimentary upgrades and thoughtful touches often follow.
  • Book dining early: Reserve your hotel's restaurant as soon as you book your room, especially for Topper's at The Wauwinet.
  • Contact the concierge early: Reach out 2-3 weeks before arrival to arrange experiences - the best excursions and restaurant tables require advance planning.
  • Review cancellation policies: Luxury properties often have strict cancellation policies during peak season - understand terms before booking and consider travel insurance.