Vacation Rentals

Rental Platforms and Agencies

You have two main options for finding a Nantucket vacation rental: national booking platforms or local real estate agencies. Each has its advantages depending on your needs and preferences.

VRBO and Airbnb

These platforms offer the largest selection of Nantucket vacation rentals, with hundreds of properties ranging from studio apartments to multi-bedroom homes. The benefits include:

• Wide variety of properties and price points
• User reviews and ratings from previous guests
• Secure online booking and payment
• Flexible search filters for amenities and location
• Direct communication with property owners
• Booking protection and cancellation policies

Keep in mind that platform fees (typically 6-12%) are added to the rental price, and the quality of communication and support varies by individual host.

Local Nantucket Agencies

Nantucket has several established real estate agencies that specialize in vacation rentals. These local experts offer valuable advantages that platforms cannot match:

• Great Point Properties: One of the island's largest rental agencies with an extensive portfolio of quality homes across all neighborhoods.
• Jordan Real Estate: Family-owned agency with deep roots on Nantucket and a curated selection of rental properties.
• Fisher Real Estate: Well-established agency offering vacation rentals alongside sales, with knowledgeable local staff.
• Lee Real Estate: Full-service agency with a reputation for personalized service and quality listings.

Benefits of Local Agencies

Working with a Nantucket-based agency offers several advantages:

• Local knowledge: Agents can recommend neighborhoods and properties based on your specific needs
• On-island support: If something goes wrong during your stay, help is nearby
• Property vetting: Agencies inspect properties and maintain quality standards
• Exclusive listings: Some properties are only available through local agencies
• Concierge services: Many agencies can arrange grocery delivery, car rentals, and more

What to Consider When Booking

Choosing the right vacation rental requires thinking through several important factors. Here's what to evaluate before you book:

Location

• Downtown Nantucket: Walk to restaurants, shops, and ferries. Ideal for first-time visitors and those without a car. Properties tend to be smaller and more expensive.
• Cliff and North Shore: Quieter residential areas with beautiful beaches and sunsets. Biking distance to town for active travelers.
• Surfside and Mid-Island: Great beach access and more affordable options. A bike or car is helpful but not essential.
• 'Sconset: Charming village 7 miles from town with its own character. You'll definitely need a car or be committed to biking.
• Madaket: Remote western tip with stunning sunsets. Very peaceful but requires transportation.

Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Consider not just how many people are sleeping, but also:

• Bed configurations (kings, queens, twins, bunks)
• How many full bathrooms versus half baths
• Privacy for couples vs. family sleeping arrangements
• Whether pull-out sofas are truly comfortable for adults

Essential Amenities

• Air conditioning: Not all Nantucket homes have A/C. Essential for comfort in July and August.
• Outdoor space: Decks, patios, and yards add significant value to your rental experience
• Beach gear: Some rentals include chairs, umbrellas, coolers, and beach towels
• Washer/dryer: Important for longer stays and families with children
• WiFi: Confirm internet is included and ask about speed if you need to work
• Kitchen equipment: Check if the kitchen is fully stocked for cooking meals

Parking

If you're bringing a car to Nantucket, confirm parking is included with your rental. Downtown properties may have limited or no parking, while suburban homes typically offer driveway or garage space. Some rentals charge extra for parking spots.

Minimum Stays

Most Nantucket vacation rentals require minimum stays, especially during peak season:

• Summer (June-August): 1-week minimums are standard, often Saturday to Saturday
• Holiday weekends: May require 3-4 night minimums
• Shoulder season: More flexibility with 2-3 night minimums
• Off-season: Shorter stays often available

Price Ranges

Nantucket vacation rentals span a wide range of prices. Here's what to expect during peak summer season:

Studios and 1-Bedroom Units

$300-600 per night

Perfect for couples or solo travelers. Often located in town or converted portions of larger homes. May have limited outdoor space but offer the most affordable entry point to rental living.

2-3 Bedroom Homes

$500-1,200 per night

The sweet spot for small families and groups of friends. Wide variety available across all neighborhoods. More outdoor space and full kitchens are common at this level.

Large Homes (4+ Bedrooms)

$1,500-5,000+ per night

Ideal for multi-family vacations and larger groups. Properties at the higher end feature luxury amenities, prime locations, pools, and water views. The most desirable estates can command $10,000+ per night.

Money-Saving Tips

• Weekly rates: Booking by the week often provides a 10-15% discount over nightly rates
• Shoulder season: May and September rates can be 30-50% lower than peak summer
• Book direct: Repeat renters can sometimes negotiate better rates by booking directly with owners
• Split costs: Larger homes become economical when costs are shared among multiple families

Booking Timeline

Nantucket vacation rentals book far in advance, especially for summer. Here's when to start your search:

• Peak summer (July-August): Book 6-12 months ahead. The best properties are reserved by January for the following summer.
• June and early September: Book 3-6 months ahead for the best selection.
• Holiday weekends: Daffodil Festival, July 4th, and Stroll weekend book even earlier than regular summer weeks.
• Off-season: More flexibility, but book at least 1-2 months ahead for optimal choices.

If you find a property you love, don't wait too long to book. Quality rentals in good locations rarely stay available for more than a few days once listed.