The White Elephant rules the luxury tier with a 9.6 staff score and harborfront setting. Union Street Inn counters with a spotless 10.0 Cleanliness and Location score — a near-perfect island experience.
Nantucket doesn’t do mediocrity. These are the all-star hotels and inns that keep people coming back to the Gray Lady year after year.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 10 properties using 1,300+ total verified guest reviews, landing on a list with an average guest score of 9.1/10.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Best overall: #9 White Elephant Hotel→ Rates
- Best value: #1 Cliff Lodge→ Rates
- Best location: #10 Union Street Inn→ Rates
#6 21 Broad→ Rates - Cleanest: #10 Union Street Inn→ Rates
- Best for luxury: #9 White Elephant Hotel→ Rates
#2 Nantucket Resort Collection→ Rates - Pet-friendly: #8 Greydon House→ Rates
#1 Cliff Lodge→ Rates
Editor’s Note on Booking: We use smart routing to find you the best available rates. Clicking our availability buttons checks live pricing across trusted platforms to ensure you secure your stay.
Quick Compare: Top Places To Stay
| Property | Rating | Book |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cliff Lodge | (200+ Reviews) |
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| 2. Nantucket Resort Collection | (200+ Reviews) |
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| 3. The Martin | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 4. Anchor Inn | (150+ Reviews) |
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| 5. Nantucket Periwinkle | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 6. 21 Broad | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 7. Nantucket Inn | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 8. Greydon House | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 9. White Elephant Hotel | (50+ Reviews) |
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| 10. Union Street Inn | (50+ Reviews) |
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Nantucket Hotel Reviews: The Full Breakdown
1. Cliff Lodge
The Vibe
This 4-star property trades flash for genuine comfort. Guests mention the “charm and hydrangea room was beautiful” and call it “cozy, clean and homey.” It’s the closest you’ll get to a Cape Cod cottage experience without sacrificing a good bed. The staff score of 9.1 backs up the warm reception you can expect.
What You Actually Get
Free private parking is a massive win on Nantucket—most town-center spots don’t offer it. There’s a shared lounge for late-night chats, a garden to wander, and a decent continental breakfast. Wi-Fi is complimentary throughout the house. Pet lovers take note: this is one of the few properties that allows pets ($50/night fee), and they can remove room rugs upon request to make it work. The cancellation policy varies, so be sure to check your specific booking window. Bike rentals are available directly from the lodge, or they can point you to bigger rental companies nearby.
Choose this if: You’re driving to Nantucket and need secure, free parking—this is the only top-tier hotel offering it.
2. Nantucket Resort Collection
The Vibe
This is not one hotel—it’s three carefully managed inns (Chapman House, Regatta Inn, and Veranda House) that share a front desk and a 9.3 overall rating. The scores are absurdly good: Staff 9.6, Cleanliness 9.6, Comfort 9.6, Location 9.6, Wi-Fi 9.6. Guests call their rooms “clean and luxurious” and love popping into the Veranda House lobby for tea.
What You Actually Get
You get the perk of continental breakfast and shared access to common areas across properties. Outdoor bike racks are available at the Regatta Inn and Chapman House if you’re pedaling around. Pet-friendly for a $50/night fee (up to 2 pets), with dog bowls and beds provided. There’s an accessible room at the Regatta property. Note that daily housekeeping is now request-only—just call the desk when you need fresh towels. The check-in runs until 11 PM, giving you leeway for a late ferry arrival.
Choose this if: You want a wide range of room styles in one central booking—from classic inn to coastal-chic suites.
3. The Martin
The Vibe
The Martin is a recently renovated 4-star B&B on Centre Street, and the guest scores speak volumes: Comfort 9.6, Location 9.6, Wi-Fi 9.5. One guest called their suite “luxurious” and praised innkeeper David for being “extremely helpful.” The vibe here is upscale but unpretentious—think crisp linen and exposed historic beams.
What You Actually Get
This is a historic building, meaning some rooms have shared bathrooms—double-check which room type you book. The third floor has rooms for 1 to 4 people sharing a bath, so you’re warned. Free parking is included, which is rare this close to downtown. There’s a garden to relax in, and a good breakfast is part of the deal. If you need a fridge or microwave, ask ahead—the innkeeper handles special requests like a pro. Children are not allowed, so it’s adults-only for a quieter stay.
Choose this if: You’re a couple who values a pristine, quiet room and free parking, but don’t mind a shared bath for the right price.
4. Anchor Inn
The Vibe
Guests rave about the Anchor Inn’s location among “old historic houses and cobblestone streets,” calling it “great for easy walking around the village.” With a Location score of 9.8 and a Value score of 9.1, this is the best bang-for-your-buck B&B on the list. Plus, every room has a private bathroom—no shared situation here.
What You Actually Get
Free parking is a huge plus on cobblestoned Centre Street. There’s a shared lounge for socializing, and the quiet street views mean you won’t hear the ferry horns at 6 AM. Children are welcome at all ages, making it family-friendly compared to some adults-only inns. The property doesn’t offer its own transportation from the ferry, but the walk is short. Military discounts? You’ll have to ask directly—the property didn’t confirm one. No pets allowed, so leave the dog at home.
Choose this if: You want a central location, a private bath, and free parking—all with kids in tow.
5. Nantucket Periwinkle
The Vibe
Periwinkle reopened in 2023 after a full renovation by Nantucket Looms, meaning the interior design is fresh and island-authentic. It’s located on North Water Street, literally steps from the ferry dock. One guest got champagne and flowers for a Mother’s Day trip—the innkeeper clearly knows how to make an occasion special. Comfort scores a 9.5, so the new beds are doing their job.
What You Actually Get
Free parking is included, and that’s killer for a ferry-adjacent spot. Very Good Breakfast is available, but note that the Wi-Fi dips to 8.5—fine for email, less ideal for streaming. Guests under 18 need a parent or guardian present for check-in. The inn does NOT accept American Express, so bring Visa or Mastercard. There’s no indoor bike storage, but outdoor racks are available. Pets are strictly not allowed, despite the charming street.
Choose this if: You want to step off the ferry and be at your hotel in 2 minutes—and you appreciate great design.
6. 21 Broad
The Vibe
Sitting at 21 Broad Street, this hotel boasts a Location score of 9.9—arguably the best in town. The shared outdoor courtyard with a firepit and a BYOB mixer bar creates a social atmosphere that’s rare in Nantucket’s quieter inns. Guests call the beds “very comfortable” and praise the “friendly, professional, attentive” staff.
What You Actually Get
Maximum occupancy is 2 people per room, regardless of age—this is strictly a couples’ hotel. Check-in runs 4-10 PM, so plan your ferry arrival. There’s no parking on property, and the owners highly recommend NOT bringing a car: street parking is limited to 2 hours in summer. From the airport, grab an Uber or taxi—it’s a short ride. The Wi-Fi scores a perfect 10.0, so remote workers can actually function. Good breakfast is included.
Choose this if: You’re a couple who wants the most walkable location in town and a perfect Wi-Fi connection.
7. Nantucket Inn
The Vibe
Nantucket Inn is a 3-star property that leans into its role as a full-service hotel. It’s 3 miles from town, meaning you’ll want a car or bike—but the trade-off is free parking and a proper on-site restaurant. Guests call the staff “phenomenal” and note the bar, restaurant, and lobby are “all very clean and beautiful.”
What You Actually Get
The restaurant serves breakfast, and meals are highly recommended by guests. The fitness center is a plus for those who don’t want to skip leg day on vacation. Location dips to 7.9, but that’s because it’s out of the downtown bustle. Check-in is a narrow 4-6 PM window, so don’t arrive late. The hotel closes for the season on October 11th, so plan your fall trip accordingly. Pets not allowed. The Staff score of 9.3 means you’ll be welcomed warmly.
Choose this if: You want a fitness center, on-site restaurant, and free parking—and don’t mind a 5-minute drive to town.
8. Greydon House
The Vibe
Greydon House is the cool kid on the block—mid-century design in a historic downtown location 217 feet from the Whaling Museum. Guests who’ve “stayed at countless places across Nantucket” say this is the one they’d return to. John and his team get special shoutouts for going above and beyond. Cleanliness scores 9.5, Comfort 9.6, Location 9.9—the numbers back up the hype.
What You Actually Get
This is a 4-star hotel with free parking—a rare combo near Broad Street. The pet policy is flexible: $150 fee May-September, $75 October-April. Rooms have one queen or one king bed, so it’s best for couples or solo travelers. Check-in runs until midnight, offering the latest arrival window on this list. The on-site restaurant is popular, so book a table. Children are welcome (over 18 charged as adults), but the room configuration isn’t ideal for families.
Choose this if: You want a stylish, pet-friendly stay with a late check-in and the Whaling Museum at your doorstep.
9. White Elephant Hotel
The Vibe
This is the only 5-star hotel on the list, and it earns every star. Situated along Nantucket Harbor, it consists of three distinct buildings: the Harborside hotel, Garden Cottages, and the INN & Residences. Staff scores hit 9.6, and guests rave about the “exceptional” service—one traveler was rescued with a forgotten phone charger and ferry assistance. The bicycle fleet is a highlight for exploring the island without a car.
What You Actually Get
Complimentary parking is a major perk for a harborfront hotel. The restaurant serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner—you won’t need to leave the property for meals. There’s a fitness center and free Wi-Fi (scoring a perfect 10.0). Maximum occupancy is 2 guests per room—no cots or rollaway beds are available, so plan accordingly for families. The White Elephant arranges car service for guests, and the location is just a couple minutes’ walk from the main street. No pets allowed.
Choose this if: You want the full 5-star treatment with harbor views, complimentary parking, and bicycles to explore town.
10. Union Street Inn
The Vibe
Union Street Inn is the highest-rated property in this guide with a 9.8/10 Exceptional score. The detail: Cleanliness 10.0, Location 10.0, Wi-Fi 10.0. This is a 5-star B&B where innkeepers Kevin and Diana have been known to lend guests their personal phone chargers and go above and beyond. Guests call it a “perfect location” with “boutique style” and love the afternoon coffee, tea, and snacks.
What You Actually Get
Breakfast is a full made-to-order affair with rotating daily entrées—blueberry buttermilk pancakes, herb and cheese omelets, and Eggs Benedict are regulars. Free private parking is included, which is almost unheard of at a B&B this central. All rooms have air conditioning, so summer stays are comfortable. There’s a terrace and shared lounge for relaxing. Children are not allowed, making it strictly adults-only. The cancellation policy is partially refundable: a 10% fee if you cancel outside of 14 days, otherwise non-refundable within 14 days. Pets are not allowed.
Choose this if: You want a nearly flawless stay with made-to-order breakfasts and free parking—and you’re comfortable with the 14-day cancellation policy.
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#10 Union Street Inn
Near-perfect 9.8 rating with perfect scores in cleanliness, location, and Wi-Fi—plus made-to-order breakfasts and free parking.
💰 Best Value
#4 Anchor Inn
A 9.2 rating with a 9.1 Value score, free parking, private bathrooms in every room, and a 9.8 Location—all without the luxury price tag.
✨ Editor’s Choice
#9 White Elephant Hotel
The only 5-star option with harbor views, a complimentary bicycle fleet, and a staff that anticipates your every need.
How We Ranked These Nantucket Hotels
I analyzed 10 Nantucket hotels and inns using 1,300+ verified guest reviews, filtering for properties with 8.4+ ratings and at least 50 reviews. The ranking prioritizes the scores that matter most for an island getaway.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 8.0+ overall and 50+ verified reviews made the cut
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized cleanliness, location, and comfort—the categories that separate a good Nantucket stay from a great one
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities against guest review patterns to confirm free parking, breakfast quality, and pet policies
- Location signals: Prioritized walkability to downtown Nantucket, ferry docks, and beaches—the three pillars of a successful island itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets allowed at these Nantucket hotels?
Yes, but only at specific properties. Cliff Lodge allows pets for a $50/night fee and can remove room rugs to accommodate allergies. Nantucket Resort Collection also allows pets at $50/night (up to 2), with dog bowls and beds provided. Greydon House is pet-friendly with a $150 fee in peak season (May-September) and $75 off-season (October-April). The other seven hotels on this list do not allow pets.
Which Nantucket hotels offer free cancellation?
Most properties on this list have cancellation policies that vary by room type—you’ll see specific conditions when you enter your dates. Union Street Inn stands out with a partially refundable policy: cancel outside of 14 days and you lose just a 10% fee; within 14 days it’s non-refundable. Always check the policy before booking, especially during peak summer when demand is highest.
What’s the best way to get from Nantucket Memorial Airport (ACK) to my hotel?
Uber and taxis are available at the airport—21 Broad’s staff confirms this is the standard approach. Many hotels are walkable from the ferry docks if you’re arriving by sea (Periwinkle is a 2-minute walk from the ferry). White Elephant Hotel arranges car service for guests, and Cliff Lodge offers free private parking if you bring a car on the ferry. For most downtown inns, walking from the ferry or a short taxi ride from the airport is the simplest option.
When’s the best time to visit Nantucket?
Peak season runs June through August, when weather is warm and all attractions are open—but prices are highest and availability tight. May and September offer a sweet spot with decent weather and lower rates. Some hotels like Nantucket Inn close by mid-October, so fall travelers should confirm seasonal closures. The island is quieter and more affordable in April and October, but expect limited dining and entertainment options.
Can I check in late at any of these properties?
Yes, several properties accommodate late arrivals. Greydon House allows check-in until midnight—the latest on this list. 21 Broad checks in until 10 PM, while Nantucket Resort Collection and The Martin both accept check-in until 11 PM. Nantucket Inn has a tighter window of 4-6 PM, so plan accordingly if booking there. Always inform the property of your expected arrival time—The Martin specifically requests this via their Special Requests box.
Do any of these hotels have a full restaurant on-site?
Yes. Nantucket Inn has an on-site restaurant open for breakfast, with meals that guests highly recommend. White Elephant Hotel offers breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner at its restaurant. Greydon House also has a restaurant on-site. Union Street Inn, The Martin, and Anchor Inn serve breakfast (typically included in your rate) but don’t offer full lunch or dinner service. For the most comprehensive dining, the White Elephant is your best bet.