The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin leads with a perfect 10.0 location score and flawless 9.5+ across every category. For walkability and value, Anchor Inn’s 9.8 location and 9.2 overall make it a standout. Both prove Sconset delivers peak quality.
Nantucket’s cobblestone streets and historic charm make it a classic escape. These hotels in Sconset, Nantucket are where I’d park myself.
Why Trust This Guide
I analyzed 10 properties and 1,200+ total verified guest reviews to compile this guide, prioritizing properties with 9.0/10 average guest scores and location ratings above 9.0.
🎯 Quick Picks: Skip to What You Need
- Best Overall: #7 The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin→ Rates
- Best Value: #4 Anchor Inn→ Rates
- Top Luxury: #9 White Elephant Hotel→ Rates
- Best Location: #7 The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin→ Rates
#4 Anchor Inn→ Rates - Cleanest: #2 Nantucket Resort Collection→ Rates
- Pet-Friendly: #7 The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin→ Rates
#8 Greydon House→ 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. Nantucket Inn | (100+ Reviews) |
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| 7. The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin | (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. Life House, Nantucket | (20+ Reviews) |
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In-depth Reviews: What Sets These Sconset Hotels Apart
1. Cliff Lodge
The Vibe
Cliff Lodge feels like a classic Nantucket guesthouse—cozy, with a garden and a shared lounge that guests call “homey.” The staff score of 9.1 and cleanliness at 9.0 keep folks coming back. It’s a quiet, low-key base with free parking, which is rare on the island.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are clean and charming—repeat guests mention the hydrangea room’s beauty. You get free WiFi (rated 8.9) and a continental breakfast daily. Pet owners take note: dogs are allowed at $50/night, and the property will remove rugs from your room on request. Bicycles are available to rent directly from the lodge, or you can walk to larger shops nearby. Check-in ends at 9:00 PM sharp, so plan your ferry arrival.
Choose this if: You’re driving onto the island and want free parking, a garden, and a 6-minute walk to Children’s Beach.
2. Nantucket Resort Collection
The Vibe
This collection bundles Chapman House, Regatta Inn, and Veranda House—each historic, each polished. Scores are stratospheric: 9.6 for staff, cleanliness, comfort, and location. Guests rave about the clean, luxurious rooms and continental breakfast. The shared lobby at Veranda House provides a warm tea-and-fireplace spot.
What You Actually Get
Room types vary across the three inns, but all include free WiFi (9.6), daily continental breakfast, and access to the Veranda House’s cozy lobby with tea. Daily housekeeping is by request only, so plan ahead. Pets are allowed for $50/night (up to two pets), with amenities like dog bowls and beds. Ask for an accessible room at the Regatta property if needed. Outdoor bicycle racks are available at Chapman House and Regatta.
Choose this if: You want the highest consistency across staff, cleanliness, comfort, and location—all at 9.6.
3. The Martin
The Vibe
An adults-only B&B in a historic building, recently renovated, with a 9.6 comfort score and a garden. Guests call the location “incredible” and note the rooms are “small but adorable.” No children allowed—this is an adults-only retreat. Free parking is a huge perk downtown.
What You Actually Get
There are rooms with shared bathrooms, so read descriptions carefully if you prefer en-suite. Third-floor rooms share one bathroom between up to 2 rooms. A continental breakfast is included, plus free WiFi (9.5). No pets allowed. The Martin is strict about no children, so it’s ideal for couples. Let them know your arrival time in advance using the Special Requests box.
Choose this if: You’re a couple seeking a quiet, adults-only B&B with a 9.6 comfort rating and free parking.
4. Anchor Inn
The Vibe
Anchor Inn sits on a quiet street but scores a 9.8 for location—the best of any B&B in this guide. Guests love being steps from cobblestone streets and historic houses. The shared lounge and free breakfast add value. Cleanliness hits 9.4 and comfort 9.6.
What You Actually Get
All rooms have private bathrooms, so no surprises. Free WiFi is rated 9.5, and the value score of 9.1 is the highest in this list. A good breakfast is included daily. No pets allowed, and no transportation from the ferry is provided. Children are welcome, which makes this a rare downtown option for families. Quiet street views make for a restful stay.
Choose this if: You want the best location score in this guide (9.8) with private bathrooms, free breakfast, and quiet street views.
5. Nantucket Periwinkle
The Vibe
Completely renovated and designed by Nantucket Looms, Periwinkle is boutique style right by the ferry. Location scores 9.8 and staff hits 9.4. Guests mention champagne and flowers for special occasions. Free parking is included—rare for a downtown boutique.
What You Actually Get
Rooms are renovated to a high standard. Free WiFi scores 8.5. A very good breakfast is included. No pets allowed. The property does not accept American Express cards. Guests under 18 need a parent or guardian to check in. One blow-up mattress is available for triple occupancy if needed. No indoor bike storage, but two outdoor racks are available.
Choose this if: You want a stylish, renovated inn closest to the ferry with free parking and a 9.8 location.
6. Nantucket Inn
The Vibe
A 3-star hotel a few miles from town, but the free shuttle service makes the distance painless. Staff score 9.3—guests call them “phenomenal.” The lobby bar is modern with a good snack selection. For those who want a gym and an on-site restaurant, this is your spot.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (9.0), a fitness center, on-site restaurant, and garden views. Free parking is included. Children of all ages are welcome (18+ charged as adults). No pets. Check-in is a tight window from 4:00 to 6:00 PM—plan your ferry accordingly. The hotel closes for the season around mid-October, so verify if you’re visiting in autumn.
Choose this if: You want an on-site restaurant, fitness center, and free shuttle to downtown without paying for a car.
7. The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin
The Vibe
This is the highest-rated property in the guide at 9.5, with a flawless 10.0 location score. You’re right on the waterfront, a short walk from the Hy-Line ferry. Staff hit 9.8, facilities 9.7, and comfort 9.8. Guests call the location “unique” and love the attentive staff.
What You Actually Get
Each cottage offers views of the boat basin. Free WiFi scores a perfect 10.0. A free “beach bus” runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day, taking guests to nearby beaches—so you don’t need a car. Pets are allowed on request with fees. Parking can be difficult, so guests recommend not driving. Luggage assistance from the ferry is available via golf cart. Maximum occupancy is strictly enforced.
Choose this if: You want the best location on Nantucket (10.0) with harbor views, a beach shuttle, and you’re not bringing a car.
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8. Greydon House
The Vibe
A boutique hotel in the historic district, 217 feet from the Whaling Museum and 951 feet from the ferry. Scores 9.9 for location and 9.5 for cleanliness. Guests say they “need to stay here again next year.” Free parking includes a rare downtown space.
What You Actually Get
All rooms have queen or king beds—no double beds available. Free WiFi (9.5), an on-site restaurant, and free parking. Pets are allowed with a $150 fee per stay (May–Sept) or $75 (Oct–April). No cots or rollaways. A popular choice for couples and solo travelers. Check-in until midnight gives ferry schedule flexibility.
Choose this if: You’re bringing a dog and want to be steps from the Whaling Museum and ferry with free parking.
9. White Elephant Hotel
The Vibe
The only 5-star hotel on the list, on Nantucket Harbor. Scores are elite: staff 9.6, facilities 9.6, cleanliness 9.6, location 9.7. Guests praise the exceptional service and bicycle rentals. The property consists of three buildings: Harborside hotel, Garden Cottages, and INN & Residences.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi scores a perfect 10.0. A fitness center and on-site restaurant open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Free parking is included. Some rooms have kitchens. Upper floors are accessible by elevator. No children in certain room types—Deluxe King rooms max at 2 guests. No cots or rollaways. No pets. Complimentary parking for ferry travelers.
Choose this if: You want the only 5-star on the list, with perfect WiFi, a kitchen, and elevator access.
10. Life House, Nantucket
The Vibe
A 1840s property renovated in 2020, with a garden and concierge services. Comfort scores 9.3 and staff hits 9.1. Guests love the complimentary wine in the library and the accommodating owner. It’s a small property (20+ reviews) with a cozy, historic feel.
What You Actually Get
Free WiFi (8.8). Parking is available but limited. No restaurant on site, but concierge can make reservations. Children are welcome. No pets except service dogs and emotional support animals. Check-in from 4:00 PM to midnight. Value score is low at 6.6, so budget travelers may want to look elsewhere. The 1840s character is a draw.
Choose this if: You love historic character, complimentary wine, and a garden setting near Children’s Beach.
Final Verdict: Our Top 3 Picks
🏆 Best Overall
#7 The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin
Perfect 10.0 location, 9.8 staff, 9.7 facilities, and a free beach bus—this is the pinnacle of Nantucket stays.
Check Tonight’s Price for The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin →
💰 Best Value
#4 Anchor Inn
At 9.2 overall with a 9.8 location, free breakfast, and free parking, it’s the highest value-per-dollar in this list.
🏖️ Best for Walkability
#2 Nantucket Resort Collection
Every score above 9.5 and a 5-minute walk to downtown—consistent excellence across three historic inns.
How We Ranked These Sconset Hotels
We evaluated 10 Nantucket properties using 1,200+ verified guest reviews, focusing on properties with 8.0+ overall scores and at least 20 reviews. Location, cleanliness, and value were the primary filters for ranking.
- Guest score thresholds: Only properties with 8.0+ overall and 10+ verified reviews
- Score breakdown analysis: Prioritized cleanliness, location, and value—the categories that drive repeat bookings
- Amenity verification: Cross-referenced advertised amenities against guest review patterns
- Location signals: Proximity to Nantucket’s historic downtown, ferry docks, and Children’s Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets allowed at these Sconset hotels?
Yes, several properties allow pets. Cliff Lodge permits dogs at $50/night and can remove rugs from your room on request. Nantucket Resort Collection allows up to two pets at $50/night with dog bowls and beds. Greydon House charges $150 per stay (May–Sept) or $75 (Oct–April). The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin accepts pets on request with fees. Properties like Anchor Inn, The Martin, and Nantucket Periwinkle do not allow pets.
Which hotels offer free cancellation?
Cancellation policies vary by accommodation type and booking date across all properties on this list. Generally, Nantucket hotels offer flexible cancellation within a certain window before arrival, but rates tied to holidays or summer peak season may be non-refundable. Always check the specific cancellation conditions before booking—especially for longer stays at properties like The Cottages or White Elephant.
What’s the best time to visit Sconset, Nantucket?
Peak season is June through August, when weather is warm and all ferry services run daily. Shoulder seasons (May and September) offer milder weather, fewer crowds, and lower rates. Some hotels like Nantucket Inn close by mid-October, so confirm seasonal availability if you’re traveling in autumn. Greydon House offers lower pet fees in off-peak months, signaling better deals outside summer.
How do I get from the ferry to my hotel?
The Hy-Line Ferry docks at Steamboat Wharf and Steamship Authority at the end of Broad Street. Nantucket Periwinkle and Greydon House are within a 2-5 minute walk. The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin offers golf cart luggage pickup from the Hy-Line. Most properties are walkable from the ferry if you pack light; for Nantucket Inn (3 miles out), use their free shuttle service.
What’s the most walkable area in Nantucket?
The historic downtown area around Centre Street, Broad Street, and the waterfront is the most walkable, with cobblestone streets, the Whaling Museum, shops, and restaurants all within minutes. Hotels like Anchor Inn (9.8 location), The Martin (9.6), Greydon House (9.9), and The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin (10.0) are in the heart of it. For beach access, Children’s Beach is a short walk from Cliff Lodge and Life House.
Which hotels offer free parking?
Free parking is available at Cliff Lodge, The Martin, Anchor Inn, Nantucket Periwinkle, Nantucket Inn, Greydon House, and White Elephant Hotel. The Cottages at Nantucket Boat Basin has parking but it’s limited and can be difficult—the property recommends not bringing a car. Nantucket Resort Collection does not advertise free parking. In a town where parking is notoriously tight and expensive, these free-parking properties stand out.