Nantucket is one of the rare places you can go and feel as though you’ve stepped into another time. Steeped in history and charm, this is perhaps one of the most desirable and well-publicized locations in New England. Recently I had the pleasure of spending a few days there at The Nantucket Hotel and it was a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
The Nantucket Hotel originally opened as the Point Breeze in 1891. After thirty years of luxury on the island, the hotel suffered from the 1920s stock market crash and a horrible fire. The hotel remained in several iterations until 2012 when its current owners took over. It’s very cool to look at old photos of the property because the building looks very similar to the current form. It’s also the only full service hotel on the island that’s open year round.
From the first moment you step on the island The Nantucket Hotel provides impeccable service. Their free ferry shuttle picks you up at whichever ferry you’ve taken and takes you the 5 minute drive to the hotel. It really isn’t necessary to bring a car to the island, if anything it’s a hindrance, and having this shuttle option takes the pressure off finding your way to the hotel burdened with baggage.
On site the service is just as impeccable. Many of the employees hop between properties (the Little Gem group has a hotel on Martha’s Vineyard and another on Saint John as well) and you get the feeling of family from the tight knit group. The owners too are often found around the properties, actively participating in the day-to-day functions.
Location is key and The Nantucket Hotel is just a ten-minute walk from the quaint downtown shopping and gallery district. But you don’t need to leave the premises to have a good meal. Chef Adam Votaw has recently joined the Breeze Restaurant at the hotel and has brought a wave of innovation to the cuisine.
Breeze offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the season. There were a few seafood dishes that stole the show. The lobster tacos were incredibly dynamic, bringing in unexpected flavors like truffle and quinoa for an endlessly enjoyable culinary experience. The lobster martini was also a dream, featuring tantalizing layers of the freshest seafood on a bed of greens.
After a satisfying meal, guests can rest their heads on soft pillows in a variety of different room styles. The hotel group is very family friendly and most rooms have pull down beds for additional sleeping options. There are a number of suites ranging from one to two, three, or four bedroom depending on the size of your party. I stayed in a beautiful one bedroom suite that had an additional pull down bed and a twin bed/window nook that could easily accommodate a family.
The kitchen boasted a full fridge and freezer, Keurig, microwave, and workspace, and was fully stocked with plates, glasses, utensils, and a dishwasher. I love having a kitchen area for storing and reheating leftovers or making snacks for the beach. It provides a little autonomy so you’re not tied to finding a restaurant for every meal, but it’s not a full kitchen so you don’t feel pressure to take on the burden of cooking.
Amenities abound on this property. I was particularly thrilled to learn that guests can take classes at the full gym for free during their stay. Traveling a lot this spring I’ve been off my regular gym schedule and the option to take some of my regular classes at the hotel (like yoga, pilates, strength training) was a huge win.
The property also has a gorgeous porch area with firepits and a bar that’s operational in the summer. It’s a very relaxing way to spend a few hours. Two pools flank the property in separate courtyards so there are countless opportunities to relax in the sunshine.
You can tell a boutique hotel by its attention to detail, and those details shown through at every moment at The Nantucket Hotel. From the his-and-hers slippers paired with robes in the room to the eco-friendly reusable water bottles provided to guests, everything was designed for the delight and leisure of the vacationer.
Lots of hotels can provide a luxury experience. But The Nantucket Hotel offers a unique blend of luxury, a family-friendly environment, and the thoughtfulness of a boutique property.
Please note: I was provided with a complimentary stay by The Nantucket Hotel, however, all opinions expressed are my own.