The 8 Best Nantucket Resorts | Hand-Picked for 2025

We analyzed every available beachfront retreat to find the best resorts in Nantucket Island in one of the most stunning parts of Massachusetts.

With scenic coastlines, historic neighborhoods, and quiet corners tucked around cobblestone streets, the best resorts Nantucket Island has to offer provide something more or less unforgettable for nearly every kind of traveler.

Methodology

To create this list of the best resorts Nantucket has to offer, we made a exhaustive analysis of all the verified guest reviews and ratings on sites like Google Reviews, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, and Expedia.

We compared properties across amenities, walkability to beaches and the town center, quality of accommodations, food and beverage options, and overall experience.

We also considered the consistency of customer service ratings and the uniqueness of each resort’s setting and vibe. Our goal was to narrow down the most compelling resorts in Nantucket for travelers looking for something that, frankly, stands out from the crowd.

The 8 Best Resorts in Nantucket – 2025 Full Guide

8. White Elephant

Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:

• Located directly along Nantucket Harbor with marina views
• Features a heated outdoor pool and full-service spa
• Two dining options including Brant Point Grill with waterfront seating

The White Elephant sits front and center on Nantucket Harbor and practically oozes this old New England coastal charm, but in a way that feels just a little polished without ever being stiff.

Its location offers guests a front-row look at the waterfront, and it’s just a short stroll from downtown’s boutique shops and old whaling captain homes.

The resort includes classic hotel-style rooms, oversized suites, and a handful of cottages with porches or patios, which, honestly, make for an incredibly peaceful morning.

Brant Point Grill serves fresh seafood and signature cocktails with some of the most scenic outdoor seating on the island. The on-site spa offers facials, massages, and even teen-focused treatments, which is a bit unusual for most resorts in Nantucket.

The pool is modest in size but tucked into a landscaped courtyard, and the vibe is often relaxed and slightly upscale without being pretentious.

In short, the resort walks this tightrope between iconic and accessible, especially for those who want to stay somewhere that’s both waterfront and within walking distance of downtown.

7. 21 Broad Hotel – Most Affordable

Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:

• One of the most budget-conscious resorts Nantucket Island offers
• Steps from Main Street and ferry docks
• Includes complimentary breakfast and filtered water stations

In a way, 21 Broad Hotel pulls off something pretty rare on Nantucket, as it’s clean-lined and contemporary, but still fits into the weathered, shingle-style neighborhood around it.

It’s the sort of spot where you get just enough comfort without blowing your entire budget on accommodations alone.

With just over 25 rooms, this boutique resort leans into a modern but cozy vibe, with rain showers, Apple TVs, and surprisingly plush beds considering the price range.

You’re more or less in the center of everything here, with shops, historic sites, restaurants, even the ferry terminal are all within a few blocks. That alone adds a lot of convenience, especially for short stays.

There’s no spa or pool, but the communal patio area has a fire pit and seating that makes for a surprisingly nice hangout in the early evening. Their complimentary breakfasts lean toward healthy options, with things like chia pudding and fresh juices.

For travelers who want to stay on Nantucket without the steep rates that come with waterfront properties, this is a solid, highly walkable pick. And while it’s not flashy, it’s very much what you might call comfortable without complication, which makes it one of the best Nantucket resorts for those on a budget.

6. Life House, Nantucket

Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:

• Located in a quiet residential area near downtown
• Features vintage design and curated communal areas
• Walkable to restaurants, beaches, and historic sites

Life House feels just a little like stepping into a designer’s dream version of a seafarer’s hideout. It’s small, stylish, and, frankly, a bit hip—but in a way that works rather than feels try-hard.

The resort is located in a quiet corner of downtown Nantucket, close enough to reach the action in minutes but far enough that you’re not hearing delivery trucks every morning.

Inside, the decor mixes antique maritime touches with mid-century modern furniture, and the result is surprisingly inviting. Rooms are on the smaller side but thoughtfully put together, and common areas feel more like a curated home than a hotel.

There’s no restaurant on-site, but they offer a breakfast bar with pastries and pour-over coffee that’ll more or less keep you happy until brunch. The property doesn’t have a spa or pool, so it’s arguably better suited for adults or solo travelers looking for a quiet retreat.

Life House stands out among Nantucket resorts for its aesthetic and atmosphere. It doesn’t try to be everything, but what it does, it does very, very well.

5. Cliffside Beach Club

Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:

• Direct private access to beach on Nantucket’s North Shore
• Features an oceanside pool and beachside cabanas
• Offers yoga classes and limited spa services on-site

Cliffside Beach Club is, well, exactly what it sounds like, except the word “club” might be underselling it a little. This is a beachfront resort with just enough exclusivity to feel private, but without ever being stuffy or too quiet.

With direct beach access on Nantucket’s northern coastline, the property includes oceanside cabanas, a heated outdoor pool with lounge chairs, and rooms that often include patios or balconies with water views.

The sand is soft, the surf is typically calm, and the sunsets here feel very, very generous in the summer.

The rooms are light, bright, and airy, with whitewashed finishes and coastal accents that don’t go overboard. While the resort doesn’t feature a full restaurant, there’s food service available at the beach club and pool area, and it’s just a short walk to some of the island’s better-known seafood spots.

The vibe overall is barefoot luxury with a focus on outdoor enjoyment, and the spa services, while limited, are focused more or less on beachside relaxation. It’s a favorite among families and couples looking for a mix of casual and polished right on the sand, which is why it is one of the best Nantucket Island resorts to consider.

4. 76 Main Ink Press Hotel

Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:

• Just off Main Street in historic Nantucket Town
• Features firepit courtyard and 20 individually designed rooms
• Complimentary breakfast and afternoon treats daily

76 Main brings something a bit unexpected to Nantucket resorts, as it’s part historical home, part boutique hotel, and just a little artistic without being overly quirky.

The design blends bright color pops with a nautical feel that works surprisingly well in this old captain’s house turned modern retreat.

Its biggest draw is the location, as it is tucked along a quiet side street just steps from downtown, you can get just about anywhere on foot, including the harbor, restaurants, and ferry dock.

Rooms vary in layout and decor but all have Nespresso machines, cozy bedding, and curated artwork. There’s no pool or spa, though the courtyard area with a fire pit creates a comfortable space to relax in the evenings. It’s more or less a quiet hideaway in the heart of the action.

Breakfast is included and thoughtfully prepared, with rotating options that often include baked goods, parfaits, and freshly brewed local coffee.

It’s not fancy, but it’s absolutely the kind of place that feels cared for, and in that way, it earns its spot as one of the best resorts in Nantucket for charm and location.

3. The Wauwinet – Best-Seller

Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:

• Private beach access and complimentary bikes
• Located between Nantucket Harbor and the Atlantic Ocean
• Home to award-winning restaurant Topper’s

The Wauwinet is a little more remote, tucked into the northeastern edge of the island where harbor waters and ocean tides meet. It’s a place that, honestly, feels just a bit removed from daily life in the best possible way.

The property is adults-only, which makes the atmosphere very calm and, in a way, refreshingly grown-up. Rooms include antique-style furnishings, oversized windows, and some with water views or private decks.

Beach access is right on the edge of the property and tends to be very quiet—think morning walks and barely-there waves.

Topper’s, the on-site restaurant, is consistently rated as one of the island’s best, with seasonal seafood menus and wine pairings that match the coastal setting perfectly.

You’ll also find lawn games, complimentary boat transfers from town, and spa services tailored to natural surroundings like ocean salts and botanical oils.

If you’re searching for a Nantucket Island resort with a high level of service, a deeply serene setting, and a gourmet culinary experience, The Wauwinet makes a strong case.

2. Union Street Inn – Top Value Pick

Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:

• Only inn on the island serving made-to-order breakfast
• Located in historic downtown within walking distance to everything
• Individually decorated rooms with period antiques

Union Street Inn is rather charming in the most classic way possible. Housed in a 1770s whaling captain’s home, it’s one of those rare resorts Nantucket Island offers that gives you both authenticity and comfort with almost no compromise.

Every room here is different, featuring original architectural details, four-poster beds, and period decor that still manages to feel warm and homey.

The location is stellar, just a couple of blocks from Main Street and the wharfs, but the quiet street gives it a tucked-away feel. You’ll sleep incredibly well here.

It’s also the only inn on Nantucket that serves made-to-order breakfast every morning, which is both surprising and genuinely impressive. There’s no pool or spa, but the garden area and personalized service more than make up for it.

For travelers looking to stay somewhere personal, historic, and full of character, Union Street Inn may be the best value of any of the best Nantucket resorts featured here.

1. The Nantucket Hotel & Resort – Top Overall

Location & Prices: Check on Google Maps
Key Highlights:

• Located in downtown with two heated pools
• Full-service spa, kids’ programs, and fitness center
• Accommodates couples, families, and groups up to 15

The Nantucket Hotel & Resort pretty much hits every mark, with a great location, amenities, family-friendliness, food, and overall quality which is why we think it is the best resorts in Nantucket.

It’s situated right near the center of town, which puts it within walking distance to beaches, restaurants, and the ferry docks. Yet the property feels spacious and private at the same time.

It features two heated pools, one for families and one adults-only, plus a full fitness center, yoga classes, and a spa offering body treatments, facials, and massage therapies. Rooms range from standard hotel-style spaces to multi-bedroom suites and cottages, which makes it highly versatile.

There’s also an on-site restaurant, Breeze, that serves elevated coastal dishes and hosts themed nights, clambakes, and firepit dining.

Kids get their own activities, which honestly makes this one of the few Nantucket resorts that works just as well for families as it does for romantic getaways or friend groups.

In terms of convenience, comfort, and a full slate of offerings, The Nantucket Hotel & Resort is arguably the top overall pick for anyone wanting an all-encompassing Nantucket Island resort experience.

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