Best Luxury Hotels in Nantucket

The big, luxurious one- to three-bedroom units at White Elephant Residences are a good choice for families and groups. All units include a fully-equipped kitchen, a fireplace, and washer/dryer, as well as attractive, beachy decor. Plus, unlike vacation home rentals, these units come with the perks of a hotel stay -- daily housekeeping, a seasonal outdoor pool, and a well-equipped fitness center. There's not much in terms of a communal feel, like you might find at an inn or smaller hotel, but that's part of the allure for some.

This charming, elegant B&B fits in nicely with the Nantucket atmosphere, with just 12 quaint rooms -- many featuring fireplaces, oriental rugs, and French country decor -- in a beautiful historic building. The only inn on the island to provide a full, hot breakfast (thanks to its commercial kitchen), the Union Street Inn has plenty of return guests who come back for the cozy, romantic vibe and its proximity to the downtown area, just a short walk away. The rooms don't come cheap, but then again, nothing on Nantucket does.

Nantucket tends to evoke an image of classic New England decor and luxury. The 18-room Veranda House offers luxury, but in a chic and modern setting that sets it apart from the many historic inns and hotels on the island. You’ll pay a good amount for these trendy rooms, but high rates come standard in the area. It's a great choice for young adults or couples, with a central downtown location and no children under 10 allowed.

The Vanessa Noel's eight chic, minimalist rooms feel more New York City than Nantucket -- and as in New York City, some rooms and bathrooms are small (it's a historic building, though, so that is to be expected). The only common area for guests being the colorful Cafe V Bar, adjacent to the lobby, where breakfast is served daily in the high season. The location in a quiet residential neighborhood a couple blocks from downtown is quite convenient for guests wanting to explore the Nantucket scene.

Guests come to Natucket to get away from it all -- and with a remote location away from downtown, The Wauwinet is about as away from it as you can get. The charming New England property is surrounded by both the bay and the ocean, and some (bayside) guest rooms offer amazing sunsets. Standard rooms are available in the inn, or guests can opt for private cottages. All feature pretty, floral patterns and cushy beds. One of the island's most loved restaurants is here, which is just another reason the rates are so high -- especially during the peak summer months. But at least the hotel offers a plethora of freebies, including continental breakfast, port and cheese hours, a shuttle to the downtown area, and goodies such as coffee, tea, and cookies.