The Wauwinet in
Nantucket Township (MA)

We read a previous review that stated that the Wauwinet was like staying at a wealthy friend's summer home. This is entirely accurate. My husband and I spent a few days here with another couple, and the entire experience was relaxing and fun. The inn and the grounds are lovely, the location away from the bustle of the village, and the staff attentive and cordial. The atmosphere is understated and casually elegant, no ostentation to be found here. The room was bright with natural light and well appointed, with thoughtful New England decor. My only small complaint was that the bathroom was tiny compared to the size of the room---however this was to be somewhat expected in this style of hotel.||The food was excellent, and there were additional sweet and welcome touches such as hot apple cider at mid-day. port with cheese in the late afternoon, and complimentary coffee, tea, and pastries in the early morning. ||I have to give special compliments to the manager, who was present every day amongst the guests and was very hands on, friendly, and helpful. ||This time of year is a bit difficult on Nantucket( as we discovered on this trip), with many of the shops and restaurants already closed for the season---however even though the week we stayed at the Wauwinet was its last, there was not a bit of laxity in any of the amenities or attitudes of any of the employees of the inn. For this they are owed credit, as I imagine it to be very difficult to maintain top notch service when everything is winding down. All this being said, it was wonderful to be on the island with cool fall weather and no big crowds! We recommend it, as too do we highly recommend these accommodations!

A beautiful place, in a perfect bay/ocean beach location, and most important, fantastic staff and service. We will be back more than once. Perfect NE vacation. Would be good to have flags/buttons/text for service on the lawn beach. And may be a bit easier shuttle with steamship

Looking for a relaxing getaway to recharge without the hustle and bustle of downtown. The Wauwinet fit the mark perfectly and even more so. Picked up at the ferry and whisked about 25 minutes away to a secluded charming resort. Check in was a breeze, our luggage whisked away without worry. Our room was not yet ready so we changed into our bathing suits and relaxed in the most comfortable chaise lounges overlooking the bay. Ordered lunch and just chilled out, all our cares washed away immediately. Our room 101, was ground floor with an outdoor deck which overlooks the bay, unfortunately when sitting in the chaise lounges on the deck the hedges block the view but give tremendous privacy. Standing the bay is in full splendor. Would not change this. We also had access to the lawn right from our deck, thinking the best room for privacy. The bathroom was a bit tight but we managed. The bed was a dream, slept like a baby all night long. Only issue was the bed lights have this orange button that does not shut off, so if you need total darkness this could be an issue. We did bring it up on departure and they are aware not sure what can be done but certainly not a deal breaker for us. Cleanliness was top notch!!!!! Since it was our 40th anniversary, we were treated with chocolate covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne and lovely card, a great surprise!!!!|The whole resort is fabulous from the complimentary bikes (next time we'll give it a go), the shuttle to town (frequent service so never a worry about catching it), the Wauwinet Lady boat to the White Elephant resort (great ride and lots of info from the captain), the boxed lunch for the beach, Topper's (high end restaurant on the island), complimentary use of the Mercedes (most definitely next time!!!!) and the best part having the bay on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other side (in our opinion the best beach on Nantucket, secluded, gorgeous sand, walk for miles and hardly any people). |As you can tell we had a fabulous time and are going to make it an annual tradition. 3 nights was just perfect to relax and recharge!!!! If you crave seclusion but still want to be able to enjoy downtown this is it.

Did not stay here but took the launch over from The White Elephant for lunch. This was a $30pp charge and was a beautiful ride, however, it was windy so you can get sprayed. Lunch was fabulous. We had the Mushroom Risotto and the French Tart. We also had a delicious dessert. Service was 5 Star! Great way to spend the day when in ACK!

I'm a Cape Cod wedding photographer based in Duxbury and shot an amazing proposal at The Wauwinet last weekend. It was the first time I had been on site and was blown away by so many aspects of the venue. First it is extremely beautiful, quiet, private and feels unique. The staff was so helpful, professional and clearly focused on the experience of being there. It was not uptight, it felt like everyone there knew each other. The grounds were perfectly maintained, the views were spectacular and the energy was just very positive. I've shot at a lot of very nice venues and I can confidently say that it's well worth your time to spend a night here.

We loved our stay at The Wauwinet this July! The entire staff was so welcoming and helpful. We really enjoyed the amenities such as the bikes, private beaches, port / cheese hour, and backgammon in the library. Having Toppers for breakfast and a nightcap (including my pots of tea) was so convenient. If you're spending a lot of time downtown, you might not like the 20 minute drive back and forth, but for my husband and I, we loved escaping the crowds. We had a bay view from our charming room, which was beautiful. And finally, when we were checking out, Tiffany and one other gal (whose name I unfortunately didn't get) jumped in to help us find a way to get 2 photo prints we purchased from a gallery downtown back home safely. We would highly recommend a stay here for anyone who wants a place to truly unwind!

I’m incredibly disappointed and disheartened by how the Wauwinet handled what was supposed to be a special birthday getaway. We drove 5 hours from New York to catch the ferry to Nantucket, only to find that all ferries were canceled due to dangerous weather conditions. We stayed in a nearby hotel overnight hoping to catch an early boat, but even the earliest ferry was fully booked until 7 PM the next day—leaving us stranded and stripping away nearly two full days of our planned stay. We immediately called the Wauwinet to explain the situation, assuming that a 5-star hotel would show even a hint of empathy. Instead, we were told bluntly that weather-related cancellations do not qualify for any kind of refund or credit. Even more shocking, we were told that “this is one of the ways we make money.” When we asked if there was anything they could do given the extreme circumstances—complete ferry shutdowns, unsafe travel conditions, and this being a once-a-year birthday trip—the response was cold and completely dismissive. They even suggested we find a flight instead, despite the dangerous wind conditions and my anxiety around flying. This is not how a luxury hotel should treat its guests, especially those who made every effort to honor their reservation but were prevented by conditions totally outside their control. The hotel showed no flexibility, no compassion, and no understanding—even after Chase Sapphire (through whom we booked) reached out on our behalf. Travel to Nantucket is always at the mercy of the weather, and for a high-end resort like the Wauwinet to have no policy in place to accommodate guests under such circumstances is unacceptable. They chose profit over people, and it left us feeling taken advantage of and deeply disappointed. Think twice before booking here. If anything goes wrong—no matter how legitimate or unavoidable—they will not work with you. A true 5-star experience is about service, care, and hospitality. Sadly, Wauwinet showed none of that when it mattered most.

We had a great time at the Wauwinet! The rooms were spacious and beds were comfortable. The location was amazing. We enjoyed lounging in the chairs outside, enjoying the views and walking around the grounds. We took advantage of the shuttle into town and enjoyed some great meals at Toppers. Above all, the staff at the hotel make the experience. Everyone went above and beyond and made our stay wonderful. We did not want to leave! Highly recommend to anyone to get out of the downtown and experience a quieter side of the island.

This is a wonderful "oldy worldy" Grand dame of historic Inns and hotels with the Nantucket seaside charm thrown in. |We stayed in the coate Suite which was on the ground floor and a stunning room with extremely comfortable lounge area and large outdoor patio. Small bathroom but we are always happy to sacrifice that for the extra room in the living space.|The only downside of this room is that if not locked off (which we found on the second morning) you get the through traffic to the restaurant with the slamming external door. Once the connecting door was closed as it should have been on the first night (staff error) we were fine.|The hotel whilst expensive offers some out of season added value free activities morning and afternoon small tours with the extremely knowledgeable Captain Rob and a four hour complimentary use of the electric BMW X5 - which were all thoroughly enjoyed. The free shuttle into town was also an added bonus that we made use of when we visited the restaurants and shops.|We went in spring to see the spring flowers and boy we were not disappointed ..... daffodils everywhere, but also in every single shop window in the town were displays all shapes and colours, worthy of Chelsea Flower show - Truly spectacular - I honestly don't think they advertise this enough!!|The weather was clear blue skies and chilly in the morning but perfect for touring around with a light top layer/pullover by midday.|All the restaurants in town were excellent - staff went out of their way to be charming and chatty and food was very good.|All the hotel staff were equally pleasant although you could tell they had only been open two weeks as clearly training was still being undertaken. That said everyone went out of their way to be pleasant and assist where they can.||We had an amazing three days and thoroughly enjoyed our time on the island. It is only a shame more folk don't visit at this time of year as it is truly spectacular......however part of the charm was the lack of tourists !!!

My boyfriend and I stayed at The Wauwinet in early May 2025, and it was an unforgettable experience! This hotel is a gem, offering serenity, luxury, and impeccable service in a stunning Nantucket setting.||||The location is breathtaking—peaceful, quiet, and perfect for unwinding. The sunset views were absolutely gorgeous, and there were plenty of cozy spots around the property to relax with a book or soak in the scenery. The hotel’s shuttle service made it easy to explore downtown Nantucket or grab dinner, adding convenience without sacrificing the tranquil vibe.||||The staff went above and beyond, making us feel truly pampered. No request was too big, and they consistently over-delivered with warmth and professionalism. Thanks to booking with Amex, we were upgraded to a spacious one-bedroom cottage, which was a highlight of our stay. It featured a comfortable living room, a charming outdoor sitting area, and beautifully landscaped surroundings that added to the charm.||||Dining at Topper’s was exceptional. Breakfast was a 10/10, with every dish exceeding expectations. Dinner was somehow even better—truly a culinary delight!||||Overall, The Wauwinet is a dream destination for couples seeking a relaxing, romantic escape. The combination of stunning views, outstanding service, and luxurious accommodations made this a perfect getaway. We can’t wait to return!

Amazing stay at The Wauwinet! The staff was exceptional, making our experience unforgettable. Sommelier Dennis was outstanding with his expertise, and Kat at the bar is great. Highly recommend!

The Wauwinet is a truly special place. From the stunning views, well kept rooms and grounds, to the friendly service - this was one of our favorite hotels. A special shout out to the several members of their staff who went above and beyond to make our trip special - Dionne and Taryn at the front desk, Christian at the lawn, and Marlon at the bellman stand. Every single member of the staff is friendly and helpful. The service at this hotel truly makes it stand out. We can't wait for our trip next season!

Absolutely phenomenal! The Wauwinet is the perfect haven to bask in the beauty of Nantucket. Tucked away in a serene spot between the ocean and sound, it’s an unparalleled retreat for relaxation. The rooms are beautifully decorated, and the beds are incredibly comfortable. The staff? Simply amazing—super friendly and it feels like staying with your favorite family. Dining at Toppers is outstanding, with consistently great service. We especially love visiting Nantucket in the offseason, and The Wauwinet is always our go-to for unplugging and chilling. And let's not forget the incredible sunsets over the sound and sunrises by the ocean. Truly the best Nantucket has to offer!

The fifth star was for the excellent service at this property. I have never felt better taken care of then staying at the Wauwinet. The ONLY thing of note is that the WiFi was spotty. For this level of property I expect seamless WiFi across the property, especially considering cell reception is poor on this island.

The Wauwinet is a beautiful property; the restaurant, lawn, and beach are all highlights. Staff were so friendly and helpful as well. Good to know: the restaurant is open to the public for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The hotel feels like it’s totally open to the public and there’s a constant stream of people walking around the property to explore, have a look, visit the bar, and lounge on the chairs in the lawn. Nothing is really off limits besides the guest rooms, and by cocktail hour there isn’t an empty seat on the lawn. Because of this, there really isn’t a lot of privacy or exclusivity and for the price we would rather stay elsewhere and enjoy the property in the daytime like everyone else .

Wow....this was, by far, the most relaxing vacation I've ever taken. The Wauwinet was everything I hoped for and more! From the moment you drive up, the stress just melts away. The doormen and the front desk staff are top notch. They were very friendly and helpful. The library was so cozy, especially when the fire was roaring on a chilly evening. Make sure to stop by for the port, sherry and cheese tasting each day at 4pm- what a nice touch! We stayed in room 215 and loved it. Being on the corner, our room had extra windows and we loved hearing the birds singing in the tree right outside of our room. For a hotel of this size, I thought our room was quite large. It was much bigger than the room we had at The Breakers in West Palm Beach last year. We had a nice sitting area with 2 chairs; perfect to curl up and read. The bed was so comfortable.....amazing. The bathroom was beautiful and again, very large for a small hotel. The main reason I chose this property was to get away from everything and relax. From the moment I walked on the property, I felt like a different person. The back lawn and sitting area is beautiful and the sunsets cannot be beat here. Magnificent! Since we were here during Figawi, the Wauwinet was a nice escape from all of the hustle and bustle in town. We've already booked for next Memorial Day weekend- can't wait to go back!

Made a 3 day/2 night getaway to Nantucket in early May (pre-crowds) and stayed at The Wauwinet. It was wonderful. The quiet setting between the ocean and the bay is lovely; the service was unmatched and the amenities are great. Not to be missed is a boat or 4WD tour with Capt Ron. He is a walking encyclopedia of Nantucket history. Highly recommended!

$2,000 a night setting — $200 a night rooms. We stayed at the Wauwinet for four nights over Labor Day weekend, and would highly recommend — with one caveat re: price. The positives (many!): First, the staff are delightful. Helpful without being too officious and just make you feel very welcome. Second, the setting for Nantucket cannot be beat by anything else on the island. You have the charming bay on one side and the expansive, beautiful beach right across the road. Chairs, towels and umbrellas are always at the ready for either, as are paddle boards and kayaks. Third, you’re far from town. Now, I know some people would find this to be a downside but we loved being away from the crowds and dipping into town when we felt like it. Being in the thick of it at the height of summer — no thank you (for us!) Here’s the caveat: the price. Yes, we stayed during a holiday weekend in summer in Nantucket, but $1700 a night for what it is — that price sets an expectation and The Wauwinet simply doesn’t meet that expectation, at that price. That price is what Hotel du Cap in Antibes charges, for example, and there’s simply no comparison. The Wauwinet is out of its depth at that price: 1) Tiny rooms — in ours, no desk, no desk chair (so if you need to do any work…) 2) The bathroom door barely cleared the vanity when opening and closing 3) Decorating that can only be described as a step up from a motel, but not much higher. So we recommend the Wauwinet, for sure, but be sure you understand what to expect based on the price you will pay, so you’re not disappointed and your expectations are managed.

Food for all the hype was so so. Some good some bad. Took the boat from town, because of a head wind arrived late hence we were rushed, need more time especially when spending extravagantly. Our waitress was lovely, sommelier was very attentive, location exceptional but food was like I said, so so

Beautiful setting and comfortable hotel on the bay. Extremely pricey, but the relaxing setting makes up for it. We enjoyed the extra amenities of using the property BMW for a half day and riding into town on the house boat

I had an outstanding experience at The Wauwinet. My stay was for a business trip and I was managing more than one room. My personal checkin was smooth and friendly. My first impressions were formed from the shaded rocking chairs on the way to the reception and a clean lobby area. After walking in, there were three employees at the reception desk. They all looked up and smiled. The desk associate checked to see if my room was available for an early checkin and didn’t just default to the posted checkin time. My room was light, clean, and well kept. It was further equipped with books, board games, and Sonos speaker. Recreation was covered! I didn’t find any of the maintenance/cleaning issues that are usually overlooked at hotels. When checking-in a second room for a colleague, the desk associate could not have been more accommodating. In this instance, I had many requests outside of a normal stay. She didn’t bat an eye. Everything was done to accommodate our requests. Don’t hesitate when questioning whether to stay here. You will not regret it.

The coziest hotel I’ve ever been to! Great location in between bay and open ocean. People are super friendly and nice, shuttle every hour to/from the town. The best part were the complementary items - trip to the light house and boat tour in the bay area.

We celebrated our 30th anniversary at The Wauwinet and we had the most fabulous time! The staff was beyond amazing. Kathryn, our pre-arrival concierge, answered any questions we had and was able to arrange a few things before our arrival. Tiffany and the rest of the front office staff were extremely helpful and friendly. In our room, we were greeted with a lovely card and delicious cupcake to celebrate our special day! We used their shuttle to town daily, and the drivers were so helpful, friendly, knowledgeable, and had a great sense of humor! The service we received from both Alex and Kathryn while we were either lounging on the grass overlooking Nantucket Bay or on the back patio was exceptional! Our room was very clean and all Covid protocols were followed, which we really liked. Beautiful rooms with gorgeous views, top-notch staff, and amazing customer service. We are looking forward to bringing my in-laws with us next year!

I was sadly disappointed in my stay at the Wauwinet given the price point. They are surprisingly unobliging from everything from room fans to late check-out. When I attempted to contact the pre-arrival concierge to plan my trip (a touted benefit) I never even received a response. On the plus side staff was very friendly and it is a very beautiful location. However, due to the cons I do not think it is a good value and would not plan on returning.

Amazing place. Friendly and professional staff. If you are looking for a place to stay outside of downtown, this is the place. Beautiful bay views from the garden area, access to a beach on the ocean side, shuttle and water taxi service to downtown, and great food at Toppers.

Went to Nantucket for a wedding and stayed at the Wauwinet. The experience was excellent in every regard. The food was great, the beds were comfortable, the house was clean, the service was great and personable, the property is gorgeous. We had many good memories there but beyond anything else, I had forgotten a shirt for the wedding I was attending - rather than calling me a cab (which was my request) the owner personally took me in to town to buy a shirt and then personally dropped me off at the church. Would come back without a doubt, great place run by great people.

It was a rainy Saturday when we arrived for brunch at Topper's. However, our food didn't disappoint. Service was very prompt and friendly, and the food was marvellous. I'd definitely return on a day with better weather for another meal on the lawn instead.