The Wauwinet

"Why did this hotel catch your attention? What's the vibe? It takes a bit of a drive to get to the hotel, which is located on the far northeastern side of Nantucket island. But after a thirty-ish minute drive down a nondescript road, you'll pull up to the gray-shingled manor that serves as the main building for the Wauwinet. It's got its own little courtyard, decorated with inviting white rocking chairs and kitted-out bicycles, before you walk into the check-in area. What's the backstory? The Wauwinet has a sister property, the White Elephant, in downtown Nantucket. The two are some of the top hotels in tony Nantucket, and are part of the larger Nantucket Island Resorts, which runs multiple properties on the island. The Wauwinet is the only Relais & Chateaux property on Nantucket, and was founded in 1875. Back in the day, rooms started at $7 per night. Tell us all about the rooms? The rooms are spacious, with a high bed that you want to climb into immediately. Just about every room also has a large terrace with wicker lounge chairs. The terraces lead out to the back of the hotel, where you can walk to a lawn with sun-loungers, to the beach, or to the dock where you can take the Wauwinet Lady boat to downtown. The fresh updates include tech that's unobtrusive but perfectly functional—exactly what you want from a grande dame hotel. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? The Wauwinet's main restaurant, Topper's, is an island standby. Locals flock here for a casual lunch, a celebratory dinner, even a wedding celebration. Must-orders here are all seafood-based—don't overlook their signature chowder, or the soft shell crab BLT when it's seasonally available. The complimentary cornbread served at the beginning of the meal is fantastic, too. There are wonderful little food and drink touches throughout the day, from complimentary coffee and pastries every morning to an afternoon port and cheese hour for all guests. And the service? The front desk and hospitality staff have been doing this for a long time, and it shows. They can walk you through all the activities, from bike trails to nearby sites, as well as anything you want to know about the island. Overall, the service is warm without being pushy. What type of travelers will you find here? Well-dressed vacationers who are looking for some quiet time by the sea, often wearing their Nantucket Reds. What about the area? What else will we find here? The Wauwinet is set off from the other attractions and hotels on the island, which is part of its charm. But its got an hourly shuttle that can take you to the heart of downtown, where the action is. Any other hotel features worth noting? Don't miss a ride in the Wauwinet Lady, the hotel's boat. Its captain, Rob McMullen, has worked there for decades and knows everything and everyone. Plus, they often bring a bartender on to serve beer and wine during the 45-minute ride. At night, sit out on the deck, where they light a fire pit, to enjoy the Nantucket stars. Bottom line: Worth it? Why? Absolutely. It's Nantucket's most well-regarded hotel, for a reason." - Stephanie Wu