The joy of getting away from it all is enhanced by the variety of accommodations Nantucket has to offer. From traditional guest houses that line the streets of downtown, to gracious hotels in and out of town, to summer cottages fronting the shore, lodging on Nantucket is a singular pleasure. For the first-time visitor, an overnight stay on Nantucket is an experience like no other. For most, that first trip kindles a lasting relationship with the Grey Lady that has them counting the days until their return.
Nantucketers have customarily owned and operated guest houses on the island, and that still holds true today. Many lodgings are converted whaling-era houses where simple elegance and comfort await. The charm is enhanced with a canopy bed, perhaps, or freshly-made muffins at breakfast. Innkeepers are also happy to share information on restaurants, beaches, biking, and places to see. Your escape does not mean you will be cut off from civilization, however. Cable television and Wi-Fi internet access is readily available. Whether it’s in town, or by the ocean, a stay on Nantucket is a relaxing and refreshing respite from the real world.
Nantucket Lodging Association Policies:
RESERVATIONS: Early advance reservations will ensure confirmed accommodations, especially in the summer season. However, Nantucket is rarely "sold out" and spontaneous travelers can often find last minute bookings. There is no need to bring a car to the island for short term stays. Most lodging establishments are within easy walking distance of beaches, restaurants, museums, churches, galleries and shops; some further out of town provide "jitney" service for their guests. In addition, the Nantucket Regional Transit Authority which runs between the end of May and the end of September, has numerous shuttle busses to take you to the more remote areas of the Island, beaches and shopping.
MINIMUM STAY: Many establishments have minimum stay requirements, particularly for weekends and peak season. However, some do accept one night reservations in advance, and it is often possible to obtain lodging on short notice. The Nantucket Visitor Services and Information Bureau at 25 Federal Street, 508-228-0925, maintains a listing of daily availability on their website.
RATES: As a seasonal resort, rates in Nantucket vary throughout the year with summer being the peak season. These rates are subject to change and you should confirm your rate when you book your stay.
DEPOSITS and REFUNDS: Because of Nantucket's unique location, most visitors make precise travel plans and confirm their lodging in advance. If a confirmed reservation is canceled, it may not be possible to re-book the room. Therefore, our lodging members subscribe to a strict and businesslike deposit and cancellation policy similar to the following: For three nights or less, full pre-payment may be required at the time of booking. For longer stays, a 50% deposit may be required at the time of booking, with balance due on arrival. Deposits (less 10% services fee) will usually be refunded if notice of cancellation is received at least 15 days before expected arrival. If a cancellation is received less than 15 days prior to arrival, deposits, (less 10% service fee) may be refunded if the room is re-booked for the entire canceled period.
Lodging establishments renting to four or more people must be licensed by the Town of Nantucket. Most of the Chamber's licensed lodging members are also members of the Nantucket Lodging Association. They will usually display the NLA logo in their advertising and literature. Licensed establishments are subject to state and local room-occupancy tax.
STORM POLICY: If the ferries operate we expect guests to arrive as expected whether or not they planned to arrive by ferry or plane. Arrival is based on the standard of the ferries operating or not, per the decision of the ferry captain, his Coast Guard license and the safety of its passengers. If all ferries have been cancelled on a given day then a credit towards a future stay or refund will be issued for that nights lodging. Once ferry service resumes guests are expected to arrive for the balance of their reservation. Travel delays, missed connections from airports, medical or any other travel issues will not merit credits or refunds. These potential unforseen problems are best addressed with travel insurance which we recommend.
Always ascertain cancellation and refund policies when making room reservations. The Nantucket Island Chamber of Commerce does not have regulatory authority over these policies.
NLA GROUP RESERVATION POLICY: Nantucket lodging establishments often receive requests for group reservations such as weddings, reunions, anniversary celebrations, and groups traveling together. For group reservations, Nantucket's lodging establishments generally subscribe to a common practice of advance group reservations being guaranteed and prepaid. In order to provide assurance to both the lodging facilities and the parties that book large numbers of rooms, the following policies apply: Full payment is required with 30-day notice to cancel, with a 10% cancellation fee. In the event that there is a shortening or cancellation of a reservation less than 30 days from the arrival date, the advance payment may be non-refundable. Please verify the specific policies at your choice establishment for those that may pertain to your group reservation. It is common for group reservations to be subject to a service charge. Note: individual room reservations with individual payments are preferred by most inns. Early advance reservations will ensure confirmed accommodations, especially in the summer season. However, the island is almost never "sold out," and the unavailability of a car reservation should not be a deterrent to making either advance or last-minute room reservations. Always ascertain cancellation and refund policies when making a reservation. They are not subject to regulatory authority.