Nantucket: Where to Stay: Value: Nantucket Whaler

Nantucket Whaler

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This romantic guest house in Nantucket Town, within walking distance of the ferries, is run by Calliope Ligelis and Randi Ott, who left their busy New York lives in 1999 to take on a run-down three-story Greek Revival Style house that was once the home of a whaling captain. The stylish property they created is a true labor of love, and the ten rooms, ranging from studios to two-bedroom suites, are individually decorated with a mix of French and English country furnishings. Each has a wet bar—complete with a refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker—and its own entrance to the garden out back.

Suite No. 2 comes with a small white porch facing a cobblestoned street. Suite No. 9, on the top floor with a sloping roof, has lovely garden views, and luminous Suite No. 7, on the second floor, has turquoise-colored floors and a spacious deck. When you book, ask for one of the rooms with a renovated bathroom. There are no special amenities (if you like to have a concierge and room service, this is not the place for you), but Ligelis and Ott are gracious hosts and surprise guests with thoughtful gestures, like welcome baskets loaded with Nantucket goodies, including pastries, fruit, juice and teas. Rooms from $325.