Editors' Picks

White Elephant Nantucket

Traditional, Waterfront, Classically New England

50 Easton Street, Nantucket 02554

508-228-2500

See Website

At a Glance

The White Elephant has been the longtime favorite for generations of visitors, and is the best option for those who want to combine quintessential New England water views with the convenience of being near the town.

Indagare Loves

  • The second-floor rooms with secluded terraces
  • The two sprawling three-bedroom lofts located just steps from Nantucket’s main drag
  • Afternoon cocktails or dinner at Brant Point Grill with striking harbor views

Review

The White Elephant, welcoming visitors to Nantucket for more than a century, has several accommodation options to choose from. The original Harborside hotel has 54 rooms, most with views of the bobbing boats docked in the harbor. Most will say a renovation was needed and timed with the 100th anniversary celebration in 2023, White Elephant unveiled a multi-million dollar restoration and renovation of all rooms and cottages for a light and bright feel, with contemporary, Nantucket-inspired artwork. Rooms come with king-size beds and ultra-soft linens and bathrobes. There are fun touches like an elephant symbol stitched into the pillowcases. The larger suites have French doors and plush furnishings, many featuring gas-lit fireplaces and private porches with lovely views.

There are also one to three-bedroom cottages, some featuring kitchenettes, that work well with families traveling together. Each of the 11 cottages takes inspiration from a local plant like Honeysuckle and Snapdragon.

At the spa, treatments include a detoxifying salt polish and an organic algae wrap, and a small but sufficient exercise facility allows gym rats to maintain their routine. The onsite restaurant, Brant Point Grill, is a popular spot for dinner or drinks.

For exteriors, the hotel partnered with Arhaus on lounge furniture–save time to read or nap on a bright blue lounger overlooking the harbor. There are a few complimentary modes of transportation: a shuttle service for within a mile of the property; branded bikes with baskets for cycling into town; or–if available–guests can sign out one of the sleek BMW's to take a longer drive for an hour or two. 

Families love the pool (for adults only from 9 to 10 a.m.) which is located at the Inn, two minutes walk from the main harborside hotel. On busy days, consider reserving a cabana. At the inn, there is another fitness center and 20 room options. There are also two downtown lofts plus one, two and three-bedroom residences for larger family gatherings.

Considering the hotel’s proximity to town, guests are unlikely to spend a lot of time indoors, but after a busy day spent exploring the lively island and beaches, returning to the calm of the White Elephant feels heavenly.

Who Should Stay

Anyone coming to Nantucket looking for a waterfront view, while also being just a short walk to the town's restaurants and shops, will love the White Elephant's understated luxury and family-friendly accommodations. Couples may prefer sister hotel The Wauwinet, which doesn't allow children–though it is a 20-minute drive from the main town in a quieter, chic corner of the island.

Written by Simone Girner

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